What to do on Sunday in the Landes region?

In France, Sunday often has a reputation for being a slow day, with closed shops and deserted streets. In the Landes region, it's quite the opposite: between lively Sunday markets from the morning onwards, supervised beaches, large lakes, pine forests, and village festivals that culminate precisely on Sundays, the department offers no shortage of ideas to fill an entire day. Whether you're on holiday on the coast, staying inland, or just passing through for a weekend, here's our selection of things to do on Sundays in the Landes, from delicious food and fresh air to local traditions.

Top activities to do on Sunday in the Landes region

Markets and brunch overlooking the ocean

Contrary to popular belief, Sunday morning is one of the best times to shop at the market in the Landes region. Many towns and villages, both along the coast and inland, hold their weekly markets on this day.

• On the coast, the Biscarrosse market sets up on Sundays in the town.
• The Hossegor market, located in the Place des Halles, operates on Sundays from April to November.
• In Seignosse, a seasonal market takes place on Sunday mornings depending on the time of year.
• In Mimizan Plage, the outdoor stalls and the covered market welcome visitors all weekend in July and August.
• Further south, the small market in Mézos showcases farm products and local honey from 8 a.m. to noon.
• Inland, don't miss the Sunday market in Amou, set up in the morning in the Place de la Técouère in the shade of century-old plane trees.
• The Dax market has open halls from Wednesday to Sunday and a covered market is also held in Camille-Bouvet Square on Sunday mornings, with, as a bonus, a flea market on the fourth Sunday of the month.

Seasonal fruits and vegetables, sheep's cheese, Bayonne ham, foie gras or farm poultry: enough to put together a 100% local meal before enjoying the rest of the day.

Beaches, lakes and forest

Sunday is also the perfect opportunity to enjoy the fresh air of the Landes region, away from the midweek hustle and bustle in some areas, or on the contrary, in the heart of the action on the coast during peak season.

Heading towards the ocean

The supervised beaches of Mimizan, Biscarrosse, Contis, Vieux-Boucau, and Capbreton remain open all week, including Sundays, with lifeguard stations operating during the summer season. For a more active morning, the surf spots along the Landes coast (Hossegor, Seignosse, Capbreton) welcome beginners and experienced surfers 7 days a week.

Around the Great Lakes

The Great Lakes area, between Biscarrosse and Sanguinet, is perfect for a day of swimming, paddleboarding, or a stroll along the water's edge. Also worth a visit are Lake Léon, Lake Aureilhan near Mimizan, or the more secluded Étang des Forges in Ychoux for a more tranquil atmosphere.

By bicycle, on foot or by other means

The greenways and cycle paths along the Landes coast (over 160 km in total) and the numerous hiking trails in the hinterland are always open and perfect for a leisurely stroll after the market or before lunch. The Courant d'Huchet, nicknamed the "Little Amazon of the Landes," can be explored by traditional boat or on foot, Sundays and all other days.

Picnic in the Landes region

After an early morning stroll through the market, there's nothing like an impromptu picnic to enjoy the rest of the day without the constraints of a schedule or reservations. Fill your basket with specialties gleaned from the stalls: duck in all its forms (magret, confit, foie gras), Bayonne ham, sand asparagus in the spring, or the famous Landes tomatoes in the summer.

Between the ocean, large lakes, and pine forests, the department abounds with designated areas and natural spots perfect for spreading out your picnic blanket: the Port d'Albret saltwater lake in Vieux-Boucau, the Cugnes area in Biscarrosse, Lake Sanguinet, or the more secluded shores of the Étang des Forges in Ychoux. An ideal option on Sundays, when some restaurants are fully booked or close earlier than during the week.

If you still prefer to sit down at a table, many restaurants and beach huts remain open on Sunday lunchtimes in high season, especially around Capbreton, Hossegor and Mimizan Plage : just remember to book in advance, especially outside the summer season.

Tourist sites, Landes-style bullfighting and village festivals

Discover the heritage of the Landes region

Most of the major tourist attractions in the Landes region—museums, arboretums, protected natural sites, and monuments—remain open on Sundays, though some opt for Monday as their weekly closing day. This is the perfect time to visit iconic sites like the Marquèze Ecomuseum in Sabres, the Courant d'Huchet, or to stroll through the historic centers of Mont-de-Marsan or Dax. One piece of advice, though: check the exact opening hours before you go, as some places operate on a reduced schedule during the off-season.

Attending a Landes bullfight

Sunday is traditionally one of the highlights of the temporada, the Landes bullfighting season which runs from May to October. Many village festivals make Sunday their main bullfighting day, with Landes-style bullfights, novilladas (bullfights with young bulls), or cockade competitions, depending on the town. Since the schedule varies each year from village to village, it's best to consult the calendar of festivals and Landes-style bullfights before planning your outing.

Having fun at village festivals

In summer, it's hard to find a Sunday without a patronal festival somewhere in the department: cavalcade, aperitif-concert, meal in the village square, popular dance… An authentic immersion in the conviviality of the Landes, to be found throughout the Landes agenda.

Water sports and family amusement parks

With children, a Sunday in the Landes region is perfect for enjoying the beach as well as leisure parks and water sports. From coastal amusement parks and water parks to inflatable structures by the lake, and pony rides or canoe trips on the Courant d'Huchet river, the department boasts numerous places open continuously during school holidays, including Sundays.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Are shops open on Sundays in the Landes region?

Some food shops (bakeries, markets) and tourist shops along the coast (souvenirs, surf shops, restaurants) remain open on Sundays, especially during the summer season. However, many non-food shops, particularly inland and outside of peak season, close on Sundays, sometimes as early as the beginning of the afternoon.

• Where can I find a market on Sundays in the Landes region?

Several Sunday markets enliven the department all year round or seasonally: Amou, Dax, Biscarrosse (town), Hossegor (April to November), Mézos, as well as seasonal markets in Seignosse Océan and Mimizan Plage.

• Can we see a Landes-style bullfight on Sunday?

Yes, Sunday is often the day chosen for the bullfighting highlights of village festivals during the season, from May to October. As the schedule changes each season, it is recommended to consult the calendar before traveling.

• What sites should I visit on a Sunday in the Landes region?

The vast majority of natural sites, beaches, lakes, and cycle paths are accessible at all times. For museums and paid attractions, it's best to check Sunday opening hours on a case-by-case basis, as some close on Mondays.

Our practical tips for enjoying a successful Sunday in the Landes region

• Plan ahead for the morning markets : arrive early to enjoy the best selection, especially in summer when the crowds rise quickly.
• Book your restaurants : the most popular addresses on the coast are fully booked from Saturday in high season, especially for Sunday lunch.
• Check the opening hours of paid sites : some museums or attractions close on Mondays and not Sundays, but sometimes operate on reduced hours off-season.
• Check the agenda before you leave : village festivals, Landes-style bullfights and night markets change every year; a quick look at the agenda avoids unnecessary travel.
• Remember sunscreen and water : between the beach, the market in full sun and a bike ride, Sundays in the Landes are mostly spent outdoors.

Between the early morning market, fresh air, gastronomy, and bullfighting traditions, Sunday in the Landes region is anything but a dull day. From the coast to the inland areas, everyone can create their own itinerary, following the rhythm of the seasons and their own desires. This can transform what is often perceived as a quiet day elsewhere into one of the best days of your stay in the Landes.

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