Van Life in the Landes

Get away from it all at any time of the year, go on a road trip whenever you want and have the freedom to go wherever you want, what joy! These improvised journeys can be done anywhere in France but today, we're taking you to the Landes. This region in the southwest of France in Nouvelle-Aquitaine offers an incredible diversity of landscapes between the sea, the countryside and the forest. Take the wheel, we tell you everything you need to know about organizing a campervan stay or a vanlife in the Landes.

Opening photo: AdobeStock Anetlanda

Tips for a van trip in the Landes

• Les Landes, an ideal region to escape in a campervan or van
• Vans and motorhomes, rules to respect in the Landes
• Pitfalls to avoid in a van in the moors
• the essentials to plan for a stay in a motorhome
• Places to sleep in a van in the moors
• the best season for a road trip in the moors
• Vans and motorhomes in the Landes, places to visit
  
  

Les Landes, an ideal region to escape in a campervan or van

The Landes is the meeting point of all desires, a large part of which is covered with forests, notably with the Landes de Gascogne Regional Natural Park. Imagine your van in the heart of the pine forest surrounded by maritime pines to enjoy beautiful hikes in the forest. Beach lovers will be able to discover large stretches of sand along the Atlantic Ocean and enjoy magnificent sunsets from the comfort of a converted van. The hilly countryside is also worth visiting between vineyards and crops which offer pretty colorful landscapes. Leisure centers and water activities, charming villages and sporting activities, extend your road trip in the Landes.

Vans and motorhomes, rules to respect in the Landes

Whether it is a camper van or a converted van, the vehicle is part of the M1 category just like cars. You must therefore respect the Highway Code in Landes and everywhere in France like other users. To travel safely, your van must be approved, unless your installations can be removed easily and quickly. Are you ready to hit the road? Remember to include the toll in your budget if you take the A63 Landes motorway. Depending on the height and weight of your motorhome, the price will be higher or lower. It's up to you, get behind the wheel and go have fun in the Landes.

Pitfalls to avoid in a van in the moors

Going on an adventure with friends, family or lovers aboard a camper van or a converted van, what joy ! Yes, if everything goes well, but there may be unpleasant surprises. Despite the beauty of the Landes coast, it can be steep, steep and difficult to access for large vehicles. Find out your route before committing and perhaps prefer adjacent circuits for greater safety. In the same way, some villages are well hidden, do not hesitate to park upstream and continue on foot, the opportunity for a beautiful improvised hike. Whether you are in the countryside or at the beach in the Landes, bivouac is authorized (provided it does not last forever, just from sunset to sunrise), but not wild camping (i.e. you cannot stay several days). So avoid obstructing traffic, be discreet and do not unfold tents and awnings, at the risk of incurring a hefty fine of €135.

the essentials to plan for a stay in a motorhome

Experiencing a road trip in complete freedom on the roads of the Landes is a beautiful dream that you have to prepare for. Even if the converted van and the campervan offer the possibility of easily getting away from it all, it is better to anticipate to overcome disappointments. So remember to fill your water reserves and identify the filling steps, check your electricity autonomy, and plan to cook with a sufficient budget for food, gasoline, tolls, visits and activities if you plan to take advantage of it. Also bring a map of the region. Yes yes, there are GPS but if the network is weak or the battery does not last, you will not be lost.

Places to sleep in a van in the moors

The advantage of the camper van and the converted van is that you can sleep anywhere without difficulty thanks to the integrated mattress or the convertible sofa. The only constraint is parking since there too, there are rules to respect in the Landes. Some places prohibit wild camping, such as the Courant d'Huchet nature reserve or the Landes de Gascogne forest. To be sure to stay legal, it is recommended to spend the night in one of the 117 service areas in Landes or in a campsite. You will also be able to empty your vehicle , while taking advantage of sanitary facilities and electricity. To help you, there are applications such as “park4night” which share cool places to spend the night when you are in a camper van or camper van.

the best season for a road trip in the moors

The Landes have a very pleasant oceanic climate since the sun is out most often. However, the seasons each have their own particularities that must be taken into consideration when planning a road trip on the Landes coast. Summer is of course a very popular season for all vacationers. If you can, go in the off-season to avoid the crowds, or prefer the lakes and hinterland which are often less crowded. Winter is mild and rainy, while spring can be cool, it's up to you to decide according to your program and bring warm clothes. The best months remain September and October where temperatures remain pleasant with the last rays of summer, when the vacationers have deserted.

Vans and motorhomes in the Landes, places to visit

We can't let you organize a road trip in the Landes without telling you the places not to be missed. First of all the beaches of course, a must on the Atlantic coast with the spot of Biscarrosse, Mimizan or Hossegor, perfect sites for swimming and surfing. Enjoy the natural spaces in the Landes between lakes and ponds, or Rent a canoe for a trip along the water on the Leyre. The villages are also charming stops to discover the Landes heritage and gastronomy if you stop at a traditional restaurant. Finally, don't forget the Landes forest with its maritime pines, its rivers and rivers, a unique natural environment between dunes and beaches.

This time we are there, everything is ready. All that remains is to get started and off we go for an adventure in the south-west of France. You now have all the keys to making the most of your stay in a campervan or vanlife in the Landes. And if you are still hesitant, we hope that this article will have convinced you of the joy of escaping in complete freedom.

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