Take advantage of your stay to discover the full richness of Aquitaine's cultural and natural heritage.

Le Courant d'Huchet nature reserve: walks and boat trips into the heart of a lush forest.

Lake of Léon: fishing and water sports

La Grande Lande Ecomuseum at Sabres, Brassempouy Museum of Prehistory, Sorde l'Abbaye Monastery (a UNESCO world heritage site)

Le marais d'Orx nature reserve (explore the wetland site on foot, watch migratory birds), La Ferme du Born (fattening, gavage, canning), Le Pyla sand dune (the highest in Europe)...

A variety of excursions into the Basque Country (walks, canyoning, "force basque" games, local festivals, etc.)

Dax, Capbreton, Hossegor, Bayonne, Biarritz, Arcachon, Bordeaux...

The Spanish border and San Sebastian

Hossegor owes its fame to a small number of artists, writers and architects who, at the end of the 19th century, were dazzled by the splendour of this undiscovered site. They proceeded to create a lively seaside resort that blends harmoniously into its environment. The forest of pines, cork oaks, broom and mimosa is a perfect accompaniment to the parks, hotels, Basco-Landes-style villas, golf course and marine lake. It is also an ideal location for surfing, and each year, hosts a stage in the world surfing championship.

Capbreton, which is separated from Hossegor by the Boudigau channel, is also a seaside resort. It has an 800-berth marina, and is also a working fishing port. There is a fine view of the coast from the pier, known as the Estacade, which was built in the time of Napoleon III. The resort is known for its fine sandy beaches, pine forests and its entertainment.

Biarritz was originally just a little whaling port, until the vogue for seaside bathing appeared; its development was encouraged by the visits of Eugénie de Montijo, future wife of Emperor Napoleon III. The construction of the villa Eugénie (now the Hôtel du Palais), which was the summer residence of the Emperor and his wife, made the resort a popular watering place during the Second Empire and it has never looked back.
Once the beach of kings, Biarritz, with her casino, is still the queen of beaches. Hotels and villas constructed in a variety of styles are dotted along a coastline edged with fine sandy beaches and rocky headlands pounded by the waves.

Saint-Jean-de-Luz, a major fishing port whose main activity used to be whaling, is also a much-loved seaside resort, in a perfect setting, within a bay sheltered by dykes. Its fame goes back to the 17th century when, in 1660, Louis XIV celebrated his wedding to the Infanta Maria-Theresa here. A number of magnificent buildings still stand here, to remind us of that noble era: the house of Louis XIV, the Infanta's house, Saint-Jean Baptiste church and many other impressive edifices that you will discover as you explore the streets of the old town, taking in its picturesque harbour. Ciboure, which faces Saint-Jean-de-Luz across the River Nivelle, has experienced the same ups and downs as its big sister. At the harbour, we can admire the fine Dutch-style residence where Maurice Ravel was born in 1873, and the Socoa fort, built at the initiative of Henri IV.

Hendaye, the last town before you reach Spain, is located on the right bank of the Bidassoa, the river marking the frontier between the two countries. Out of season, it is a bustling little town, but as the days get warmer, it turns into a popular seaside resort. At high tide, the river estuary forms a calm lake, the bay of Chingoudy, where all sorts of water sports are on offer. Thanks to this bay, Hendaye is the only yachting resort on the Basque coast. The vitality of the ocean combines with the mildness of the climate to produce magnificent vegetation (magnolias, palm trees, mimosas).

Even in the 19th century, Arcachon was already a popular seaside and health resort, and a magnet for the European aristocracy. Its winter town still retains the architectural charm of the extravagant residences of that period, and the resort remains as popular as ever. There is plenty of entertainment and sporting activity to delight summer visitors, not to mention its marina and ten kilometres of fine sandy beaches, beside the Basin that bears its name. Not far away lies Le Pyla, the highest sand dune in Europe.
Arcachon, like its neighbours, is also famous for cultivating a very popular shellfish: the oyster. A trip to one of these oyster-farming ports, with their picturesque fishermen's cottages - followed, of course, by a tasting session - is a must on your list of things to do on holiday here.