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What if the Landes were one of the best French destinations for a Car-Free Weekend ? Just a few hours by train from Paris, the southern part of the department lets you go from one place to another surfing, biking, secluded beaches, nature reserves, and great spots without ever getting behind the wheel.
For two days, our reporters Lisa and Benjamin set out to test this sustainable micro-adventure for you between Saint-Vincent-de-Tyrosse, Capbreton, Hossegor, and Seignosse. The result: a seamless itinerary full of surprises, from bike paths through pine forests to surfing on the Atlantic, cafés overlooking the harbor, Lake Hossegor at sunset, and exploring the nature reserves of the Landes region. The perfect getaway to slow down for a weekend, a far cry from the cliché of a destination that “absolutely requires a car”!
And if you're looking for a general overview of all the activities available in the department, we recommend our comprehensive guide:
Article
Things to do in the Landes without a car: explore the region between ocean, forest and villages
The trip begins the night before, aboard the Paris-Bayonne Night Intercités. A much more relaxing way to travel: you fall asleep in Paris and wake up a few hours later among the pine trees and the salty sea air of the Landes coast.
The magnificent seascapes of Capbreton
Around 7 a.m., you arrive at the Saint-Vincent-de-Tyrosse train station, still bathed in the soft morning light. A few minutes later, you hop on a free YEGO bus headed for Capbreton. No rental car, no logistical stress: your trip is already off to a relaxing start.
Very soon, the route joins the trails of The Vélodyssée, which run the entire length of the Landes coast between the ocean and the forest.
Lisa out for a bike ride
A few stops later, we headed to the Allées Marines in Capbreton to pick up an electric bike at Jerry Bike Rental.
On this first morning, we explored Capbreton by bike. Here, the atmosphere is very different from that of the large, crowded beach resorts: the harbor still sets the pace for local life, fishermen pass by surfers, and the outdoor cafes are slowly starting to come to life.
You can't miss the Pontoon, the symbol of Capbreton that juts out into the ocean. It’s also one of the best photo spots of the trip!
The view from the dock at the Capbretron causeway
“What really stood out to me were the bike paths—they’re everywhere. Everything is close by, with lots of really nice spots around the harbor. And of course, the icing on the cake is the Estacade de Capbreton with its cafés overlooking the sea.” - Lisa, our reporter
After this first taste, we headed to the Bistro’Baya for lunch overlooking the Atlantic. This spot perfectly checks all the boxes for a micro-adventure lunch: an ocean view, a relaxed atmosphere, and cuisine inspired by local ingredients.
Our reporter at Bristro’Baya
The restaurant is one of the finest spots on the Landes coast where you can take your time. In the early season, the atmosphere becomes even more pleasant: fewer people, more peace and quiet, and the ocean right in front of you.
“A café right on the beach—perfect for a leisurely break or an aperitif”", Benjamin sums up.
You can't visit the Landes without trying the local surf culture. After lunch, hop on your bike and head to Hossegor for a session with Tao Magic Glisse. This school perfectly embodies the spirit of the Southern Landes: passionate, welcoming, and focused on the joy of riding rather than performance.
Bourdaines Beach - © Seignosse Tourism
Even for beginners, it’s an experience you’ll love right away. With the vast ocean beaches, the Atlantic swells, and the energy of the legendary spots in Hossegor and Seignosse, it’s hard not to get swept up in the excitement!
“The surf spots in this area are amazing! The beaches stretch as far as the eye can see, and the waves were perfect for beginners like us.” - Benjamin
The class with Tao Magic Glisse made a particularly strong impression on our reporters:
“The instructor took the time to help us gain confidence on the board. And after a few spins, we finally managed to catch our first waves! So here’s my advice: if you’re heading to the Landes, don’t forget to go for a surf session so you can ‘SLAY’!” - Lisa
If weather conditions are less favorable, another option that has been tested and approved by local teams is the Stand-up paddleboarding on Hossegor's saltwater lake. The atmosphere there is completely different—much calmer and more contemplative.
By the end of the day, the atmosphere had completely changed. After the energy of the ocean, we headed to the The Hossegor Lagoon for a bike ride at sunset.
The bike paths around Lake Hossegor: perfect for watching the sunset
The contrast is striking: golden light on the Basque-Landes villas, perfectly still water, the silhouettes of pine trees reflected in the lake…
To wrap up this first day, we're heading to the Chez Henri Seaside Bistro, located across from the lake. The restaurant combines brasserie-style cuisine with Japanese influences in an atmosphere that’s especially pleasant at sunset.
The stunning view at Bistro Balnéaire Chez Henri
“This restaurant, which just opened, was definitely the highlight of the day. The entire decor was designed to make you feel like you’re on a boat. We sat on the terrace with a a magnificent panoramic view of Lake Hossegor, and we enjoyed fresh, seasonal dishes while watching a magnificent sunset.” - Lisa
After that lovely evening by the lake, we headed to the Les Fougères Hotel for the night. The hotel is an excellent base for exploring the Landes region without a car, thanks to its strategic location between the beaches, downtown, and bike paths.
The Room at the Hôtel des Fougères
“We stayed at the Les Fougères hotel, which is right in the heart of the region and, best of all, close to the beaches. We absolutely loved the rooms with terraces and views of the Landes wilderness. And let’s not forget their lavish breakfast—the perfect way to start the day!” - Benjamin
The next morning, we headed by bike to the Pédebert area in Soorts-Hossegor. Long just a small industrial zone, the neighborhood has become one of the epicenters of the surf culture in the Landes region.
