Our campsites for caravans, tents and motorhomes in the Landes

106 kilometres of beach near your campsite in the Landes

When one thinks of the Landes, one thinks above all of the Atlantic Ocean. It must be said that a single beach of fine sand hemmed in by dunes stretches for 106 kilometres without interruption. Ideal for basking in the Landes sun during your camping holiday on the Atlantic coast. Unless you prefer to indulge in the regional sport of surfing. The rollers of the ocean make the South Atlantic coast in France a popular destination for surfers from all over Europe to challenge the ocean waves. These 106 kilometres of beach are punctuated by 15 seaside resorts with different styles that will please everyone: Hossegor, the French surfing capital, Capbreton with its lively seafront, Biscarosse which is one of the largest seaside resorts on the coast, Mimizan and its gentle way of life, Seignosse, popular with sportsmen and women, Vieux-Boucau and its pedestrian shopping streets, Moliets and its golf course set on the dune, Messange and its large beaches Labenne and its blockhouses transformed into works of art, Vielle-Saint-Girons and its wild beaches, Lit-et-Mixe whose beach is one of the most beautiful in the Landes, the peaceful resort of Contis, Soustons, divided between the ocean and the marine lake, Ondres and its very natural seafront or Tarnos, the most southern of the Landes seaside resorts. There is something for everyone near your campsite by the ocean in the Landes.

Nature holidays on a campsite in the Landes

Set back from the coastline lies the vast pine forest of the Landes. A preserved natural area, punctuated by lakes that offer a pleasant alternative to the Atlantic Ocean when it is a little too rough. You will have plenty of time to discover this forest on foot or by bike. There are some 600 kilometres of cycling and walking paths. Rarely have you had so much fun cycling with your family. To fully appreciate the charms of the Landes forest, you can go for a walk in the Landes de Gascogne regional park. This natural park invites you to discover the authentic Landes during a canoe trip on the Leyre, this small river which ends its course in the Bay of Arcachon and offers almost 90 kilometres of waterways in the depths of the forest, in a tunnel of vegetation, a visit to the Marquèze ecomuseum which plunges you into the life of the Landes of 150 years ago, or the Arjuzanx National Nature Reserve, where the cranes come to winter.

votre camping en bord de lac dans les landes

While the waves of the Atlantic Ocean are a delight for surfers, some prefer the calm waters of the lakes set back from the Landes coastline. These lakes, nestled in a forest setting, are ideal for water sports and swimming. The lake of Cazaux-Sanguinet is the second largest lake in France with its 55 km². It is bordered by numerous beaches as well as small marinas and water sports centres. It is linked, via the coastal canal and the Biscarosse lake, to another large lake, the Parentis-Biscarrosse lake, which covers 35 km². In addition to these two large lakes, the Landes hinterland is dotted with smaller and larger lakes such as Lake Léon, where you can take the Huchet Stream, Lake Hossegor with its fine sandy beaches and the Port-d’Albret marine lake at Vieux-Boucau. Wherever your campsite in the Landes is, there will always be a lake nearby to go swimming in.

The Landes, a land of culture and tradition

Of course, nature is the number one asset of the Landes. However, the traditions and cultural riches of this region should not be forgotten. Wellness and gastronomy are on the agenda for your camping holiday in the Landes. For wellness, the Landes can count on its 5 thermal spas. Dax and Saint-Paul-lès-Dax are home to 16 of the 19 thermal baths in the Landes. This is the perfect way to get back in shape after a few good things during your stay in the Landes. Because the Landes is also a region of good food, proud of its culinary traditions. Among the emblematic dishes, there is of course duck and all its variations (confit, foie gras, etc.), but also asparagus and Armagnac. You can combine gastronomy and heritage during your camping stay in the Landes in New Aquitaine. From Labastide d’Armagnac, one of the most beautiful bastides in the Landes, built in the 13th century, a walk takes you from castle to castle on the large estates where the delicious brandy is produced.

