What to do in winter in the Landes?

Are you allergic to the cold? Then welcome to the Landes! Here, the sub-zero temperatures never last long, and winter encourages us to put our noses outside. And there's plenty to do. Camping Le Vieux Port offers you its ideas for special winter holiday outings in the Landes!

Go to a fat market

In winter, the fat markets are a not-to-be-missed event in the south of the Landes. They have been a tradition in Villeneuve-de-Marsan, Dax, Mont-de-Marsan and Saint-Sever since the Middle Ages. Peyrehorade is one of the last big fat markets in the Landes. From October to March, on Wednesdays, goose and duck foie gras, confits, gizzards, magrets and other aiguillettes are sold in the market hall. For the people of the Landes, this is a veritable institution. For tourists, it's a chance to take home fresh, quality produce.

Walking in the forest in winter

Winter walking is an excellent way to keep fit, both physically and mentally. With over 300 kilometres of waymarked trails, the Landes forest is a favourite spot for hikers in search of tranquillity. In winter, the forest is even quieter and more peaceful. At the heart of Europe's largest forest lies the "Forêt d'Art Contemporain", an artistic trail comprising some thirty monumental works installed in the middle of nature. The 27th work is entitled "Volute", by Estelle Deschamp, to be seen in the commune of Brocas.

Watching grey cranes

Winter is the best time of year to see the grey cranes flying from the Arjuzanx National Nature Reserve, Europe's most important staging site. From November to February, tens of thousands of grues cendrées spend the winter in the heart of the vast marshlands of the Landes. It's a very impressive sight. Nearly 20,000 birds can be seen at any one time. Sandhill cranes can be seen from a distance, but to get a closer look, it's best to use binoculars or a spyglass.

A stroll on the beach

In winter, when spirits are low, there's nothing better than a stroll on the beach, alone on the sand, eyes in the water, my dream was too good... Enjoying the (deserted) beach in winter is a pleasant and relaxing experience. The sea air is a natural stress reliever and walking on the sand is a good way to build up your thighs and calves. If cold water doesn't scare you, try an original seaside activity: longe-côte. Dressed in a wetsuit and with the water up to their chests, the "longeurs" (the name given to those who practice longe-côte) move one behind the other, forming what is known as a "longe". Water walking is a very popular activity in the Landes region, particularly in Soustons, Vieux-Boucau and Moliets-et-Maâ. So, are you ready to take the plunge?

Warm up with a garbure

Garbure landaise is a typical Landes dish. It's a hearty stew made mainly of cabbage, white beans and pork or duck. A perfect winter dish, it warms the heart and the taste buds. Garbure can take several hours to prepare, as it needs to simmer slowly for the flavours to develop fully. Alternatively, you can try the well-stocked garbures on the menus of the inns and restaurants in the Landes villages.

Enjoy oysters on the shores of Lake Hossegor

If, summer or winter, you want to taste fresh oysters, just out of the water, head for Lake Hossegor.