With over 3,000 km of marked trails, the Landes de Gascogne forest offers a thousand and one possibilities for walks and hikes in the heart of nature. On foot or by bike, here are three getaway ideas to enjoy the Landes forest during your stay camping in the Southern Landes.
MOLIETS: The Prade Stream and Swing Circuit
A loop that is sometimes challenging, but offers a beautiful diversity of landscapes. Starting from Moliets-et-Maa, you quickly reach the forest track that leads directly to the pine forest, Moliets pond, and then the mouth of the Courant d'Huchet.
The walk continues towards Moliets beach, just a stone's throw from our Camping Le Saint Martin. After passing the golf course access roads, you cross the quiet cork oak forest, follow a stand of pines before arriving at La Prade pond, a popular spot for walkers and fishermen alike.
The route continues further north of the pond, to the Craquillots road and Lesprillès Bridge. To return, you take the initial path in reverse.
- Start and finish: Moliets-et-Maa Fronton car park
- Distance: 12.6 km (approx. 3h30 walking)
- Difficulty: Medium
- See the route details
LA VELODYSSEE: From Moliets to Capbreton
Starting from the campsite, follow the Vélodyssée, France's longest cycle route, which connects Brittany to the Basque Country with 1,200 km of cycle paths and greenways. From the Soustons forest to Seignosse, passing through the beaches of Messanges and Vieux-Boucau, you'll soak in the scent of pine sap from the Landes forest and the salty spray of the Atlantic.
Between Seignosse and Capbreton, the cycle route is slightly hilly. The Vélodyssée winds through the Landes forest, along the dune. Very quickly, you arrive near Hossegor's marine lake, where pretty Basque-Landes villas, built during the interwar period, stand in the shade of century-old pines and cork oaks. What to do in Hossegor? Discover our ideas for visits and activities!
A few more kilometers and you'll be in Capbreton, the only fishing port in the Landes. The cycle path leads directly to the foot of the pier of "the city of a hundred captains". Good news for cycle tourists, our campsite holds the "Vélodyssée" and "Accueil Vélo" labels!
- Start: Moliets-Plage
- Distance: 30 km (approx. 2h)
- Difficulty: Easy
- See the route details
MIMIZAN: The Lake and Forest Circuit
50 km from the campsite, Mimizan also offers a great glimpse of Europe's largest cultivated forest. On foot or by bike, "the pearl of the Silver Coast" offers great opportunities for walks, mountain biking (and even electric scooter rides!) through the state forest, the coastal dune, Lake Aureilhan, or the banks of the Courant de Mimizan.
In the heart of the pine forest, stop at the Maison du Patrimoine in Mimizan, which tells the story of the Landes de Gascogne. It's an opportunity to discover the trades of shepherd and resin collector by attending a demonstration of 'gemmage' (resin tapping), an activity that disappeared in the 1990s.
To see along the way: the Mimizan Bell Tower Porch; Woolsack Castle, built by the Duke of Westminster in 1911; the Promenade Fleurie, one of France's most beautiful gardens. If you have time, don't hesitate to extend your walk towards the small villages of Saint-Paul-En-Born, Mézos, or Pontenx-les-Forges.
- Start and finish: the Mimizan bell tower porch
- Distance: 10 km (approx. 3h)
- Difficulty: Easy
- See the route details
