Landes Travel Guide
Discover the best places to visit, things to do, food and drink scene, culture, and more in Landes, France. Plan your trip with this comprehensive travel guide.
- Introduction to Landes
- List of Places to Visit in Landes
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Landes
- Best Things to Do in Landes: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Landes
- Food and Drink Scene of Landes
- Where to Stay in Landes: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Landes: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Landes
- Best Time to Visit Landes
- Do’s and Don’ts of Landes
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Landes: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around Landes
- Where to Go Next from Landes: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Landes
Landes is a region located in the south-west of France, in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region. It is known for its beautiful beaches, vast pine forests, and unique landscape. The area is relatively flat, making it ideal for outdoor activities such as cycling, hiking, and surfing. It also has a rich history and culture, with many museums and historical attractions to explore. In this travel guide, we will give you a comprehensive overview of the best places to visit, things to do, and the local culture and customs of Landes.
List of Places to Visit in Landes
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Musée de la Chalosse: This museum provides an insight into the regional history and culture, with exhibits depicting the daily life, tools, and traditions of the Landes area.
- Landes de Gascogne Regional Natural Park: This park covers over 315,000 hectares, and is the largest natural reserve in Western Europe. It is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including wild boars and deer.
- Old Castle of Saint Stephen: A beautiful castle built in the thirteenth century which is now hosting the Landes arts museum and a garden with a medieval vegetable garden.
Natural Attractions of Landes: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
- Lake Aureilhan: A stunning lake with many activities such as fishing, hiking and water sports.
- Dune du Pilat: The highest natural sand dune in Europe, this is a must-see for visitors to Landes. It offers stunning panoramic views of the Atlantic coast and surrounding landscape.
- Courant d’Huchet: A protected nature reserve with a beautiful river. Visitors will be taken on a boat tour where they can explore the flora and fauna of the area.
Hiking/Biking Routes of Landes
- The Cycle Path Vélodyssée - 1200 km from Roscoff to Hendaye (Pyrénées Atlantiques).
- The Long Distances Paths of Landes with the Landais Coast Route, the Guerre et Paix path or still the Bassin d’Arcachon path to name a few.
Best Things to Do in Landes: Activities and Tours
- Surfing: Landes is one of the best regions in Europe to surf, with world-famous spots such as Hossegor and Capbreton on the coast.
- Canoeing: Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced paddler, there are plenty of options for canoe trips on the rivers and lakes in the region.
- Wine tasting: Discover the region’s many wineries, and taste some of the world’s best wines from grapes grown in the area.
Week-Long Itinerary for Landes
| Days | Activities |
|---|---|
| 1 | Visit Musée de la Chalosse and explore nearby towns |
| 2 | Hike in the Landes de Gascogne Regional Natural Park |
| 3 | Visit Old Castle of Saint Stephen and its garden |
| 4 | Surfing day at Hossegor |
| 5 | Canoe trip on the Aureilhan Lake |
| 6 | Wine tasting at local wineries |
| 7 | Visit Dune du Pilat and admire the sunset |
Food and Drink Scene of Landes
Must-Try Dishes
- Galantine des Landes: A dish made with poultry and pork.
- Floc de Gascogne: A sweet wine aperitif served with foie gras or cheese.
Local Beverages
- Armagnac: A brandy produced in the region since the 14th century.
- Tursan: A dry white wine, made from a blend of grapes grown in the region.
Where to Stay in Landes: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- Hôtel du Fronton: A comfortable and affordable hotel located in the center of Saint-Paul-lès-Dax.
- Les Sablères: A beautiful hotel located near the beach in Hossegor.
- Le Clos Nicolas: A small guest house in Mont-de-Marsan, offering a cozy and rustic atmosphere.
What to Buy in Landes: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Chalosse Beef: A high-quality, grass-fed beef produced in the region.
- Armagnac: A perfect souvenir to take back home.
Local Culture and Customs of Landes
- Bullfighting: Landes is famous for its style of bullfighting, which is more civilized than the Spanish running of the bulls.
- Fêtes de Bayonne: A popular yearly event held in Bayonne, celebrating the Basque culture, the city is painting in red and white for five days.
Best Time to Visit Landes
The best time to visit Landes is during the summer season (June to August), when the weather is warm and sunny, and there are many outdoor activities and events to enjoy. However, the region is beautiful year-round, and visitors can enjoy a quieter and more peaceful atmosphere during the off-season.
Do’s and Don’ts of Landes
Do:
- Try the local cuisine and wines.
- Be respectful of the culture and customs of the region.
- Visit the nature reserves and outdoor attractions.
Don’t:
- Wearing colors that might be associated with bullfighters can get you in trouble during bullfighting events.
- Littering can cause an unjustifiable harm to the environment.
Safety and Health
Safety in Landes
The region is relatively safe, but visitors should take the usual precautions such as locking valuables away and staying vigilant in crowded areas and public transport stations.
Health in Landes
The healthcare system in France is generally of a high standard, and visitors are advised to take out comprehensive travel insurance before arriving.
Getting to Landes: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near Landes
The nearest airport to Landes is in Biarritz, it offers domestic and international flights. Bordeaux airport is also an option, and it offers more international options.
Bus Stations Near Landes
Bus service of Dax, Mont-de-Marsan, and Tartas are respectively considered to be the best starting points to reach Landes. From there one can easily take a bus to reach the nearby towns.
Other Options
The region is also accessible by car, and there are several major highway connections running through the region. Some travelers also take the train, Mont-De-Marsan, Dax or Morcenx railway station being the nearest ones.
How to Get Around Landes
The best way to explore Landes is by car, which will give you the greatest flexibility and freedom. There are also regional train and bus services available for those who prefer public transport.
Where to Go Next from Landes: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Biarritz: A beautiful seaside town on the French Basque coast.
- Bordeaux: One of France’s most famous wine regions, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Toulouse: A vibrant city known for its cultural and artistic scene, located just south of Landes.
Conclusion
Landes is a beautiful and fascinating region in France, with plenty to offer visitors of all interests and ages. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, cultural attractions, or just some R&R, you’ll find it all here. This travel guide should help you plan your trip, discover the best places to visit and things to do, and enjoy a wonderful vacation in this beautiful corner of France.
