The Best Lakes in the Landes for Swimming and a Day Out with the Family

Want to spend a family day in the Landes? Swimming and doing water sports, sunbathing and eating ice cream together? The Landes lakes are a true and unique gem! In a preserved natural setting, the large Landes lakes are perfect for families, as there are few waves, shaded areas (and grassy areas for those who don't like sand), and little walking to get there. It's the destination for nature lovers! Discover the best of the Landes lakes, in this unique group in France and close to the coast!

Photos: Landes Guide unless otherwise stated in the Alt
Opening photo: AdobeStock Neos The Ponton d'Azur of Lac de Soustons

The Biscarrosse pond

The Biscarrosse and Parentis-en-Born pond is a freshwater lake, just 70 km from Bordeaux and 80 km from Mont-de-Marsan, popular with city dwellers looking for relaxation and water sports. Several beaches are developed (and supervised) along its banks with clear waters for swimming and fine sand for laying your towel. A canal (the coastal canal which is partly navigable) connects the lake to the small Biscarrosse pond to the north.

On the large lake, which is more than 35 km², there is a seaplane base and its museum, which we recommend you visit with your family. You can do a multitude of water activities such as water skiing, wakeboarding, sailing, kite-surfing, stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking. The water sports centers are located mainly on the east side of the lake, on Parentis-en-Born side and Gastes to the south. The west of the lake is wild. Stroll through the small ports, the beaches, sometimes large and busy, sometimes intimate and unique, like small coves. You can relax, simply take a towel, a deckchair or a lounge chair and settle down to read, take a nap, it's vacation! Take a picnic to eat in a friendly atmosphere on the picnic areas provided. You will also find many places to have a snack-type lunch or in a restaurant at Lake Biscarrosse, with a beautiful view of the lake!

The Biscarrosse pond

Lake Cazaux-Sanguinet

Lake Aureilhan and Mimizan

It is a lake popular with fishermen, as it is home to beautiful specimens of carp, pikeperch and other pike. Like the other Landes lakes close to the ocean, it was formed by the coastal dunes, which created water retention basins, fed by rainwater or runoff. The Aureilhan Mimizan pond is made up of a wetland, marsh type, where there is remarkable fauna and flora that can be discovered by taking a canoe trip on the lake and its current. You can also discover the Hawaiian pirogue for an exotic navigation on the waves.

Walking enthusiasts, head out onto the Promenade Fleurie where 500 species of flowers and plants have been installed by the town of Mimizan for everyone's enjoyment, all year round. The discovery trail promises beautiful views of the lake. In about 3.5 hours of walking, you can also walk around Lake Mimizan. You pass through 4 different towns, 13km of walking, without difficulty and well signposted.

Lake Leon

We continue further south in the Landes. Lake Léon is roughly the same size as the previous one, 3,5 km². It is a paradise for water sports and fishing. A very natural and preserved environment, where you will discover a bucolic and unique place: Le Courant d'Huchet.

There are two main beaches in the town of Léon: Plage de Léon and Plage du Lac à Vielle. Cycling enthusiasts will find numerous cycle paths for exploring the area around Lac de Léon.

Lake Soustons

Actually, we should talk about THE LAKES of Soustons, because there are 5 of them!

The Port d'Albret Marine Lake is a little paradise for families. You can swim there or walk along the 5 km of waterways, which are open to everyone, and even scooters and roller skates for children. Don't miss the chance to explore the island in the middle of the lake: Robinson Island !

To the south is the small pond of Pinsolle, with its eponymous golf course.

Souston Lake is adjacent to the town. You can cycle there, but you can also sail it, only with boats without motors for everyone's peace and quiet. If you are observant, you'll probably see squirrels near Pointe des Vergnes, a quiet and pleasant place. Walk along the pontoon, rest on a bench. Take the time to breathe the fresh air!

The White Pond, the Hardy Pond and the Black Pond (which is in the commune of Seignosse) are a small group of wetland-type areas. People don't go there for swimming, but rather to observe the fauna and flora.

Lake Hossegor

The Hossegor marine lake is a marine lake. It is fed by the Hossegor Canal and the Passe du Boucarot. Its level rises and falls depending on the ebb and flow of the water. Keep this in mind when planning your swimming and aquatic exploration.

The lake is close to the city and the coastal beaches. There are 4 beaches on the lake:

• Cork Oak Beach ;
• The White Beach ;
• Rey Beach ;
• The Park Beach.

Lake Arjuzanx

Just because it's not by the sea doesn't mean we'll forget it! Lake Arjuzanx and its Nature Reserve is a wetland, which is home to many birds to delight birdwatchers. You can also swim there and practice water sports. You can walk around Lake Arjuzanx, about 7 km, easy level. Take the opportunity to discover Mont-de-Marsan, which is about 30 km away.

What's your favorite lake? Here's all the information you need to plan your vacation in the Landes region and enjoy the great lakes.

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