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With its 106 km of ocean beaches, large lakes lined with pine trees, nature reserves, spa resorts, and the Gascon way of life, the Landes region has much more to offer than just a week at the beach.
Here, you can surf in Hossegor, cycle along the Vélodyssée, go birdwatching at the Marais d’Orx, get lost in the “little Amazon of the Landes” at the Courant d’Huchet, explore the large lakes around Biscarrosse, or discover another side of the region between Dax, Mont-de-Marsan, Armagnac, and Chalosse (where wellness meets fine dining)!
And here’s some good news: many parts of the Landes region are easy to explore by train, bus, or bike. It’s actually one of the best places for a “slow,” car-free getaway, especially in the spring or early season. Follow the guide.
In the Landes region, the Atlantic Ocean shapes the entire landscape. The beaches seem endless, the dunes stretch as far as the eye can see, and the sunsets often look like something out of a postcard. From Biscarrosse to Capbreton via Mimizan, Contis, Moliets, Messanges, Seignosse or Hossegor, each resort offers a unique atmosphere, combining surfing, long walks, and an ocean-focused lifestyle.
What strikes you most about the Landes (especially if you’re coming from a big city) is that constant sense of space. Even in the most popular areas, nature remains ever-present. Off-season, the atmosphere becomes particularly pleasant: the beaches return to their peaceful state, the bike paths gradually empty out, and the Landes coast reveals a much more local side.
The Landes region is home to the largest planted forest in Western Europe. In other words: miles of maritime pines...wetlands, streams, ponds, and nature reserves that make up a landscape far more diverse than one might imagine.
The department is home to several must-see natural sites, such as the Huchet Stream, the Orx Marshes or even the Étang Noir Nature Reserve. Around Biscarrosse and Parentis, the Great Lakes offer a different side of the Landes—a quieter one that’s perfect for paddleboarding, swimming, or bike rides along the water’s edge.
The Landes region is one of the best destinations in France for cycling. The Vélodyssée stretches along the entire coast of the Landes region, from Biscarrosse to Bayonne, thanks to hundreds of kilometers of bike paths winding through the ocean, dunes, and forest.
The department is also crossed by the Scandibérique (EuroVelo 3), another major European cycling route connecting southwestern France with northern Europe.
As you can see, between trains, bikes, and slow travel The Landes region is particularly well-suited for car-free micro-adventures.
Located in the northern part of the Landes region, Biscarrosse is an excellent starting point for exploring the Landes without a car. Nestled between the Atlantic Ocean, large lakes, and pine forests, the destination offers a wealth of the region’s most iconic landscapes.
The territory of Bisca Great Lakes account three large natural lakes surrounded by nearly 30 000 hectares of forest. You can easily switch between swimming in calm waters, surfing on the ocean beaches, biking through the pine forests, or paddleboarding at sunset. And there’s something for everyone: lake beaches for families and ocean beaches for wave lovers.
Lake Cazaux-Sanguinet, Sanguinet Pier - Lake Cazaux-Sanguinet, Sanguinet Pier - © Landes Attractivité
Further south, Mimizan and Contis reveal another side of the Landes coastline. Here, the atmosphere becomes wilder—and more secluded as well. The beaches seem endless, the forest stretches almost to the ocean, and the villages retain a peaceful atmosphere even in summer.
In Contis, the black-and-white striped lighthouse towers over the dunes and offers a one of the most beautiful views on the Landes coast. The surrounding area is particularly well suited for long bike rides or walks nestled between forest, river, and ocean. The perfect spot to discover the Landes’ lesser-known gems, far from the most crowded beach resorts!
The Courant d’Huchet is one of the must-see attractions in the Landes region. This nature reserve connects Lake Léon to the Atlantic Ocean through dense, almost tropical vegetation, earning it the nickname of “Little Amazon of the Landes”.
Explore the site both on foot and by traditional boat with the boatmen. With the marshes, reeds, submerged trees, and birds, the experience really makes you feel like you’re exploring another world, just a few miles from the ocean beaches.
Boat ride on the Courant d'Huchet - © Landes Attractivité
Moliets, Messanges, and Vieux-Boucau make for a particularly enjoyable trio for a car-free vacation in the Landes. Connected by coastal bike paths, these resorts offer the perfect balance of surfing, biking, nature, and relaxation.
