Landes, Administrative department in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France.
Description
Landes is an administrative unit in southwestern France, reaching from the Atlantic coast to the foothills of the Pyrenees. Most of the territory lies under pine forest, interspersed with moorland, small towns and farmland further inland.
History
The administrative unit formed in 1790 from parts of historical territories, when the French Revolution drew new boundaries. In the 19th century, large-scale afforestation transformed former marsh and heathland into the present forest area.
Culture
The maritime pine, planted from seed in the 19th century, gives the forest its character and left a landscape that people widely associate with the region. Resin harvesting shaped the work of many residents for centuries, and some trees still show the old cuts in their bark.
Practical
Roads through the forest lead to towns along the coast and further inland, and many routes are suitable for cycling. The beaches lie open to the ocean, and within the forest you can find shaded spots even on warm days.
Did you know?
The long sandy coast runs without rocks or bays continuously southward, a rare coastal form in Europe. In some areas, dunes slowly migrate inland and shift the boundary between beach and forest.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Nouvelle-Aquitaine).
The Landes region in southwestern France sits perfectly between the Atlantic Ocean and a network of inland lakes, making it an ideal base for a camping holiday. Here, you'll find numerous campsites that offer real comfort without cutting you off from nature. Whether you're drawn to sandy beaches,...
Landes forest
40.6 km
Château de Roquetaillade
83.4 km
Biscarrosse and Parentis Lake
57.7 km
Étang de Cazaux et de Sanguinet
71.5 km
Bayonne Cathedral
65.3 km
Château de Cazeneuve
71.7 kmCircuit Paul Armagnac
67.6 km
Contis
43.4 km
Lac d'Hossegor
50.7 km
Landes de Gascogne Regional Natural Park
68.4 km
Musée Bonnat-Helleu
64.9 km
Fontaine chaude
23.8 km
Bullring of Dax
23.5 km
Bayona Bullring
65.8 km
Contis lighthouse
43.2 km
Saint-Sever Abbey
27 km
Enceinte médiévale de Castets
38.4 km
Marquèze
32.9 km
Château d'Uza
32 km
Basilique Notre-Dame de Buglose
14.4 km
Étang de Léon
36.2 km
Château de Bidache
48.6 km
Citadelle de Bayonne
64.6 km
Bazas Cathedral
81 km
Château de Villandraut
75.9 km
Château Woolsack
47.9 km
Arènes du Plumaçon
29.3 km
Abbaye Notre-Dame de Maylis
25.4 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes