The Atlantic coast of Landes is popular among sun worshipers for its long, clean beaches and among surfers for the high waves. This place is known for its world-famous surf spots. Major international surf competitions are held in Hossegor and Seignosse at the end of the summer. Surfers can catch waves along the coast of Biscarrosse and Tarnos. Various lessons for beginners and advanced; such a surf, body and long board lessons, will be given throughout the year.
The extensive pine forests are part of the Parc Naturel des Landes de Gascogne and are unique in Europe. The capital Mont-de-Marsan is situated on the banks of the Midou and Douze, which flow together in the Midouze. The indoor market attracts many visitors every Tuesday and Saturday morning. Next to it, there is a flea market every first Wednesday of the month. A regional museum is located in the medieval defense tower of Mont-de-Marsan. The animal and play park is highly recommended for a trip with kids. You can find a touch of Spanish culture in Landes. Arte Flamenco takes place in Mont-de-Marsan every July. It is one of the biggest flamenco festivals in Europe.
The city Dax is a must-see in Landes, due to the presence of hot springs. It’s well known by the spa resorts, where you can unwind and relax. We can also find a touch of Spanish culture in Dax. The Andalusia styled arena is built in 1913. It is one of the few departments in France where bullfights still occur. Nowadays it is not about the bulls, but cows. It is about making the cow mad and dodging it. Most of cow fighters don’t have the intention of injuring the cows. In addition, there are ‘fanfareconces’, which are often attended by Dutch teams.
Next to the Spanish influences, Landes has undergone English influences also. Beautiful examples are Grenade-sur-l'Adour, a fortified town founded by the British in 1322 and Labastide-d'Armagnac, also of English manufacture and dating from 1291. Here we find the 'Écomusée de l'Armagnac', where the production process of this eau de vie is being revealed. The conditions of Côtes de Gascogne are ideal for grapes, which are the main ingredients for brandy. Due to this Landes shares this tradition with the neighboring departments: Gers and Lot-et-Garonne. Those who love medieval fortified towns will certainly appreciate the charm of Mimizan and Montfort-en-Chalosse, Sorde-l'Abbaye and Aire-sur-l'Adour.
Landes offers over a hundred kilometers of Atlantic coast with beautiful sandy beaches. All dotted with surf schools and surfboard rentals. Along the coast there are more than two hundred kilometers of bike paths through the dunes. One of the most visited coastal towns is Capbreton, it used to be an important port. Here you will find beautiful medieval houses and a maritime museum. Other well-known resorts are Soorts-Hossegor and Vieux-Boucau-les-Bains. A little further from the sea there is this nice town Biscarosse. The associated beach is about 15 kilometers away and can be reached via dunes and pine forests. To the north of Biscarosse lies the enormous lake of Sanguinet - a suitable alternative for those who prefer fresh water over the salt water of the 'Atlantique'.
Golfers can play its sport all year around, due to the favorable climate. The various sandy golf courses are given an original shapes by architects. It is suitable for beginners and advanced golfers. You can relax in this nature reserve with many forests. In the town Contis les Bains there is a lighthouse 38 meters high, from here you can see the overview and contrast between forest and sea. For those who find the sea too rough, there are also nice rivers and lakes in the inland of Landes.