10 towns and villages of the Landes not to be missed!

Landes did not surprise you with beautiful ocean side lined with 106 km of beaches, lakes, the largest pine forest in Europe and the essential towns and villages. Capital of surfing, it is also a concentrate of villages with picturesque charmthat come alive in summer,especially during village festivals. From the ocean to the forest, for the holidays, let the ten most beautiful villages and towns of the Landes transport you, from the best known sites to the little corners off the beaten track.

Mézos, the little paradise on the north coast of the Landes

Located halfway between Mimizan,Onesse and Laharie, the charming village of Mezos nestles in the heart of the Landes forest. Its architecture is breathtaking with its typical Landes houses, its church and its small shops. Mézos is also home tothe largest odds and ends in the Landes, the Grenier de Mézos, a real local attractionwhere you can hunt for clothes, furniture, decoration, books and other dishes.

An authentic and magnificent village which is worth the detour!

Mézos, photo credit: barbaragayfer on Instagram

Mimizan, festive and active

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This pretty Landes commune is divided into two distinct parts :Mimizan village and Mimizan beach. The village is charming with its small shops, its market and its aromatic garden which borders the church. On the beach side, everything comes alive in summer with cafes, bars, restaurants, shops and of course the coast which offers all the leisure activities ideal for recharging your batteries and having fun. Ourfavorites, the walks in the Mailloueyre between the beaches of Lespecier and Mimizan Sud, and the Flowered Promenade along the lake, will allow you to stroll in the heart of nature to discover the local flora and fauna.

Finally, do not miss the Courant de Mimizan, a typical Landes river which connects the Aureilhan lake to the ocean. A treat for walking, sunbathing or doing nautical activities.

The beaches of Mimizan

Uza, little pearl of the Great Moor

The charming town of Uza is established around the green banks of its classified site. The Forges building recalls the working history of this village since the middle of the 18th century when they employed more than 200 workers. The castle shares this common past with the Forges,it is installed on a hillock which over hangs a valley in the west and the bed of Vignac, pretty little river. A tea room and a restaurant by the lake offer an incredible panorama conducive to relaxation.

Leon and the current of Huchet

Léonis without doubt one of the most beautiful coastal villages in the Landes. Its heart of the village is most charming with its old half-timbered houses and its flowery alleys, you can walk there thanks to its many cycle paths and its market is superb.

Its pond gives way tothe Courant d'Huchet nature reserve,a haven of magnificent nature where you can admire thefauna and flora typical of the Landes, prizedby the locals.

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Hossegor, the surf and holiday capital

On the border of theLandesand theBasque Country,Hossegoris without a doubt a perfect holiday destination. This small coastal town offers everything you need to have fun, and the icing on the cake, everything can be done on foot: the lake with all its sports and fun activities (paddle, hiking, fishing, swimming, yoga ...) , theocean beach ideal for surfing, a lively city center with many shops, cafes, bars and restaurants and an offer of ultra charming accommodation. The industrial zone of Soorts-Hossegor also offers factory outlets of the biggest brands of sportwear and surfing for smart shopping!

Under the arcades of Labastide-d'Armagnac

Discover without delay this country house founded in 1291 by Count Bernard VI of Armagnac ..Labastide d'Armagnac will surprise you with its town planning, its magnificent Place Royale with arcades and picturesque charm. Its many monuments await you and its typical alleys will make you have a good time.

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Labastide d'Armagnac square

Discover Mont de Marsan, the Landes prefecture

The Landes prefecture is located one hour from the Atlantic coast.Mont de Marsan offers a panorama of Landes culture between natural sites, restaurants and markets,to discover the gastronomic specialties of the Gascon. You will also visit tourist sites to discover the History, Archeology and art of the Landes.

Mont-de-Marsans Al Kratz CC BY NC ND 2.0

A little tour in Aire-sur-l'Adour

Bordering with the department of Gers, the pretty Landes town ofAire-sur-l'Adour is the capital of the country of Tursan.

It is distinguished by its historic monuments and itswalks along the Adour, its eponymous river.

Its St Pierre du Mas church, known as Sainte Quitterie (Patronne de la Gascogne) and its crypt are listed as World Heritage by UNESCO, under the Way of St. James.

Aire-sur-Adour

A leap into French history at Sorde-l'Abbaye

Located in Pays d'Orthe and Arrigans, just south of the Landes, the village of Sorde-l'Abbaye has preserved its heritage, unprecedented in the southwest, from Prehistory to modern times. We know it above all thanks to its Saint-Jean abbey, a Benedictine abbey, listed as World Heritage by UNESCO, under the ways of Saint-Jacques de Compostelleand Historical Monuments.

This town rich in history is located upstream of the confluence of the Pau and Oloron gaves.

Sorde l'Abbaye Photo credit: Facebook page of the Town Hall of Sorde

Hastingues and Arthous Abbey

We end our tour of the most beautiful villages and towns of the Landes with the delightful bastide of Hastingues, founded in 1289 by John de Hastings. like Sorde-l'Abbaye,Hastingues overlooks the Gaves Réunis (Gave d'Oloron and Gave de Pau) and houses the sublime Arthous Abbey, dating from the 12th century.

If its emblem is the snail, plan on the contrary to have fun because this village is both rich in visits and animations!

Thus ends our getaway among the prettiest villages and towns in the Landes . You have seen it, whether along the coast or inland, the Landes necessarily have a little paradise that will delight you, on weekends or on vacation! To discover all the Landes destinations and prepare your stay, tailor-made, go to the Guide des Landes!

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