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

The Landes region never ceases to amaze you with its magnificent oceanfront, bordered by 106 km of beaches, large lakes, the largest pine forest in Europe, and unmissable towns and villages. The surfing capital, it's also home to picturesque villages that come alive in the summer, especially during village festivals. From the ocean to the forest, for your vacation, let the ten most beautiful villages and towns in the Landes transport you, from the most famous sites to little corners off the beaten track.

Mézos, the little paradise on the north coast of Landes

Located halfway between Mimizan, Onesse and Laharie, the charming village of Mézos 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 to the largest bric-a-brac in the Landes, the Grenier de Mézos, a real local attraction where you can hunt for clothes, furniture, decoration, books and other tableware.

An authentic and magnificent village that is worth the detour!

Mimizan, festive and active

Mimizan, a pretty Landes town, is divided into two distinct parts: Mimizan town and Mimizan beach. The town is charming with its small shops, its market and its aromatic garden which borders the church. On the beach side, everything comes alive in the summer with cafes, bars, restaurants, shops and of course the coastal coast which offers all the ideal leisure activities to recharge your batteries and have fun.

Finally, don't miss the Courant de Mimizan, a typical Landes river that connects the Aureilhan pond to the ocean. A treat for walking, sunbathing or water sports.

Uza, little pearl of Grande Lande

The charming town of Uza is built around the green banks of its lake, a listed site. The Forges building is a reminder of the village's working-class past dating back to the mid-18th century, when it employed over 200 workers. The castle shares this common past with the Forges. It sits on a hill overlooking a valley to the west and the bed of the Vignac, a pretty little river. A tea room and a restaurant by the lake offer incredible views, perfect for relaxing.

Leon and the Huchet Current

Léon is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful coastal villages in the Landes. Its village center is most charming with its old half-timbered houses and flowery streets. You can stroll there thanks to its numerous cycle paths.

Its pond gives way to the Courant d'Huchet nature reserve, a haven of magnificent nature where you can admire the typical fauna and flora of the Landes, prized by the locals.

Hossegor, the capital of surfing and holidays

Situated on the border of the Landes and the Basque Country, Hossegor is without a doubt a perfect holiday destination. This small coastal town offers everything you need to enjoy yourself. The icing on the cake is that everything can be done on foot:

• The lake with all its sporting and recreational activities (paddleboarding, hiking, fishing, swimming, yoga, etc.);
• The ideal ocean beach for surfing ;
• The lively city center with numerous shops, cafes, bars and restaurants and a range of ultra-charming accommodation;
• The Soorts-Hossegor industrial zone also offers factory outlets from the biggest sportswear and surf brands for smart shopping!

Under the arcades of Labastide-d'Armagnac

Discover without delay this bastide founded in 1291 by Count Bernard VI of Armagnac. Labastide d'Armagnac will amaze you with its urban planning, its magnificent Place Royale with arcades and its picturesque charm. Its numerous monuments await you and its typical alleys will make you spend a pleasant moment.

Discover Mont-de-Marsan, the Landes prefecture

The prefecture of Landes 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 Gascon culinary specialties. You will also visit tourist sites to discover the history, archaeology and art of the Landes.

A little trip to Aire-sur-l'Adour

Bordering the Gers department, the pretty Landes town of Aire-sur-l'Adour is the capital of the Tursan region.

It is distinguished by its historical monuments and its walks along the banks of the Adour, its eponymous river.

Its church of St Pierre du Mas, known as Sainte Quitterie (Patron Saint of Gascony) and its crypt are classified as UNESCO world heritage sites, as part of the routes to Santiago de Compostela.

A leap into French history in Sorde-l'Abbaye

Located in the Pays d'Orthe et Arrigans, in the very south of the Landes, the village of Sorde-l'Abbaye has managed to preserve its heritage, unique in the South-West, from prehistory to the modern era. It is best known for its Saint-Jean abbey, a Benedictine abbey, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as part of the Routes of Santiago de Compostela and as a Historic Monument.

This town, rich in history, is located upstream from the confluence of the Gaves de Pau and Oloron.

Hastingues and Arthous Abbey

We end our tour of the most beautiful villages and towns in the Landes with the charming fortified town 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 is home to the sublime Arthous Abbey, dating from the 12th century.

This concludes our escapade among the prettiest villages and towns in the Landes. As you can see, whether along the coast or inland, the Landes is sure to have a little paradise that will delight you, whether you're on a weekend or on holiday!

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