A region of the SouthWest of France, on the Atlantic coast between the Bordelais and the Adour. The summer tourism, fishery and oyster beds (Arcachon, Capbreton, Hossegor, Mimizan, Seignosse) liven locally the straight coast, lined with strings of sard dunes which surround the lakes. The interior is a vast triangular plaine whose sard sometimes sticks together and and forms a hard sard stone, ‘l’alios’, which retains water and forms marshland. This plaine formerly disowned , was transformed at the end of the XVIII th century and under the second Empire by the plantation of pines (thus fixing the coast line sard dunes prior to colonize the interior) and systematising drainage schemes. Part of the forest (exploited for paper manufacture) is enclosed in the Natural Parc of the Landes de Gascogne, created in 1970 and which corresponds aproximately to the Eyre basin.

Vielle St Girons Beach

One of the sites of 120 kilometers of the Landes golden sards coastline, near to the « uncontrollable Wave ».

The Atlantic coast of the South West of France stretching from the Spanish border to Bordeaux is just one long beach. There are hardly any coves and crannies, just miles of sard. In fact, the vast majority of the Landes hinterland is made up of sard on which the pine forests grow and which has forced the river Adour to change its course several times. The absence of rocks has created huge waves and breakes. The surfers love these however when the waves are big swiming becomes difficult and it is more prudent to play on the shore line. With so many beatches, those who enjoy sun bathing can always find a secluded spot. There are several nudist beaches.

Top of the page - The lake of Léon - The forest

The lake of Léon

Very enjoyable boat trips can be token on the Huchet stream. After crossing the lake of Leon, extremly rich in fish and surrounded by pines and reeds, a channel links the lake to the ocean. The Huchet stream, the most beautiful of the Landaise coast is surrounded by remarkable exotic vegetation Arums, hibiscus, cyprus grasses, giant ferns and tamaris together witch pine trees, oaks and rushes. The lake has several shaded beaches, with sheltered bathing areas. The absence of surfers attracks families with young children and fans of siestas token in the shade of the pine trees.

Top of the page - The beach - The forest

The forest

The Landes forest is an ideal setting for walks, in Autumn to find mushrooms, in spring to discover the wild faune and flora and in summer for its calm and coolness. Walks Castets : Coniferous products – River « La Palue » - Forest walks – Daily circuits discovery of the region T.E.R. National Park of the Landes de Gascoqgne and Traditional museum of Marquèze – Sabres.

Top of the page - The beach - The lake of Léon