Beaches, nature and gastronomy, these 3 words sum up my program to discover Landes in 1 week. If you wish, on the occasion of a circuit in the South or stay on the Atlantic Coast, discover the region of Landes, here is the map and the recommended routes to make the most of this magnificent region.
The Landes in 1 week - The strengths of the region
When we talk about the Landes, we necessarily think of the long sandy beaches, the immense pine forests and the fat duck! Yes, but Les Landes is much more than that.
Du Medoc à Bayonne, the Landes region is home to the largest pine forest in Europe, which stretches over 200 kilometers and over more than 1 million hectares. It is at the end of the 19rd century that this forest was planted to stop the silting up of the Pays de Gascogne.
Today, Les Landes represents a veritable reservoir of natural landscapes, each more beautiful and wild than the next: dunes, swamps, heather and gorse moors, lakes, lagoons, marshes, rivers and magnificent beaches.
In addition, the Landes are traditional lands with a strong cultural identity and a recognized gastronomic heritage.
That's why, I wanted to discover this region and share with you my itinerary to discover it in 7 days.
The Landes in 1 week - How to visit the Landes
There are 2 possibilities for discover the main attractions of the Landes region :
- Either by staying in a beautiful place and radiating all around, which allows you to enjoy a pleasant seaside holiday at the same time;
- Either by following a loop circuit and therefore by changing accommodation every 2 days, which has the advantage of saving time on journeys.
For my part, I had chosen to stay in a campsite (see presentation below) and from there I visited the whole region.
Unmissable sites of the Landes
As usual, when I want to discover a region, a city or a country, I start by finding out about the tourist sites that might interest me. Then I list them and I organize them to discover them with routes defined in advance. In this way, I optimize my time and thus I can better enjoy my trip.
And for 1 week in the southwest, here is my list of must-sees in the Landes :
- A traditional market in the Landes
- Port d'Albret lake
- Le courant d'Huchet
- The Pond of Léon
- Hastingue
- Dax
- Saint-Sever
- Labastide d'Armagnac
- The medieval city of Saint Macaire
- The Château de la Brède
- The Banc d'Arguin
- La Dune du Pilat
Circuit in Les Landes - Map of my loop itinerary
This route will be perfect for a 1 week road trip in the Landes.
For those who will be visiting the region for the day, here are the day-to-day itineraries.
The Landes in 1 week - DAY 1 itinerary map
Must-sees in the Landes - Souston market
My program begins with a traditional market to stock up on good local produce for the week. That of Souston is held in summer every Monday morning on the place of the arenas.
Must-sees in the Landes - Lac Marin de Port d'Albret
Right next to the village of Souston, is located in a unique natural setting in the middle of the woods, the marine lake of Port d'Albret. Between Soustons Plage and Vieux Boucau, it stretches between sand dunes and pine forests. You can go for beautiful walks, swim or pedal boat ...
The Landes in 1 week - DAY 2 itinerary map
Must-sees in the Landes - Le current d'Huchet
The current Huchet nature reserve links the Léon pond to the Atlantic Ocean. It is located in the heart of the Landes forest, is home to a rich ecosystem and offers superb landscapes. To visit it, you can choose a boat trip along the Huchet Current or visit it on foot along its 17 km of hiking trails.
To find the boatmen who will accompany you for the ride on the water, go to 374 rue des berges du lac à Léon.
Must-sees in the Landes - Lake Léon
After the walk in the Huchet current reserve, I advise you to relax on a beach on Lake Léon which is located nearby. Very popular with boaters and swimmers, it offers families the possibility of a peaceful swim away from the powerful rollers of the ocean waves.
Unmissable Landes - Ferme Auberge Lesca
Founded in 1969, the Ferme Auberge Lesca in Castets des Landes continues the tradition of Landes gastronomy. Located very close to the hiking trails, I advise you to go there to discover the world of duck, and the Landes culinary specialties on sale at the farm. You can also eat there: farm products are served in an authentic and very warm atmosphere.
The Landes in 1 week - DAY 3 itinerary map
Must-sees in the Landes - Village of Hastingue
This route will take you to discover Hastingues which is a 13th century country house. This ancient little village is very well preserved and has a lot of charm.
