- In the Southwest of France, there is the Aquitaine region... It
is called "the region of wide open spaces" because everything there
is immense. Two hundred and fifty kilometres of fine sandy
beaches, the largest lakes in France (Hourtin and Cazaux),
the highest dune (Pyla), the biggest pine forest in
Europe (the Landes) and the greatest vineyard of A.O.C. wines
in the world (that of Bordeaux in the Gironde).
This Atlantic coastline provides some interesting water conditions
for the swimmer, body boarder and surfer. Indeed Estagnots is a venue
for many international surfing events.
Sea temperatures are not as warm as the Mediterranean coast, but
this does not seem to deter children and adults alike, from enjoying
the bathing.
Many of the beaches can be reached within 1 ˝ hours. They are well
worth it within their own right but can also be combined in a day trip
to experience:
1) Shopping in Arcachon
2) Shopping in Bordeaux
3) Golf at Lacanau
4) Golf at Arcachon
5) Golf at Gujan-Mestras
6) Golf de Medoc
7) Seafood restaurants in Arcachon
8) Dune de Pylat (Highest sand dune in Europe)
Dune du Pyla
The
105-metre high Great Dune of Pyla, classified since 1978 as a Major
National Site, is a splendor of nature, increasingly remodeled by the
wind from the ocean, where everyone can indulge for the space of a few
hour in dreams of infinity...
The recently and outstandingly equipped shores of Cazaux Lake, the
reception area of The Great Dune and the Atlantic beaches welcome all
those who come for a stay, looking for nature in its authentic form,
for exciting sports and for happy, active holidays.
The classified resort of PYLA-SUR-MER, starting from the forest,
and built around the Great Dune.
More Information
Plage du Nice
Quiet beach,
park your car in amongst the pines and chill out.
Biscarrosse Plage
This beach is set aside for land yachts, kite buggies etc. There is a
sign at the entrance to the beach detailing priorities, rights of way
etc and explaining that pedestrians have to get out of the way! There
is a large car park (free), no shade, and no toilets (out of season).
Mimizan Plage
This photo of Mimizan could be any beach along the coast between
Biscarrosse and Biarritz. There is a large beach car park, surf school
but no shade.
Messanges
Just north of Vieux Bocau, you reach it by going to the village and
finding the road marked to the beach. Just a short walk up over the
dune to the beach. The beach is also a naturalist beach. Park your car
under the pine trees.
Vieux
Bocau
Many accesses to the beach at this resort/town. Main beach has a large
car park and beach access up and over the dune. Surf School present
and beach café!
Hossegor
Probably
the main surfing area, several beaches including the most famous for
surfers, Estagnots. Estagnots has a car park, easy access to the
beach, nearby cafe, restaurants and toilets but there is a media
Frenzy at Estagnots during the QuickSilver Pro France Surf
Competition.
Hossegor Plage is more built up with local facilities.
Biarritz
The place to be if you are rich and famous. Biarritz has 2 good
surfing beaches, one in the town, the other just outside. Park in car
parks (pay). Hang out with the posers!
Bidache
Small village with spectacular ruins. There is a beach and a lake with
giant water slides.
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