Landes Holiday Guide
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Enjoy the Silver Coast
The Landes coastline is known as the Silver Coast. With massive sand dunes and the longest beach in France, the coast here has lively seaside resorts and is one of the most popular surfing destinations in Europe. The department is also part of Armagnac country, with opportunities to taste, buy and learn more about this traditional French brandy.
Top 5 things to see and do in the Landes
1. Surf
Landes is a Mecca for surfers, and thousands head to the resort of Hossegor and other locations along the wild Silver Coast to pit their skill against the waves. These surf resorts have a very lively social life on offer for visitors too, and are ideal for young and active twenty and thirty somethings who want to play hard and party harder.
2. Cycle
The mainly flat terrain of the Landes is great for cycling, and if you haven't brought your own bikes there are plenty of places where you can hire them. A network of designated cycle trails makes cycling a safe and enjoyable family activity as well as a lovely way to discover the countryside of this beautiful department.
3. Build sandcastles
The waters may be wild in places, but the silver sand beaches of the Landes are perfect for old fashioned "bucket and spade" holidays if you have young ones in tow. Let the kids take their inspiration from the massive dunes that back these beaches and have a sandcastle building competition!
4. Biscarosse's elm tree
Biscarosse has the unusual attraction of the oldest elm tree in Europe. Said to be 750 years old, this ancient tree may only provide a short diversion in your holiday plans, but it is sure to be a talking point!
5. Try Armagnac
Armagnac is one of the department's proudest exports, and this fiery brandy-type drink is greatly revered here. Try tastings at local producers around the town of Labastide d'Armagnac, or attend the Armagnac Festival in the town.
Top 5 towns and cities in the Landes
1. Mont de Marsan
Mont de Marsan is the capital of the Landes, and offers holidaymakers plenty to see and do. Surrounded by beautiful pine forests and lying close to three rivers, Mont de Marsan also has a truly delightful setting and makes a great base for getting out and about in the country. Taste Armagnac, enjoy excellent shopping and dining or pay a visit to the sculpture museum.
2. Dax
The old town of Dax is not only packed with interesting heritage but also is one of the oldest and best spa resorts in France. The waters here are said to have almost magical healing properties, particularly for arthritic complaints, so take a health giving mud bath and test the magic for yourself. If mud baths don't appeal, though, you can see a superb cathedral, visit an excellent museum or take part in a colourful festival in August.
3. Soorts Hossegor
Soorts Hossegor is one of Europe's premier surfing resorts. Set on the fabulously long Silver Coast beach, Hossegor offers surfing schools and equipment hire and also hosts some top international competitions every year. The "après surf" is rocking too, with beach bars, surf shacks and discos, so you can party on 'til dawn.
4. Aire sur l'Adour
Aire sur l'Adour is a lovely town with some interesting historical features. Among these are the 12th century cathedral, the old corn market, an 11th century church and many original houses and streets. There is also the bullring, where the traditional Cours Landaises take places.
5. Labastide d'Armagnac
Labastide d'Armagnac is, true to its name, a beautiful bastide town which is well worth a visit. The arcaded central square and half-timbered houses are typical of these mediaeval "new towns", and Labastide simply oozes authentic charm. It is also the place to find a vibrant festival that celebrates the local drink, Armagnac.
Food and drink in the Landes
Drinks to try include Armagnac and sherry, while foodie treats are Foie gras, duck breast, delicious cured hams and tender spring asparagus.
How to get to the Landes
You can fly to Bordeaux (British Airways, Air France, Bmi Baby, easyJet, Flybe), Pau (Ryanair) or Biarritz (easyJet, Ryanair) with direct flights from Britain, or take the interesting (if longer!) option of the ferry crossing to Bilbao, which is just over the Spanish border.