Must sees in the Landes - Dax
Dax historic spa town with an identity and a well-marked bullfighting culture really deserves a little visit (arenas, Notre Dame Cathedral, hot fountain…).
Must sees in the Landes - Saint Sever
Away from major tourist sites, the Chalosse region is a real land of flavors but also a historical heritage with its Romanesque churches and pretty typical villages.
To begin with, why not have your midday meal at L'Art des Mets restaurant. Chef Nicolas prepares seasonal dishes, refined and designed with regional products. This restaurant is referenced in the Gault et Millau 2020 guide.
Then in the afternoon, you can visit the splendid Benedictine Abbey founded in 988 and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the Camino de Santiago!
The Landes in 1 week - DAY 4 itinerary map
Must-sees in the Landes - Labastide d'Armagnac
Today, we are going to discover a magnificent 13th century country house. With its royal square surrounded by beautiful arcaded houses, this village invites you to stroll quietly from streets to alleys. Not far from the Bastide, you can also discover the Notre-Dame-des-Cyclistes chapel or visit one of the many areas of armagnac production.
Must-sees in the Landes - Medieval city of Saint Macaire
The medieval bastide of Saint Macaire is a village surrounded by fortifications built in the 14thrd century. Head to the heart of the city at Mercadiou. This square is also surrounded by arcaded houses, certain facades of which have preserved vestiges of the medieval period ...
In the surroundings, if you have time, you can discover the Malagar estate or the Malromé castle where the artist Toulouse-Lautrec stayed.
The Landes in 1 week - Map itinerary for DAY 5
Must-sees in the Landes - Château de la Brède
Change of scenery for this 5th day of discovery of the Landes. A little away from the department, the Château de la Brède is worth a detours. It is in this feudal castle that the philosopher Montesquieu wrote the works Lettres persanes and De esprit des lois. The castle can be visited inside and outside with its magnificent English-style park.
Must sees in the Landes - Sanguinet
On the way back, stop at Lac de Sanguinet to enjoy a swim in a beautiful natural setting.
The Landes in 1 week - Map itinerary for DAY 6
Must sees in the Landes - Banc d'Arguin
The Banc d'Arguin is my favorite!
This sandy island, classified as a nature reserve, offers a breathtaking landscape. The Banc d'Arguin nature reserve is characterized by its golden sand, crystal clear waters, numerous sea birds and its sandbank which stretches at low tide over 4 km long and 2 km wide. It is simply heavenly!
Must sees in the Landes - Dune du Pilat
Right next to the Arcachon basin is the Dune du Pilat which is the highest dune in Europe. It is a must on the French Atlantic coast. By climbing on the dune, you will have a superb view of the Banc d'Arguin and further on on the Cap Ferret.
The Landes in 1 week - DAY 7
Relaxing day to enjoy the beach or to go surfing in Hossegor…
Discover the Landes - Which campsite to choose?
When I looked for a place to stay “with my feet in the water” and with all the comfort I needed for my 1 week stay, I opted for a 5 star campsite in the moors : The camping the old port in Messanges.
Thus, I was able to enjoy the beach, top-of-the-range services and its brasserie which offers good regional dishes. Its location was perfect for exploring the region and for enjoying the seaside pleasures.
Note that the campsite has a free shuttle that takes you to the beaches of Soustons, Vieux Boucau and Messanges.
Discover the Landes - Which Airbnb to choose?
For Airbnb enthusiasts, here is a good cheap mobile home accommodation plan !
And for a small apartment 300 meters from the ocean in Seignosse, here is my find: Airbnb in the Landes
1 week in the Landes with a dog?
To spend a stay between the ocean, the Landes forest and salt lakes, the ideal with a dog is a vacation rental. Discover all my tips for choosing the right accommodation for holidays in the Landes with your dog !
And to continue to discover the Atlantic coast,
here is how to visit the Basque coast in 2 days
or my circuit Arcachon Bay - Cap Ferret
or a weekend on the Bordeaux wine route
or my Brittany circuit in Bordeaux
or a weekend on the Pink Granite Coast ?
Or why not the Mediterranean with a
road trip between Montpellier and Perpignan
mon original road trip in Occitania
or a road trip in Provence ?