In Moliets and Messanges, the beaches remain largely untouched, bordered by pine forests. In Vieux-Boucau, the Port d’Albret Lagoon creates a more relaxed atmosphere, perfect for paddleboarding, walks, or unwinding by the water at the end of the day. In the off-season, the area becomes especially pleasant for slowing down and fully enjoying the Landes region slow travel.
Capbreton has a feature that is rare along the Landes coast: it is the the only seaport in the Landes region. With its fishing boats, the Estacade (Capbreton’s iconic landmark), and the waterfront, the town offers an atmosphere unlike that of other seaside resorts in the department.
The area is also a great starting point for a car-free micro-adventure. From Bayonne, several buses make it easy to get to Capbreton before exploring Hossegor or Seignosse by bike.
Hossegor remains one of the most iconic destinations for a vacation in the Landes region. Known worldwide for surfing, the city also charms visitors with its lagoon, its Basque-Landes-style villas, its bustling market halls, and its elegant yet relaxed atmosphere.
Watching the sunset from a sailboat in Hossegor: the perfect definition of a vacation - - © Landes Attractivité - Sébastien Chebassier
Spring and the early season often bring out the best in Hossegor. The beaches become much quieter, the cafés fill up with locals, and the sunsets over the ocean take on a whole new dimension. Between a stroll around the lake, a surfing session, or lunch on a terrace, it’s hard not to slow down here.
The southern part of the Landes region is one of the Europe's best surf spots. Seignosse and Hossegor regularly host international competitions thanks to their famous waves.
But the southern Landes region is about more than just competitive surfing. When conditions are calmer, the Stand-up paddleboarding on Lake Hossegor lets you experience a different atmosphere, one that is much more gentle and contemplative.
Just a few miles from the beaches of Seignosse, the Étang Noir Nature Reserve offers a stark contrast to the ocean. Here, the atmosphere changes: wooden piers stretch across a dense, humid vegetation.
Seignosse, Étang Noir - Walk along the footbridge © Landes Attractivité
The silence, the reflections on the water, and the feeling of being immersed in the heart of the forest serve as a reminder that the Landes is not just a destination for surfing and beaches. It is also a region rich in biodiversity and fragile ecosystems.
The Marais d’Orx is one of the the best birdwatching spots in the Southwest. This national nature reserve is home to more than 250 species of birds throughout the seasons.
The site can be explored on foot via several trails equipped with observation decks. You can easily reach the surrounding area by bike before continuing your exploration of the marshes.
And to extend the experience, check out our article on a 2-day car-free micro-adventure in the Landes region, exploring Capbreton, Hossegor, and the Marais d’Orx.
Known for its thermal springs, Dax is well worth more than just a quick stopover. The town combines history, wellness, green spaces, and the Gascon way of life in an atmosphere that’s more peaceful than the coast.
You can easily spend a few days there between spas, walks along the Adour River, gardens, museums, and street art. Dax is also a great starting point for exploring the Landes region without a car, thanks to its train station with good connections from Paris. The best Paris-Dax TGV currently account for approximately 3:15 to 4:00 depending on the schedule.
Inland, Mont-de-Marsan reveals another side of the Landes—one that is more understated and deeply rooted in Gascon culture. Between culture, cuisine, markets, outdoor dining, and the atmosphere of southwestern France, the city stands in stark contrast to the coastline.
All around, the landscape gradually changes: rolling hills, charming villages, Armagnac vineyards, and winding country roads give way to dunes and pine trees. The bodegas and Gascon culture also contribute to the identity of this still-undiscovered part of the Landes region.
The Landes region has several fortified towns and charming villages dating back to the 13th and 14th centuries. Labastide-d’Armagnac, Saint-Justin, Geaune, Montfort-en-Chalosse, and Hastingues all feature arcaded squares, quiet streets, and a heritage that is often overlooked.
These villages also offer a chance to experience a slower pace of life, with markets, small cafés, and local cuisine. It’s another way to explore the Landes, far from the typical seaside clichés.
In the Landes region, fine dining is an integral part of the travel experience. The market halls of Hossegor, the village markets and local producers offer a different way to explore the area, especially in the spring or early season when local life is in full swing.
