Les Landes is a département in the southwest of France known for its well-established traditions and culture but also for its forest and beaches.
The name of the département is derived from the heathland that used to cover the area, where shepherds perched on stilts used to tend to their flocks. The forest covers almost 4000 square miles and is the largest man-made forest in Europe. It is also an important resource for the local economy.
Why not start with the famous dune du Pilat situated in the north of the département in the Landes de Gascogne massif, right at the entrance to the Bay of Arcachon. This natural dune is the largest in Europe and is more than 360 feet high and 1.6 miles long. Take a breath and climb the dune to admire the stunning view across the pine forest and over the bay. An exceptional experience that will remain in your memory for ever!
The coastline of the Landes region is equally well known for its beaches that attract many tourists every year. Biscarrosse, Mimizan, Moliets, Seignosse, Hossegor, Capbreton, Labenne... you'll have difficulty choosing which beach to spread your towel out on and enjoy the sun. Those who love waves will be thrilled and will be able to enjoy the waves of the Atlantic to their heart's content. If you have never tried surfing, this is an ideal opportunity to start and learn thanks to the many surf schools available on the beaches. Do not forget your bike while on holiday (you will also be able to hire one) to travel easily and ride through the forest or to travel along the Vélodyssée cycling route which cross the département across its 100mile length.
The Landes is also home to several large traditional férias. The most famous are without doubt the festivals at Dax, those of La Madeleine at Mont-de-Marsan and those of Saint-Vincent-de-Tyrosse. These festivals take place during the July and August and attract many tourists and festayres (festival participants), dressed in red and white (except in Mont-de-Marsan where they wear a blue scarf) come to attend the festivities to the sounds of the local bands. Bullfights, special bull running unique to the Landes region, processions of shepherds on stilts, funfairs etc. all meet for several days to the joy of young and old.
The fine cuisine of the Landes region is well worth discovering, so take advantage of your holidays to taste the delicacies offered by local producers of the Landes have to offer. Duck is the signature dish of Landes cuisine. Foie gras, gizzards, magret and confit of duck – it comes in all forms. The Landaise salad is the most famous dish, made up of the leading foodstuffs of the region: maize, pigeon from the pine forest, ham from Bayonne, duck meat and gizzard confit. Accompany your meal with a wine from Tursan or Armagnac and finish off with a sweet Landais pastis.
Make the most of this opportunity to discover this charming département in southwest France.