Destination:The Landes Coast

Surfing on the beaches of Hossegor

Are you waxing down your surfboard?

With more than 7 km of seafront, lovers of this board sport are simply spoilt for choice in Hossegor. For thrill seeking, professionals meet at the La Nord spot and wait for THE wave to appear! Every year, the site accommodates pro surfers from across the world during a world tour stage. If you’re in the area during this event, run to admire the show as it is well worth the detour!

If you are a beginner, we advise you to have some lessons on the Plage Sud (South Beach) with Surftrip. Dependent upon the seasons, the waves here are smaller and easier than the majority of other spots.

Admiring the bullring in Dax

Little Seville

Built in 1913, this architectural marvel with Andaludsian influences can be confused with large Spanish squares. “Bullfighting” tours are organised throughout the entire year to enable you to discover the world of bullfighting. Remember to take a detour behind the scenes and of the little chapel in which the matadors used to come to pray before the start of their bullfights.

During the ferias of August and September it is best to book your place in advance as although the building can accommodate up to 8,000 people, the arena is very often packed with aficionados.

Exploring the Landes region on a quad bike

Lets go quad biking in the woods

In the heart of the Landes forest, warm up the engine of your quad bike! Go out and explore the pine forest through the hiking trails, punctuated with immense pines. You can opt for guided walks, either 1 hour 30 minutes or 3 hours, or even for the entire day.

Do not forget to bring your driving licence, necessary for riding a quad bike! Children and teenagers can make the most of the ride, sitting behind as a passenger.

Tasting the delicious foie gras of the Landes region

From Farm to Fork

For lovers of foie gras, head for the Maison Tenoy, around 20 kilometres from Souston. The most curious amongst you will make the most of the free guided tour of this traditional farm. On the menu, there are detailed explanations on duck-rearing, force-feeding through to the finished foie gras product, indeed right through to the canning factory. As a huge bonus, you can sample house specialities for free.

To extend the pleasure, go to the inn. The chef Thierry concocts delicious dishes offered in a variety of forms using duck from the farm: foie gras, Hachis Parmentier (a version of shepherd’s pie), duck à l’orange…And for dessert, there are area specialities with tourtière flambée à l’armagnac (oven-cooked pastry tart with Armagnac brandy) or a slice of basque gâteau: a real treat for the taste buds! We recommend you close your eyes.

Taking a boat trip on the Courant d'Huchet

Go with the flow

Classified as a national nature reserve, this water course (known as the Corant d’Huchet) links the Étang de Léon lake to the Atlantic Ocean. It offers visitors surprising landscapes and a complete change of scenery. Sometimes overrun with greenery in the way of Amazonia, you will then find yourself crossing the Sahara and its strips of sand as far as the eye can see.

The only means to discover this lush flora is to board a galupe (a traditional small flat-bottomed boat not unlike the British punt) for a 10 km unforgettable boat ride. It is compulsory to book with Bateliers by telephone on (00 33) (0)5 58 48 75 39.