In the heart of the Landes: a 10-day escape by bike:

Leave the spa town of Dax behind and head into the Landes forest canopy. Your journey takes you to the Arjuzanx site, a pristine natural haven where time seems to stand still. Enjoy the tranquility of the lagoons for a relaxing first evening.

Suggested activities:

• Watching migratory birds from the site’s observation decks

• Swimming in the clear waters of Lake Arjuzanx at the end of the day

• A sensory walk along the marked trails around the reserve

• Relaxing by the water’s edge to watch your first sunset in the forest

A stage dedicated to culture and traditions. Cycle to Sabres to board the historic train to Marquèze. Discover the life of 19th-century shepherds from the Landes region in a well-preserved neighborhood, before continuing on to Parentis-en-Born.

Suggested activities:

• Ride on a vintage train from the Sabres station to the Ecomuseum

• Demonstrations of traditional crafts: baking, spinning, shearing

• Meet the Landes sheep and local cattle

• Relax in the calm, clear waters of Pipiou Beach

Head to the Arcachon Basin for a stop with exceptional views. After climbing the majestic Dune du Pilat, cycle to the elegant villas of the Ville d'Hiver, surrounded by flower-filled gardens and Belle Époque architecture.

Suggested activities:

• Climb Europe’s tallest dune for a breathtaking view of the Banc d’Arguin

• Dive into the Atlantic waves on the wild beaches lining the bike path

• Stop at an oyster shack to taste the Bassin’s gems with your feet in the water

• Explore the narrow streets of Arcachon to admire the extravagant architecture of the 19th-century villas

An iconic itinerary combining boating and cycling. Cross the Bay by boat to Cap Ferret before returning via the bike paths. Passing through oyster-farming villages and charming ports, this loop reveals all the facets of the Bay.

Suggested activities:

• Take a boat ride with your bikes to the Cap Ferret peninsula

• Climb the Cap Ferret lighthouse to admire the oyster beds

• Stroll through the oyster-farming villages of Le Canon and L’Herbe

• Go for a swim in the wild on the vast Horizon Beach facing the open sea

This stage leaves the elegance of Arcachon behind and heads deep into the wilderness via Lake Cazaux, a veritable inland sea hidden amidst the pine trees. You’ll cycle along perfectly shaded bike paths, far from the hustle and bustle of the coast, traversing the unspoiled landscapes of the Born. The journey comes to a gentle end on the shores of Lake Parentis, where the horizon stretches out between wooded dunes and fishermen’s huts.

Suggested activities:

• Enjoy its freshwater beaches with crystal-clear water for a refreshing break in complete tranquility.

• Savor the silence of the deep forest along the straight trails of the wooded massif.

• Settle down on the shores of Biscarrosse-Parentis to admire the seaplanes that have shaped the history of the area.

• Stroll through the small port of Parentis-en-Born to watch the local fishermen return at the end of the day.

Continue south along the Vélodyssée route. The route takes you through the dunes toward Mimizan. With its flower-filled lake and endless beaches, this historic seaside resort welcomes you for a stopover that blends culture and the ocean.

Suggested activities:

• Stroll through the Île de la Promenade Fleurie in Aureilhan, an exceptional botanical garden right on the water’s edge.

• Take a cultural tour of the UNESCO-listed bell tower

• Watch the sun dip into the Atlantic from the beaches of Mimizan-Plage.

• Enjoy a surfing lesson at one of the resort’s many renowned spots.

Follow the famous Vélodyssée! This section offers perfect bike paths, away from traffic. You’ll reach Lake Léon, a natural gem surrounded by lush vegetation and the gateway to the Courant d’Huchet Nature Reserve.

Suggested activities:

• Cycling down the Vélodyssée, through dunes, pine trees, and ferns

• Picnic along the Contis stream

• Climb the Contis Lighthouse for a unique view of the forest

• Canoe down the La Palue River to Lake Léon

• Swim and enjoy dinner at sunset on Lake Léon.

The route continues southward, passing by coastal lagoons and famous surf spots. You’ll arrive in Hossegor, known for its unique Basque-Landes architecture and its tidal lagoon that ebbs and flows with the tides.

Suggested activities:

• Take a traditional boat ride on the Courant d'Huchet (the “Amazon of the Landes”)

• Go shopping at the famous surf brand outlets

• Swim and enjoy oysters at Hossegor Lake

• Dine at sunset on the lake

Take advantage of a day without luggage to explore these two neighboring seaside towns. From the fishing port of Capbreton to the trendy shops of Hossegor, this stop is perfect for soaking up the local way of life.

Suggested activities:

• Stroll along the Estacade de Capbreton, a historic pier facing the open sea

• Bike ride around Hossegor’s marine lake (6 km of paved trail)

• Tour of downtown Hossegor

• Picnic and sunset on Santocha Beach

The final leg of your loop takes you back to your starting point. You leave the hustle and bustle of the coast behind to rediscover the tranquility of the Landes countryside and the Adour river marshes, a wild landscape that leads you back to the Fontaine Chaude.

Suggested activities:

• Relax at the foot of the Fontaine Chaude in Dax

• Visit the Notre-Dame-Ste-Marie Cathedral or the Borda Museum

• Take a gourmet break to enjoy a Dax madeleine

• End the day with a thermal treatment