What to do in the Landes when it rains?

The Landes… Its famous beaches, its magnificent forest, its dunes and valleys, ideal for all kinds of outdoor activities… But what to do when it rains ? You will see that the Landes does not lack tourist attractions, even in the rain . Inhabited since prehistoric times , the region has a long history and a rich heritage , a well-established culture and developed craftsmanship , local products and typical gastronomy , to discover. Museums, restaurants, initiations and workshops, traditional or original tours,… there is a choice and it's a good way to discover beautiful villages . We take you for a rainy but lively getaway in the Landes .

Taste the local gastronomy

Think, it digs! We suggest you take a gourmet break in one of the many restaurants in the Landes. There is something for all tastes: classic, traditional, chic, gastronomic, regional ... You can go to the markets to find all the local and fresh seasonal products, then you try in the kitchen to cook the delicacies of the Landes .

You are very greedy, cook yourself! Here is our article on Landes gastronomy.

There are so many local products to taste that you don't really know what to choose, here are our “ 5 must- try local dishes ”:

As a starter, a foie gras of course! Served cold, with a good fig or onion jam, or hot, just pan-fried, it is delicious, melts in your mouth… It's a treat!
If you fancy a lighter starter, choose a nice seafood platter, with oysters instead. Direct from the Landes coast, they are all fresh and that whets the appetite ...
Poultry is famous in the Landes. We recommend duck or wood pigeon salmis , accompanied by a good garbure .
And for dessert: an apple crumble , this dessert that is both crispy and tender!
A Landes pastis : a cake, with a touch of anise and a scent of orange blossom ...

You can't refuse a good duck confit.

Go on a shopping spree

After the meal, we suggest you give yourself a small gift or offer a souvenir of your vacation . Here are our shopping ideas to make or have fun:

Mont-de-Marsan is the Prefecture of the Landes . It is also an economic and cultural center , in a " green city ", with a beautiful architectural heritage from the Middle Ages . The city is lively, welcoming and commercial. If you want to discover this city more in depth, here is our walk in Mont-de-Marsan and our visit advice.
Hossegor is renowned as the “ surfing capital of the world ”. But it is also a very dynamic, lively and young city. We tested it for you… Our blogger takes you on a shopping trip to Hossegor .

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" Le grand Mail " is a large shopping center in Saint-Paul-lès-Dax. You will find more than a hundred shops of all kinds: fashion, clothes, shoes, but also for sports, leisure, decoration, DIY ...
Biscarosse, between its beach and its lakes, attracts many tourists. You will find all kinds of shops there to find a souvenir , a local product or dress in “ Bisca ” fashion!

Shopping is a good idea to keep your spirits up despite the rain! @Lesley Williamson

Learn about oenology and discover the Landes vineyards

Among the local products not to be missed in the Landes, some are found in its vineyard . If its wines are still little known, they nevertheless deserve to be… Its Floc de Gascogne is an essential aperitif, just like its Armagnac for the digestive. In addition, many winegrowers practice wine tourism . They show you around their estate and offer you activities related to their land, to make you appreciate the products of their vineyard.

Find out more: Here is our article on the vineyard, Floc de Gascogne and Armagnac and our selection of good addresses.

Armagnac, a golden and divine drink, to be discovered in the moors

Get off the beaten track, during an unusual activity: the escape-game

If you want to occupy yourself differently , to work your brain, with family or friends, and to discover the different facets of the Landes, while staying dry, the escape room is made for you.

The Armagnac ecomuseum offers you an escape game : " Mission distillation " on the theme of Armagnac of course.
In Saint-Michel-Escalus, Canoë Land offers you an immersion in the world of pirates in its Escape room .
In Tarnos, the Planète Parcs offers you a virtual and unknown world to live a unique sensory experience.

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Explore the most beautiful villages with a good K-way

All these activities have already enabled you to explore the different territories of the Landes , to stroll in its magnificent villages , to admire the works of local craftsmanship or to find good products there. But we cannot close this article without telling you about the most beautiful villages in the Landes .

Read our article!

The pretty village of Labastide d'Armagnac

Satisfy your curiosity in the Landes museums

It's raining, it's cold, but it's out of the question to stay locked up all day… So we suggest you immerse yourself in the Landes culture , warm up your neurons and educate yourself. History, traditions, ancient crafts, art ,… There is something to cultivate in the Landes. Here is our " Top 5 museums ":

You are athletic, but the weather is not good for a trip. Now is the time to learn more about your passion or simply to learn about cycling at the Bicycle Museum in Lit-et-Mixe . You will see rare pieces there , but it is especially the owner of the place that deserves the detour. This enthusiast will pass on his knowledge and his love of cycling to you . You are now ready for your bike rides, as of the next lull ...
To the south of the Adour , in Dax , the Army and Helicopter Light Aviation Museum has a collection of extraordinary machines: 40 old airplanes and helicopters. Here again, it is a meeting with a veteran that gives appeal to this visit.

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In Bas Armagnac , in Mont-de-Marsan , the Despiau-Wlérick museum presents a fine collection of sculptures . But he goes further, by explaining to you in his graphic art cabinet how the works are made.
The Armagnac ecomuseum in Labastide-d'Armagnac takes you on a journey into the world of the vine , to discover a precious beverage and understand its conception, thanks to guided tours, original activities and workshops.

You haven't had enough, you want to go even further. Here is our full article on cultural visits and museums in the Landes .

The bicylette is quite a story at Lit-et-Mixe!

Despiau Wlérick Museum in Mont-de-Marsan

As a bonus: A special "children"

Indoors, it's not always easy to occupy our little ones, full of energy and totally insensitive to our weather problems ... These few ideas could be useful if the rain persists :

Another option: In Tarnos, Planete'n'kids is prohibited for over 12s! But you have to be more than 6 years old to jump on the trampoline in Planete Jump !
In the Regional Natural Park of Landes , the Ecomuseum Marquèze is educational and fun wants to introduce children, traditions and lifestyle of the inhabitants of the park in the ^19th century.
In Samadet, the Earthenware Museum introduces children to artistic creation and ancestral techniques of painting and modeling clay , during workshops designed for them.
This selection is closed with an interior garden. It is a magical journey that we offer you, Au Paradis du Papillon . The visit takes you on a world tour of butterfly species , original fish, but also insects, well hidden in the exotic greenhouse.