Unusual things to discover in the Landes...

Do you want to get off the beaten track and see another side of the Landes? Its beaches, its forest, its gastronomy... Sure, it's magnificent, but we know... Here are 10 original ideas to soak up the atmosphere of this land, be moved by its beauty and live unique experiences. So, let's take you on a discovery or rediscovery of the Landes!

Surf the wave differently

Let's start with a bit of sport. The Landes coast is renowned for its surfing spots. But there are plenty of other ways to glide across the water, alone or with others, towed or not... We'll take a look at the water sports available to you on the beach or elsewhere.

• Looking for a change from surfing, but not too much? Wakesurfing is for you. You surf an artificial wave, generated by a boat. They say it's like "surfing an infinite wave"!
• Fancy a mix of water skiing, snowboarding and surfing? Then you'll have to try wakeboarding in Saint-Laurent-de-Gosse, at Glissadour ! Just like water skiing, you're pulled by a boat, but you're on a surfboard.
• Stand-up paddleboarding is like surfing, but with both feet pointing in the same direction, an oar, and a bigger board without waves. Well, actually, it has nothing to do with surfing! But it's still super cool!

Sliding on dry land

We're still in the board sports, but we're changing universes. Back on land for other sensations, just as amazing. We're swapping the surfboard for the skateboard. Go to the Skate Cross Parc in Azur, right next to Soustons. Beginner or advanced area, there's something for all levels, from 10 years old. Not a big sports fan? No problem, the skateboards are electric. It's still a sport, but based on balance.

Photo: Skate Cross Park

Discovering the natural wonders of the Landes

A boat or canoe trip is a classic. This time, it's not the mode of transport that's important, but the destination. To spice up this activity, we suggest you discover two unique sites specific to the Landes region, both unmissable and so exotic. We won't tell you any more, we'll take you with us!

• Aboard a traditional “Galupe”, descend the Huchet current which connects the Léon pond to the ocean through the small “Amazonie des Landes”.
• To explore this Landes canopy, you can also rent a canoe from Atlantis Loisirs, in Lit-et-Mixe, to descend along another curiosity of the nature reserve: the Contis current.

Head in the clouds, at the museum

Visiting a museum is interesting, but it has no place in this article. And yet, this one is very original! The Army Light Aviation and Helicopter Museum is more than just beautiful machines. A superb collection of planes and helicopters awaits you in Dax. Discover a part of history that a veteran will reveal to you, with his anecdotes, and many other surprises…

What if the hardest part wasn't getting in, but getting out...

The Landes Guide offers you an escape from an atypical world. The goal of the game will be to succeed in escaping. This is indeed an escape game we're talking about. The first escape room in the Landes welcomes you to Saint-Michel-Escalus. Themed room, scenario and puzzles, here you are again in beautiful sheets or rather a great adventure !

In the middle of an armed conflict!

Back in the real world, but the adventure continues... How about a giant game of hide-and-seek? Paintball is not only great fun, but it also takes you to a beautiful park surrounded by nature.

For speed freaks

Pick up speed without breaking the law, be a few inches off the ground for maximum thrills, and have a little competition with your kids or friends. It's all possible on a karting track !

Photo: Karting Source: Karting Magesq

Learning to live like in prehistory

We now take you back to the museum for an extraordinary experience. At the Brassempouy Prehistosite, there is not just one famous Lady. In the Archéoparc, you can not only understand life during prehistory, but experience it even better, by lighting your own fire, making your own flint knife... In October, it is transformed into a hunting ground for a prehistoric weapons shooting championship. What if the Lady with the Hood was lost? Find her during an extraordinary escape game.

In the heart of a little paradise

For this last idea, we'll take you to paradise, nothing less! It's an exotic and magical journey that will delight young and old alike. Shall we stop the suspense? In fact, it's located in Sanguinet. At the Butterfly Paradise, you'll enter a marvelous garden that will amaze you. During a guided tour, you'll take a world tour of butterfly species, but not only that. The aquarium will show you original fish. In the greenhouse, you'll also encounter other insects well hidden in the exuberant flora.

Photo: Butterfly Paradise

This concludes our unusual journey to the heart of the Landes. We hope to have given you another perspective on this beautiful region, which is full of little treasures to discover.

Did you like our article? Find more in our Experiences to Live section.

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Article written by Stéphanie Tempier for the Landes Guide.