Shops in the Pédebert area - © Landes Attractivité
Here, outlet stores sit side by side with surf shapers, cafés, concept stores, and small local spots in a very creative atmosphere.
“We loved this hike through the region’s dense forests. We discovered that 75% of the town of Seignosse is covered with forests ! And I can tell you, you can really feel it.” — Lisa
Our reporters also appreciated how easy it was to get around by bike in the area: “It’s a breath of fresh air—the roads are wide and pleasant. And once again, there are bike paths everywhere, so you feel safe, which lets you relax completely and enjoy the scenery.” Along the way, you can also stop for coffee or even go shopping at the many stores. “There’s really something for everyone: sports, outlet stores, and even bakeries and produce stands—a real shopping center right in the heart of nature.”
After this little lifestyle detour, let's head to Les Halles de Seignosse for a more local lunch break.
In the early season, the atmosphere there is particularly pleasant: families from the Landes region, surfers, locals, and regional specialties all come together in an atmosphere that’s much more authentic than in the height of summer.
A Relaxing Atmosphere at Les Halles
“Les Halles is a great place to stop for lunch, just a few meters from the beaches in Seignosse, right in the heart of the Landes Forest. Personally, I went for a small burger with homemade fries—it was delicious!” - Lisa
A chance to sample some local specialties before heading off to the next stop on the itinerary.
In the afternoon, a change of scenery: just a few kilometers from the ocean, the nature reserve Étang Noir reveals another side of the Landes.
Here, there’s no more surfing or vast beaches: wooden boardwalks wind through dense, humid, almost tropical vegetation, amid reeds, ferns, and the dark reflections on the water.
The kind of magical atmosphere you can find at the Black Pond
The site is easy to explore on foot from the entrance to the reserve. The turtles, dragonflies, birds, and lush vegetation serve as a reminder that the Landes is much more than just a beach destination.
“I felt like I was in a little jungle, surrounded by mangroves, in the Amazon. It was a real change of scenery that made me want to slow down.” — Lisa
By late afternoon, all that's left to do is hit the road again at a leisurely pace toward Capbreton. Just a few more kilometers through the pine trees and along the bike paths before you pick up your luggage and drop off your bike.
Then, back to Saint-Vincent-de-Tyrosse by YEGO bus to mark the end of this peaceful interlude in the Landes region before the train back to Paris.
In just 48 hours, you’ll have explored several completely different settings: a harbor, surf spots, a peaceful lake, nature reserves, the Landes forest… And all without ever needing a car.
A family-run hotel Tested and approved by our reporters. Perfectly located between the lake, the beaches, and downtown, it’s an excellent option for a car-free stay thanks to its Bike Welcome and its proximity to the bike paths.
Why we love it:
“I absolutely loved the rooms with terraces and views of the Landes wilderness.” - Benjamin
Other options depending on your preferences:
A surf-lifestyle guesthouse that’s perfect for a more intimate and creative atmosphere.
Why we love it:
A more outdoor and nature-oriented option to fully experience the spirit of the Landes coast.
Why we love it:
Ocean-view dining and a relaxed atmosphere: a wonderful place to start your vacation!
Why we recommend it:
“Perfect for strolling along the beach!” — Lisa
A wonderful spot overlooking Lake Hossegor (perfect after a day of biking or surfing).
Why we love it:
The perfect spot to sample local products and experience the everyday atmosphere of the Landes region.
Why we love it:
“We loved the booths that offer a wide variety of flavors.” - Lisa
Café Chill
The perfect spot to take a break between bike rides in the Landes. “Café Chill is, first and foremost, the brainchild of a passionate woman: Estelle. And it’s a true haven of peace, where you can relax between bike rides,” Lisa sums it up.
The Perfect Culinary Break
We also highly recommend the brunch: Estelle offers a wide selection of brunch and breakfast items, including plenty of vegetarian options. “But what’s even more amazing is that she works exclusively with local producers and vegetables from her garden, Lisa explains. "Of course, everything is homemade. Yum!"
In two days, you won’t just have “visited” the Landes—you’ll have experienced a different pace of life. The pace of a journey where, with just a few turns of the pedals, you go from the sound of the waves to the silence of the pine trees.
Perhaps that’s the real surprise of the Landes: a destination that’s much more accessible, diverse, and relaxing than you might imagine.
Article
Things to do in the Landes without a car: explore the region between ocean, forest and villages
This guide is produced in partnership with the tourism office:
Issue du monde de la communication et des médias, Sophie est Responsable éditoriale chez HOURRAIL ! depuis août 2024. Elle est notamment derrière le contenu éditorial du site ainsi que La Locomissive (de l'inspiration voyage bas carbone et des bons plans, un jeudi sur deux, gratuitement dans ta boîte mail !).
Convaincue que les changements d’habitude passent par la transformation de nos imaginaires, elle s’attache à montrer qu’il est possible de voyager autrement, de manière plus consciente, plus lente et plus joyeuse. Son objectif : rendre le slow travel accessible à toutes et tous, à travers des astuces, des décryptages et surtout, de nouveaux récits.
