Campsite 40 Landes
The Landes: A paradise for campers seeking adventure and nature
The Landes, a department in southwestern France, offers an idyllic setting for camping and nature enthusiasts. With its golden Atlantic coast, vast pine forests, and peaceful lakes, this region is a true gem for holidaymakers seeking adventure and a change of scenery. We invite you to explore this exceptional territory and discover why the Landes has become a destination of choice for campers from around the world.
The golden Atlantic coast: an endless ribbon of sand
The Landes boasts an exceptional coastline, stretching over 100 kilometers from Tarnos in the south to Biscarrosse in the north. This coast, nicknamed the Côte d'Argent (Silver Coast), offers campers fine sandy beaches as far as the eye can see, bordered by majestic dunes. Seaside resorts such as Hossegor, Capbreton, Mimizan, or Biscarrosse are ideal anchor points for pitching a tent or parking a motorhome facing the ocean.
The kingdom of waves
The Landes coast is world-renowned for the quality of its waves, attracting beginner and experienced surfers from around the globe. Legendary spots like La Gravière beach in Hossegor or Les Estagnots in Seignosse are true paradises for surf enthusiasts. Many campsites offer surf lessons or equipment rentals, allowing everyone to learn or improve in this iconic sport of the region.
The green ocean of pines
Moving slightly away from the coast, campers discover the immense Landes de Gascogne forest, the true green lung of the region. This forest massif, the largest in Western Europe, offers an exceptional playground for nature lovers. Hiking trails and cycle paths wind through the maritime pines, offering endless possibilities for exploration and discovery.
The Dune du Pilat: A natural wonder
It's impossible to talk about the Landes without mentioning the Dune du Pilat. Although located at the northern limit of the region, near Arcachon, this giant dune is a must-see site. At 110 meters high, it is the tallest sand dune in Europe. Climbing to its summit is an experience not to be missed. From up there, you can admire a spectacular panorama of the Atlantic Ocean, the Arguin sandbank, and the Landes forest. It's also a perfect spot for activities such as paragliding or simply enjoying an unforgettable sunset.
The shimmer of inland waters
The Landes is not just about its ocean facade. The department is also home to numerous lakes and ponds that provide peaceful alternatives to the bustle of the ocean.
The Biscarrosse-Parentis lake, covering an area of 3,600 hectares, is a true paradise for water sports enthusiasts and freshwater swimming. Its fine sandy beaches and calm waters make it an ideal place for families. Campsites located on its shores offer privileged spots with water views.
The Cazaux-Sanguinet lake, straddling the departments of Landes and Gironde, is the second largest natural lake in France. Its crystal-clear waters and wild beaches make it a favorite spot for campers seeking tranquility and unspoiled nature.
The Hossegor marine lake, connected to the ocean by a channel, offers a unique setting blending marine and lake influences. Its shores host numerous high-end campsites, allowing holidaymakers to enjoy both the pleasures of the beach and water activities in calm waters.
Other bodies of water such as Lake Aureilhan near Mimizan or Étang de Léon complete this varied aquatic offering, each with its own characteristics and attractions.
Diversity of Landes camping grounds
The Landes offers a wide variety of camping grounds, suited to all tastes and budgets.
Seaside camping
Campsites located directly on the Atlantic coast are particularly popular. They offer direct access to beaches and surf spots. These establishments generally offer quality facilities, with aquatic areas, entertainment, and various services. Le Vieux Port campsite in Messanges or La Rive in Biscarrosse are examples of 5-star campsites offering optimal comfort by the sea.
In the heart of the Gascon forest
For those who prefer the calm and coolness of the woods, many campsites are nestled in the heart of the Landes forest. These establishments offer total immersion in nature, while often providing shuttles to easily reach the beaches. The Lou Pignada campsite in Messanges is a perfect example of this alliance between forest and ocean.
In the authentic hinterland
The interior of the Landes, less known but equally charming, also hosts quality campsites. These establishments, often smaller and family-run, allow you to discover the authenticity of the region, its traditions, and heritage. The surroundings of Mont-de-Marsan or Dax are particularly interesting for this type of stay.
Activities to do while camping in the Landes
Riding the waves
Surfing is inseparable from the Landes identity. Many schools offer lessons for all levels, allowing everyone to experience the unique thrill of gliding on Atlantic waves. Spots like Hossegor, Seignosse, or Capbreton are world-renowned and host international competitions each year.
Gliding on calm water
The Landes lakes and ponds are perfect for trying stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, or windsurfing. These activities, accessible to all, allow you to discover the landscapes from a different angle and enjoy the tranquility of inland waters.
