Are you looking for a destination where you can alternate between long, wild beaches, pine forests, picturesque villages, nature reserves and legendary surf spots, and all without necessarily taking the car? Welcome to the Landes!
From the Atlantic coast to the great lakes, from emblematic resorts like Hossegor and Capbreton to more confidential villages in the north of the department, the Landes offers a huge playground for lovers of slow travel and gentle mobility. And the good news is that the département is well served by train, TER and cycle paths.
Whether you fancy a surf and bike weekend on the south coast a nature escapade around the Courant d'Huchet or a wilder immersion towards Mimizan or Biscarrosse The Landes region lends itself perfectly to a car-free adventure.
Les Landes is easily accessible from many of France's major cities, thanks to the TGV Atlantique high-speed rail link and the TER Nouvelle-Aquitaine regional express train service.
From Paris-Montparnasse, the Landes region can be reached in about :
It is also possible to travel by night train to Dax or Bayonne, depending on traffic periods and current offers.
The Landes region is home to some of the largest natural areas along the French Atlantic coast. With its vast dunes, pine forests, wetlands, and lakes, the possibilities for outdoor getaways are endless.
Some of the must-sees include:
Hiking and cycling enthusiasts will also enjoy the long bike paths that wind through the Landes Forest all the way to the ocean.
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Things to do in the Landes without a car: explore the region between ocean, forest and villages
It’s impossible to talk about the Landes without mentioning the Atlantic. The department is world-renowned for its surf spots, particularly around Hossegor, Seignosse, Capbreton, and Biscarrosse.
But the Landes region also boasts miles of pristine beaches where you can simply take a walk, admire the dunes, or enjoy a sunset overlooking the ocean.
In the spring and early season, the atmosphere there is particularly pleasant: fewer crowds, mild temperatures, and beautiful light.
Beyond its beaches, the Landes region also offers a warm and gourmet lifestyle. You can’t miss it:
Some spa towns, such as Dax, also offer a different side of the region—one that’s more focused on heritage, wellness, and thermal treatments (including medical spa treatments prescribed by a doctor, as Les Landes is France’s leading spa region!).
Contrary to popular belief, many parts of the Landes region are best explored by bike. With its ocean beaches, pine forests, and lakes, the Landes is one of the most enjoyable French destinations to explore by bike.
The southern part of the Landes region is particularly well-suited for exploring without a car. Between Bayonne, Capbreton, Hossegor, Seignosse, and Labenne, you can combine train, bus, and bike travel all in a single weekend.
On the agenda:
The perfect setting for a spring micro-adventure. In this article, we’re offering you a ready-made 2-day micro-adventure in the Southern Landes:
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2 Days in the Landes Without a Car: Our Micro-Adventure Amid the Ocean, Surfing, and Nature Reserves
From Dax or Bayonne stations, several regional lines connect you to the seaside resorts and villages along the coast.
The Landes region is particularly well suited to soft mobility travel:
This guide is produced in partnership with the tourism office:
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