10 unmissable spots on the Landes coast

Landes is bursting with exceptional places to discover. Some are sure to fill you with wonder, with their history and location. Fasten your seatbelts, we’re hitting the road to the ocean. Destination: the 10 unmissable spots of the Landes coast!

#1- Estacade de Capbreton

Number 1 in this top 10: Estacade de Capbreton. This iconic South Coast spot was built under the orders of Napoleon III in 1858, a platform that takes you 180 metres out to sea. Perfect to soak in the ocean air for a little moment.

#2 - Courant d’Huchet

Nicknamed the “little Amazon of Landes” and considered a hotspot of the Landes coastline, Courant d’Huchet is a place that remains wild and preserved. To visit it, you can go by foot, hiking from Lake Leon, or in a small group by water, in a barge accompanied by one of the many boatmen.

#3- Contis Lighthouse

If you are walking along Saint-Julien-en-Born (Contis), you can’t miss the only lighthouse in Landes. To enjoy the incredible view, you’ll have to climb. There are no fewer than 183 steps to reach the top, 38 metres high. And there, you’ll see a 360° panorama, with views over the ocean and Landes forest.

#4- Marais d’Orx

Registered as a national natural reserve, Marais d’Orx is one of the last major protected wetlands on the Aquitaine coast. Over 250 species of birds coexist in this environment, which can only be explored by foot. Follow the path interspersed with observation posts, leaving from Maison du Marais, an information point with exhibitions.

Events for the general public are organised all year round to learn more about this natural reserve.

#5- Hossegor Lake

Connected to the ocean by a canal, Hossegor Lake is another unmissable spot on the South Coast. If you want to go around the lake, get ready to walk. A 7.4 km path awaits you! Why not take the opportunity to admire the many Basco-Landes villas or enjoy oysters from the lake at the oyster-farming huts, accompanied by a little glass of white wine.

#6- Courant de Contis

At Contis, there’s not only the lighthouse, but also the International Cinema Festival (no joke!) and the Courant. This river is authorised for navigation, so you can rent a stand-up paddle board or canoe and drift down the calm waters to the mouth. A multi-faceted waterway.

#7- Saint Theresa Chapel

Every visitor is struck by the immaculate white of this little chapel surrounded by sand dunes. Lost between sea and sand, this monument is an inseparable part of the history of Labenne. A little way away from the main beach, you have to walk a short distance to get there. You can also go there by bike or car from the road. Two sandy paths lead to the chapel.

The chapel is not open to the public, except in exceptional cases, but you can admire it from the outside.

#8- Azur Pontoon

The Azur Pontoon on Soustons Lake will give you all the peace and quiet you need to recharge your batteries. At the end, you will find a platform with a small tree, a bench and a magnificent, uninterrupted view over the lake. It’s the perfect place to escape for a moment. Hurry up and visit before there’s too many people!

#9- Navarrosse Beach

If you’re dreaming of tropical sands beneath Landes pine trees, look no further and head to Navarrosse Beach. Nestled on the edge of Biscarrosse Lake (real name Cazaux-Sanguinet Lake), this beach has incredible features: fine sand, warm, clear, shallow water, a large beach and shady spots. It’s the perfect beach for families and anyone who loves to “chill”.

#10 - La Mailloueyre

This Natura 2000-registered, organic reserve is still not known by many. Between Mimizan and Lit-et-Mixe, La Mailloueyre reserve is full of surprises. There, you will find a nature trail, an observatory with views over a pool surrounded by dunes, dozens of wooden cabins in a unique landscape and, on the beach, along the water, the wreck of the famous Greek cargo ship, the Virgo. Don’t miss this spot when spending time on the northern part of the Landes coastline.