While the summer crowds head for the coast, why not swim against the tide? Set out to explore little-known yet magical places! Choose tranquillity, preserved nature and spontaneous conversations with locals.
1. Turn back time to the 19th century at Marquèze Ecomuseum
At the heart of the Landes forest in Marquèze, a single train journey can take you back 150 years to discover a distant past. In the middle of the forest, a whole civilisation reappears on a clearing of 25 hectares made up of traditional half-timbered houses, farms, field and domestic animals, a mill, a bread oven, a sheep farm, antique furniture and tools, and more. Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of Landes de Gascogne from days gone by, in a beautiful area far from the hustle and bustle and surrounded by nature.
2. Drift along the River Leyre
Find pleasure in 5 days of canoeing on the calm waters of the River Leyre, stretching from the heart of the Landes forest to Arcachon Bay. It is truly a magical experience for everyone. Head to the centre of Regional Natural Park of Landes de Gascogne, on the inviting waters of this hidden river, which winds its way through the forest for 90 kilometres beneath the shelter of the forest’s dense vegetation.
3. Stroll along the river banks in the Landes capital, Mont-de-Marsan
To truly experience the blissful Landes way of living, there’s nothing better than a trip to Mont-de-Marsan: the town of the three rivers. Start by meeting the local producers at the Saturday morning market and enjoying a coffee on the terrace on Place Saint-Roch. Bookworms will love the town’s bookshops: Librarie Lacoste, Bulle d’Enre for fans of comics and manga, or Libraire Caractères, where you can flick through a book while sitting comfortably and enjoying a cup of tea and piece of homemade cake.
Leave with a souvenir after visiting Vinyl Kafé (record store) or Les Petits Trésors de Mu.Mu (arts and crafts store). As for the gastronomy side of things, restaurants Le Divan and Villa Mirasol offer a splendid view over the Midouze River. If you want an open-air cafe, summer vibe, head to the riverside to check out the pop-up tapas bars. “Good spot, huh?”
4. Hike the Ronde des Châteaux path in Armagnac
Passionate about architectural heritage? You will see several châteaux on this route, including Château de Juliac, Château de Larrouqué and Château de Fondat. There’s also Château de Paguy with the “Chai Myriam” store, where you can taste France’s oldest eau-de-vie: Armagnac.
And the cherry on the cake – the starting point for the hike is Labastide d’Armagnac, one of the most beautiful bastides in Landes, dating from the 13th century.
5. Head out to find miraculous fountains
Each region has its own myths and legends, and here in Landes, springs and fountains are a source of mysterious heritage from the depths of time. Whether you believe it or not, it’s always a little adventure when you set out to look for these fountains, lost in the middle of nature. Most of them are found in very peaceful places, enveloped by the captivating energy of the forest. So, are you game to come and explore the depths of Landes?
6. Get up high to see the cranes in Arjuzanx
Experience the magical moment of the day when the song of cranes can be heard. Perched in the 15-metre observation tower, observe thousands of cranes taking flight a few kilometres away, in the cornfields. From November to February every year, these mythical birds stop in Landes, in their favourite wintering spot. Come and see this magnificent show, for a day trip or weekend. It’s a fantastic opportunity to discover the Arjuzanx National Reserve, which is just as unmissable in summer with its turquoise-blue water, an oasis in Landes!
7. Explore Dax, city of Art and History
This is the city of wellbeing, as attested to by its name in ancient times, “Aquae Tabellicae,” which means “the waters of the Tarbelli”. A visit to Dax is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the periods that have marked this city. First of all, the famous Place de la Fontaine Chaude, where 64° C water flows at all times… You’ll be tempted to dip your hand in, but be careful, it’s hot!
And if you’re a foodie, you’ll be in paradise. Between the excellent farm products at Halles Gourmands, Madeleines Cazelle since 1906, and chocolate-makers Ttotte and Un Bain au Chocolat, there’s no shortage of treats! You might need a walk to help you digest, so head to Sarrat Park, offering 3 hectares of nature and over 1,000 trees in the middle of the town centre.
The guided tours offered by the Tourism Office will allow you to learn more about the city’s Art Deco influence, Andalusian-style arenas, thermal history, and more…And after a day full of discoveries, we know what you’ll need – a little time spent melting in the hot pools of the spa at the Splendid Hôtel.
8. Learn about the history of the remarkable Abbey of Saint John of Sorde
Located on an incredible riverside site, this is one of the 4 UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites in Landes, as part of the Way of Saint James in France. Some of the most fascinating works in this architectural wonder include the tympanum, ancient capitals, and Roman-era mosaics, as well as an impressive 18th-century marble high altar. Take your visit however you like: unaccompanied, with a tour guide, using the audioguide… And for added interest, there are exhibitions, creative workshops, special tours, and more.
Why not take the opportunity to also discover Arthous Abbey, only 7 km away? Upon your arrival, the sculpted stone figures and fantastic beasts will immerse you in the Middle Ages. Inside, you can even see the biggest prehistoric horse sculpture in the world (measuring several metres tall). Don’t miss the season’s cultural events in the majestic, ancient Abbey church (exhibitions, dance, concerts and more).
9. Become a caveman again in Brassempouy
At “La Maison de la Dame” in Brassempouy, you can paint on cave walls using your hands, learn how to start a fire, carve flint and ivory, and even hunt mammoths with a spear. The Lady with the Hood, a figurine delicately carved in ivory around 25,000 years ago, was first excavated in Brassempouy over a century ago. It is said to be the oldest, most realistic and most expressive representation of a human face ever found, which earned it the nickname of the Mona Lisa of Prehistory.
10. Enjoy the virtues of thermal hot springs
The benefits of the Landes water and earth have been recognised since Roman times. Every year, thousands of visitors come (back) to enjoy the virtues of the natural resources in this area. You can also choose to take your wellbeing getaway in the kingdom of famous chef Michel Guérard. At Ferme Thermale in Eugénie-les-Bains, treat yourself to a health-promoting ritual, which combines thousand-year-old thermal springs and natural plants whose properties have been demonstrated by Greco-Latin, Celtic and Oriental cultures.
11. Taste true Landes gastronomy
In Landes, we like to eat, and eat well! Our generous, abundant natural resources make Landes a land of gastronomy. Inland, you will find all the producers that have been here for several generations. To enjoy authentic, local cuisine, head to one of the restaurants in the “gourmet network”. On the menu, creamed parsnip with foie gras, spiced duck, white Landes asparagus, trout caviar, and more…
12. Step into the world of Terra Aventura
With this treasure hunt, discover an area’s heritage, nature, legends and locals, through a fun trail. Hike with the help of your smartphone and answer the various riddles. At the end you’ll find the Holy Grail – a super cool Poï’z badge to attach to your backpack! Watch out, you may become addicted!
