The must-sees of the moors

When you don't have a lot of time and a lot to do, it's difficult to see and visit everything. To remedy this, here is our "top 5" of the Landes not to be missed: natural sites, places to visit, sports and gastronomy. The range is wide, but you were warned!

THE BEACHES, JEWELS OF THE CÔTE D'ARGENT

The Côte d'Argent is the name given to this monumental beach which stretches over 230 km along the Landes de Gascogne. It is neither more nor less than the largest beach in Europe! And behind this stretch of fine sand lies the gigantic Landes forest. Now that the setting is set, you can choose the beach that will give you an unforgettable camping holiday in the Landes. Among the most beautiful beaches of the Côte d'Argent are Biscarrosse, Mimizan, Saint-Girons, Moliets, Hossegor and Capbreton. Not forgetting of course Messanges and Vieux-Boucau, two green resorts in the Landes appreciated by families for their relaxed atmosphere, both rural and seaside.

THE HUCHET CURRENT, THE LITTLE LANDES AMAZON

The Courant d'Huchet, the natural jewel of the Landes, protected by its gallery forest, meanders languidly from the Etang de Léon to the Atlantic Ocean. Approximately 9 km long, it is possible to discover a rich and varied flora and fauna. The Nature Reserve, created to protect this exceptional site, offers free discoveries, guided walks, and the inevitable boat trips with the boatmen. The mouth of the river, which opens onto the beach at Moliets, is a beautiful mixture of fresh and salt water, where children can splash around in peace.

THE LANDAISE RACE, AN EMBLEMATIC AND SPECTACULAR SPORT

The Landes race has been practised since the 15th century in the South West. It has even become THE traditional sport of the Landes. The landaise race consists of braving the charge of a wild cow by avoiding its horn with a figure: the gap and the jump. A course landaise lasts about 2 hours. It is always accompanied by the music of a local band or banda. Each figure is marked by a jury according to the risk-taking and elegance of the style. Since the end of the 19th century, the Landes bullfighters have traditionally worn white trousers and an embroidered bolero. Finally, an important detail: there is no killing of the cow during the race. To find out more, you can visit a ganaderia or attend a Landes race in a bullring or take part in the "Landes Émotions" show.

THE ECOMUSEUM OF MARQUÈZE, A LITTLE RETURN TO THE PAST

Located in the commune of Sabres, in the south of the Landes de Gascogne Regional Nature Park, the Marquèze Ecomuseum is a must for discovering the Landes "before". This unique place, out of time, offers its visitors the chance to immerse themselves in peasant life in the Landes at the end of the 19th century. In the middle of a traditional airial, it is pleasant to visit in turn the Maison du Métayer, the mill, the master's house, the oven, the barn, the stable, the sheepfold or simply - sitting in the shade of the trees - to imagine the intense activity that reigned at the time. One last thing that should delight young and old alike: the ecomuseum is reached by a small train classified as a Historic Monument, which winds for 4 km through a pretty pine forest.

LANDES GASTRONOMY, A MEMORY THAT STAYS WITH YOU FOR A LONG TIME

Discover the Landes region and its culinary riches on your plate... For starters, we suggest a mousseline of asparagus from our clay soils, oysters from Lake Hossegor, or a Landes salad with a delicious slice of foie gras. In winter, you can opt for the traditional Landes garbure. To continue this Landes meal, let yourself be tempted by a chicken from Saint Sever, a piece of beef from Chalosse, a slice of salmon from the Adour or a leg of duck confit. So many labelled products that smell of the Landes! For dessert, you are spoilt for choice: a kiwi mousse from the Adour, millas from the north of the Landes, our famous pastis with its custard or our succulent apple pie, flambéed with armagnac and served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Mmmm! And to accompany all these good dishes, our Tursan, Coteaux de Chalosse or Vins des Sables cellars will brighten up your Landes table.