In the heart of the Landes: The 7-day cycling escape:

You leave Dax and head gently inland, away from the coast. The route is flat, alternating between small country roads and the first paths among the pines. You cross part of the Haute Lande before reaching Arjuzanx, famous for its huge nature reserve and lake, a former open-cast mine that has been turned into a bird paradise.

Suggested activities:

• Supervised swimming in Lac d'Arjuzanx (in season).

• Birdwatching: the site is renowned for its overwintering of grey cranes (depending on the season).

• Short walks or bike rides around the lake to soak up the peace and quiet.

This short stage takes you to a unique and unmissable site in the region: the Écomusée de Marquèze. The route takes you through an increasingly dense pine forest, giving you a feeling of tranquillity and a change of scenery. You'll reach the site via Sabres station for an immediate immersion experience.

Suggested activities :

• Visit the Écomusée de Marquèze: Board the historic train to discover the life of Landes shepherds in the 19th century.

• Lunch or picnic on the grounds of the ecomuseum.

• Discover the traditional architecture of Landes houses (airials).

It's a day of change! You'll be leaving the forest atmosphere of the interior and heading for the coast. The route is mainly through state-owned forest, following the cycle paths. The air is filled with the scent of the sea as you approach the ocean. The arrival at Contis-Plage rewards you with a view of its emblematic zebra lighthouse, the only one in the Landes.

Suggested activities :

• Climb to the top of the Contis lighthouse (the only striped lighthouse on the coast).

• Enjoy the vast, unspoilt beach of Contis.

• Take a gourmet break in one of the resort's small restaurants.

This short, pleasant stage alternates between coastal cycle paths and pine forest crossings. You'll have plenty of time to explore the small seaside villages before arriving at Lac de Léon. This lake marks the presence of the Courant d'Huchet, one of the natural gems of the Landes.

Suggested activities:

• Take a trip in a galupe (traditional boat).

• Swimming or water sports on Lac de Léon.

• Dinner by the lake.

The route follows the famous Vélodyssée, skirting the marine lakes and beaches of the south coast. You'll pass through Moliets, Vieux-Boucau and Seignosse. This day is all about surfing and waves. Arriving in Hossegor, you'll be immersed in a chic and sporty atmosphere, around the famous marine lake and surfing competitions.

Suggested activities :

• Stroll and shop around the Plage Centrale.

• Discover the Basque-Landesque architecture of the villas in Hossegor.

• Admire the surfers at the famous spots of La Gravière and La Nord.

• Taste the local oysters.

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 lifestyle.

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

For a change of pace, you leave the coast and take an inland route back, avoiding the same route you took on the outward journey. You'll pass through more open woodland and farmland, passing through some charming little villages. The route is ideally flat and easy, taking you gently back to Dax, the town of fountains and the River Adour.

Suggested activities in Dax :

• Relax around the Fontaine Chaude.

• Visit the Dax Arena and Cathedral.

• Enjoy an evening sampling the culinary specialities of the Landes region (magret, foie gras).

• End your stay at the Splendid in Dax