Armagnac, Landes pastis, or Gascon cuisine: local specialties also reflect the department’s identity. The Landes region also draws on a “Gourmet Network” featuring more than 150 certified establishments, including producers, restaurateurs, and artisans dedicated to the cuisine of the Landes region.
The Landes Armagnac Routes (5 routes) are also a great way to explore the Landes countryside through two gourmet products that are emblematic of the region.
The Landes region has many places that highlight seasonal produce, short supply chains, and local terroir. Committed restaurants, locavore eateries, and ambassadors of Landes cuisine: all these players help bring to life a culinary tradition deeply rooted in the region.
In the early season, the experience becomes even more enjoyable: the markets take on a more authentic atmosphere, and interactions with the producers become a bigger part of the trip.
The Vélodyssée runs along the entire coast of the Landes region 130 kilometers of bike paths. The route connects beaches, forests, lakes, and villages between Biscarrosse and Bayonne.
Some sections are among the most enjoyable on the entire Atlantic route, including between Biscarrosse and Mimizan, around Léon and Moliets or between Capbreton and Bayonne.
However, a few stretches of highway do require some caution, especially near Tarnos and the entrance to Bayonne.
It’s very easy to rent a bike in the main seaside resorts or near train stations. For a weekend or a short stay in the Landes, An electric bike is often still the best option in order to fully enjoy the long stretches of coastline.
The department also has the many service providers with the Accueil Vélo certification, which are accustomed to welcoming cyclists and offering services tailored to sustainable transportation.
The Landes region is easily accessible by train from Paris. Dax is one of the main gateways to the department, with several direct TGV trains daily from Paris-Montparnasse. The fastest trips currently take around 3 hours and 45 minutes to 4 hours.
Bayonne (in the Basque Country) makes it easy to reach the southern coast of the Landes, including Capbreton, Hossegor, and Seignosse, via regional buses.
The Intercités Night Train Paris–Bayonne runs year-round, with service frequency subject to change depending on the season and track work. It allows travelers to arrive in the Southwest early in the morning without losing a day of travel.
For a weekend or a few days in the Landes without a car, this is often one of the most convenient and comfortable options.
The jumpsuit train + bus + bike works particularly well along the southern coast of the Landes region. The easiest option is often to take the train to Bayonne, then take a bus to Capbreton or Hossegor, and explore the coastline by bike from there.
In the rest of the department, it’s best to plan your trips in advance, taking into account train stations, regional buses, and available bike rentals. With a little planning, it’s very easy to visit the Landes without a car.
For a weekend in the Landes, the Hossegor-Capbreton-Seignosse area is often the best option if you don't have a car. You can easily combine surfing, biking, and beaches, Black Pond and Orx Marsh in just a few days. It’s the perfect itinerary for a micro-adventure that combines the ocean, nature, and sustainable transportation.
Capbreton - © Landes Attractivité, Viajatu
With a few more days, it becomes possible to add the Courant d’Huchet, Moliets, Messanges, or Dax to the itinerary.
This format allows you to combine ocean beaches, nature reserves, villages, and a spa town in a much more slow.
A week is enough to cross the Landes from north to south: Biscarrosse, Mimizan, Contis, Léon, Le Courant d’Huchet, Hossegor, Capbreton, and then Dax or La Chalosse.
For cycling enthusiasts, part of the route can also be covered by bike thanks to The Vélodyssée or certain parts of the Scandibérique.
From April to June, the Landes region is probably at its most beautiful. The bike paths are quiet, the beaches are peaceful once again, and the light is simply stunning over the dunes and the Landes forest.
The beaches of Hossegor - © Landes Attractivité, Viajatu
It’s also the best time to explore the southern Landes by bike or on foot, away from the summer crowds.
Summer is, of course, the perfect season for swimming and surfing. The atmosphere gets much livelier, especially around Hossegor, Capbreton, and Biscarrosse.
However, it’s best to book accommodations, bikes, and transportation in advance, especially if you’re planning a car-free vacation in the Landes.
Fall is a great time to experience the Landes in a different way. The ocean has warmed up over the summer, the surf schools are still open, and swimming during this “Indian summer” is still very pleasant. Not to mention the colors in the forest, which are absolutely stunning.
It’s also a wonderful time of year for cycling, micro-adventures, fine dining, and nature getaways.
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.
