The Landes, THE NATURAL XL

Benefiting from an exceptional environment, the Landes are a real paradise for those looking for nature and authenticity.

The coast, made up of almost 106 km of a single beach, the largest forest in Europe, lakes, ponds and rivers, the rich heritage and gastronomy contribute to its natural appeal as well as sporting activities which are offered there such as surfing, golf, sailing or hiking.

The Landes is also a country of traditions where the party takes on its full meaning, as soon as the beautiful days arrive.

Near Soustons, a little further south, two cities are really worth a detour: Hossegor and Capbreton.

Hossegor is backed by an emerald forest, caressed by the ocean, bordered by a sparkling marine lake and an endless beach of fine sand and reflects the prestige of a long tradition of hospitality. Architectural jewel of the Aquitaine Coast, European surfing capital and Golf paradise; elegantly, Hossegor preserves the intelligence of its past and opens up to the best of the future.

Capbreton, a lively and commercial city, is the only port in the Landes. Home port or simple stopover, it welcomes yachtsmen all year round. Do not miss the fish market next to the Harbor Master’s office which takes place every day: choice and freshness guaranteed!

Welcome to the Landes XL!

Passing the Adour which separates the Landes from the Atlantic Pyrenees, south of Soustons, at the gates of Spain, between the Atlantic Ocean and the Pyrenees, between the royal city and the land, prepare yourself for original encounters in Béarn or the Basque Country .

Whether pilgrims on the way to Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle, bearnais shepherds, fishermen in Saint-Jean-de-Luz, producer of Ossau-Iraty cheese or even pelota players … All invite you to discover a unique country.

Béarn and the Basque Country combine all the assets: the invigorating air and the waves of the ocean, a real concentration of curiosities to visit or taste: in Pau, walk on the boulevard des Pyrénées, panorama of the summit of Rhune , history of fishing in the old port, red and white parties, tasting of squid, hams, cakes and other peppers with a Basque accent … All accompanied by famous wines, from “vigorous” Madiran to “great seducer” Jurançon, without forgetting the Basque wines of Irouléguy.

Unmissable, the historic city of Bayonne, which is not lacking in character. Just like this Basque Country of which it is the economic capital. A country where the red and white houses cling to the green hills, and where the ocean, always invites to travel. Land of contrasts, ocean land, the Basque Country still remains today “this corner of France where happiness flourishes, where we know in advance the joys of Paradise”, as imagined by the prince of light, Luis Mariano, who wore the colors high. He who made his most beautiful statement to Bayonne by offering him a song: Bayonne mon amour. “Bayonne is calling you, answer him now!”

Biarritz is one of the most renowned seaside resorts on the Atlantic coast. Neighboring Bayonne and Saint-Jean-de-Luz, the city welcomes lovers of board sports, it is coveted for its thalassotherapy stays and its golf competitions. Biarritz has its essentials that you must visit: the rock of the virgin, the sea museum, the lighthouse … Used to receive prestigious visitors, the resort has retained a tradition of hospitality with its palaces, charming hotels, its shops, its casino.

St Jean de Luz is the most oceanic resort on the Basque Coast, close to Biarritz, Bayonne and the Spanish border. We visit the church where the Sun King married Marie-Thérèse in 1660, the house of their wedding night. At the edge of the beach, not far from the fishing port, stand the noble mansions, the former homes of shipowners and the neo-Basque style villas. Most of the streets are pedestrian. For shopaholics, this is paradise: colorful little shops, trendy fashion items with traditional crafts, you can find everything. On Place Louis XIV, painters exhibit their works around the bandstand. It is not uncommon for a Basque choir to come and liven up an aperitif or coffee.

Still in the Aquitaine region but further north of Soustons, 1 hour and 30 minutes’ drive away, discover the Bordeaux region. All eras, all architectural styles are represented: Gallo-Roman remains, Romanesque churches, medieval castles or fortresses and seaside resorts of the 19th century coexist with more contemporary achievements, such as the city of Frugès designed by Le Corbusier in Pessac, or the very futuristic tribunal de Grande Instance de Bordeaux.

The discovery of the Girondin architectural heritage necessarily requires a visit to Bordeaux, a city classified as World Heritage by UNESCO which has the privilege of hosting the most important safeguarded sector and the largest neoclassical facade of the 18th century in all of Europe.

For 2,000 years already, the history of the Gironde has been intimately linked to that of its vineyards. The first vines were planted in the Graves region in the 1st century AD for an indisputable result today … The privileged climate and soils conducive to the cultivation of the vine thus make the Gironde a destination dreamed by wine lovers. This unique wine area in the world is also distinguished by a great diversity of vineyards and productions: world famous vintages, distinctive wines, fresh and fruity, red, rosé, white, sparkling, brandy, liqueurs …

Finally to end your visit to our South West region, take the time to cross the border. Bordered by the Bay of Biscay with ocean scents, the Spanish Basque Country offers another face of Spain. Pyrenean peaks covered with snow passing through the green hills are scattered from cities with a prestigious past: San Sebastian, Bilbao, Santander … Not to be missed!