Biscarrosse Holidays, France In placid lake-and-forest surroundings, this coastal town south of the Bassin d’Arcachon is a regional business and shopping centre as well as a resort. Besides holiday activities (surfing, cycling, boating) and family entertainment (beach clubs, mini golf), it stages many summer events including a local version of bullfighting. The Musée Historique de l’Hydraviation displays wartime seaplanes and flying boats in a glass hangar.
Capbreton Holidays, France Before the River Adour was rerouted to Bayonne in the 16th century, this town was a major trading port. Today Capbreton is a lively fishing resort, adjoining its smart neighbour Hossegor across the River Boudigau. Although the main beach is built-up, pine-screened dunes stretch beyond. There is a maritime museum and aquarium above the casino. An underwater chasm beyond the harbour entrance generates exciting surfing conditions.
Cote Landaise Holidays, France Also known as the Côte d’Argent (silver coast), this 100-kilometre stretch of Atlantic seaboard extends between the Gironde and Adour estuaries south of Bordeaux. It consists of one huge fine sand beach, backed by the longest and highest dunes in Europe, stabilised by pines and marram grass. Family resorts stud the seafront, backed by rolling Gascon countryside. Inland there are shallow, fish-filled lakes, and many golf courses.
Dax Holidays, France Hot springs alleged to relieve rheumatism gush into a walled basin in the centre of this ancient Roman spa town. Dax once prospered on the proceeds of barges laden with Armagnac wines, along with timber from its outlying pine forests. The richly carved cathedral dates from the 13th century, while the fortifications are mostly Gallo-Roman. The history and aviation museums are worth a visit, and a lively goose market is held on Saturday mornings.
Moliets-et-Maa Holidays, France Originally two separate villages, Moliets-et-Maa is split like many Côte Landaise resorts into beach and town areas. Some older houses survive, built in the local timber-framed style with herringbone brickwork. Behind Moliets’ colossal beach, a ‘garden city’ of newer development is screened by trees and shrubs. The golf links is regarded as one of the best in France. The nearby Courant d’Huchet nature reserve is full of diverse wildlife.
Mont-de-Marsan Holidays, France At the confluence of the Douze and the Midou, this flower-decked town is the capital of the Marsan region, renowned for Armagnac and foie gras. It has some fine medieval houses and churches, and a museum housed in part of the old town walls. Mont-de-Marsan is also is a centre for ‘course landaise’, in which contestants vault over a charging cow. In late July, crowds gather for a Spanish-style festival of flamenco and bullfights.