Paddling in the currents
Coastal currents, such as the Huchet current nicknamed "the little Landes Amazon," offer unique opportunities for canoe trips. These guided tours allow you to discover exceptional fauna and flora in a preserved setting.
Exploring the trails
The Landes offers a dense network of hiking trails, allowing you to discover the diversity of landscapes. From the coast to the forests and wetlands, each route holds its share of surprises and discoveries.
Cycling along the ocean
The Vélodyssée, France's longest cycle route, crosses the Landes from north to south. This fully secured bike path allows you to ride along the ocean and connect the main seaside resorts. Many campsites offer bike rentals, facilitating eco-friendly travel during your vacation.
Cultural immersions
The Marquèze Ecomuseum, located in the Landes de Gascogne Regional Natural Park, offers a fascinating dive into 19th-century rural life in the Landes. This site, accessible by small train, reconstructs an authentic Landes quarter with its traditional houses, mill, and period animals.
Charm of Landes localities
Landes villages, with their arenas and shaded squares, are worth a visit. Communes like Hossegor, famous for its 1920s seaside architecture, or Moliets-et-Maa, a typical Landes village between ocean and forest, offer a glimpse of the region's authentic charm.
Enjoy local markets
Local markets in the Landes are an excellent way to discover regional products such as duck breasts, foie gras, and sand asparagus. These markets, often lively and colorful, offer an authentic cultural immersion and a unique opportunity to taste local specialties.
Thermal spas in the Landes
The Landes are also renowned for their thermal cures. Resorts like Dax or Saint-Paul-lès-Dax offer cures and wellness treatments, perfect for recharging after a day of outdoor activities.
Outdoor accommodations in the Landes
Pitches for modern nomads
Many Landes campsites offer spacious and well-equipped pitches for tents, caravans, and motorhomes. These spaces, often shaded, offer all the necessary comfort with modern sanitary facilities, and for some, private bathrooms, in addition to electricity supply and wastewater disposal.
Comfortable Mobile Homes
For those seeking more comfort, mobile homes are an excellent option. These accommodations, increasingly sophisticated, offer all the necessary equipment for a comfortable stay, sometimes even with high-end amenities such as private jacuzzis. Not to mention television, air conditioning, and free Wi-Fi, which have become as essential today as the traditional camper's flip-flops.
Atypical nature accommodations
Some campsites stand out by offering unusual accommodations. Tree houses, yurts, tipis, or transparent bubbles allow you to experience unique Glamping close to Landes nature.
Choosing the ideal campsite in the Landes
The perfect location according to your desires
Choosing the location is crucial for a successful vacation. Do you prefer to be by the ocean to enjoy the waves as soon as you wake up? Or do you opt for the tranquility of a forest campsite? Does the proximity to lakes tempt you? Each option has its advantages; it's up to you to define your priorities.
The comfort level that suits you
Landes campsites offer a wide range of amenities, from the simplest to the most luxurious. 5-star campsites like Le Vieux Port in Messanges or La Rive in Biscarrosse offer high-end facilities with water parks, spas, and varied entertainment. More modest campsites offer a more family-friendly atmosphere and a more direct contact with nature.
Leisure activities for all tastes
Some campsites stand out for their leisure facilities. Wave pools, water slides, multi-sports grounds, kids' clubs... Check the activities offered to ensure they meet your expectations and those of your family.
When to pitch your tent in the Landes?
Summer excitement
The high season, from mid-July to the end of August, is the busiest period. Campsites are full, animations are in full swing, and the atmosphere is festive. It's also the ideal time to fully enjoy the beaches and water activities, with summer temperatures and pleasant sea water.
The discreet charm of the off-season
Spring and autumn offer an interesting alternative for campers. Temperatures are mild, campsites less crowded, and rates more attractive. It's the ideal opportunity to enjoy bike paths and hiking trails without the summer crowds.
Camping in the Landes: a unique experience
The Landes offers a unique combination of assets for campers: endless beaches, an immense forest, peaceful lakes, a rich culture, and quality infrastructure. This diversity allows everyone to find the stay that suits them, whether they are water sports enthusiasts, forest hikers, or simply looking for relaxation in the sun.
Choosing to camp in the Landes means opting for a holiday in the heart of preserved and generous nature. It's an opportunity to live unique experiences, reconnect with the environment, and create unforgettable memories. Whether you're with family, friends, or as a couple, the Landes offers you an exceptional playground for successful outdoor vacations.
So, ready to pitch your tent in this camping paradise? The Landes await you for an extraordinary adventure, between ocean, forest, and traditions. Don't wait any longer to discover this unique destination that will satisfy all lovers of nature and authenticity.