Our selection of campsites in the Landes

A selection of the most beautiful campsites in the Landes for holidays in a caravan, tent or motorhome.

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bayonne, City of art and history at the confluence of the nive and the adour

From the Pic du Midi de Bigorre where it rises, the Adour takes a diversion through the Gers and the Landes before ending its journey in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques at Anglet. Only a few kilometres before it meets the Atlantic Ocean, its waters welcome the Nive river, which comes from the mountains of Basse-Navarre. At the confluence of the river and the Nive, the city of Bayonne has grown, at the crossroads of the Pyrenean and Atlantic cultures. The Romans had already chosen this site to set up a port and a garrison camp. The commercial activity of this port exploded during the English domination under the Plantagenets. In the 15th century, when Bayonne became part of the Kingdom of France, the town became a stronghold and remained so until the dawn of the 20th century. The citadel and ramparts built by Vauban at the request of Louis XIV bear witness to Bayonne’s military past. Very well preserved and enhanced by green spaces, these ramparts are a pleasant place to walk in Bayonne.

Bayonne was awarded the City of Art and History label in 2011. It owes this in particular to its well-preserved old town where Sainte-Marie cathedral stands proudly. This beautiful Gothic cathedral, topped by two majestic spires, was built between the 13th and 16th centuries. It opens onto a superb cloister, the largest cloister in France. From the cathedral, the rue du Port-Neuf leads to the banks of the Adour. This street is one of the most typical in the city. It is lined with arcaded houses that house craftsmen and terraces of cafés and restaurants. If you are a chocolate lover, don’t miss a break at Cazenave, a particularly famous chocolate maker in Bayonne. Take the time to stroll through the pedestrian streets of the old town and admire the beautiful facades of the half-timbered houses. One of the most beautiful views is probably from the banks of the river Nive, where tall houses are crowded together. The ideal spot for a souvenir photo of Bayonne to take back from your camping holiday in Bayonne with your caravan, tent or motorhome. If you have time, a visit to the Basque Museum will allow you to learn more about the regional culture and the history of the city.

Bayonne, a gourmet city

In addition to its architecture, Bayonne also stands out for its many traditions and its gastronomic wealth, with its famous ham at the forefront. It is a must for any stay in the Basque Country. Protected by a PGI (Protected Geographical Indication), this ham must respect very precise specifications: selection of breeds, salting with Salies du Béarn salt and a minimum of 7 months maturing. It can be eaten as tapas, accompanied by guindillas (sweet peppers in vinegar), in the many bars of Bayonne. If you like ham, choose to come camping in Bayonne during Holy Week. This is the date when the Bayonne Ham Fair is held, a convivial and gourmet moment.

The other great gastronomic speciality of Bayonne is its chocolate. Cocoa arrived in Bayonne in the 17th century in the suitcases of Jews expelled from Spain and Portugal. The presence of the port and the intense trading activity then contributed to the development of the chocolate industry in Bayonne. From the 19th century onwards, Bayonne was considered the chocolate capital of France. This tradition has been maintained to this day, as can be seen from the many chocolate shops, pastry shops and confectioners that dot the shopping arcades of the Rue du Port-Neuf and the pedestrianised streets of the old town. To learn more about Bayonne’s chocolate, you can opt for the guided tours organised by the tourist office or visit the chocolate museum. You can also time your stay in the Pyrénées-Orientales around the dates of the Bayonne chocolate days. For 3 days in May, the city celebrates its chocolate with visits, tastings, etc. Whatever you do, make sure you fill up on chocolate during your camping holiday in Bayonne, otherwise your friends will be angry with you!

The festivities in Bayonne

Let’s be clear. If you like crowds of people and music until the end of the night, the Bayonne Festivals are for you. If, on the other hand, you want to visit Bayonne peacefully, choose another date for your camping holiday in the Basque Country. For five days, on the last weekend of July, the city centre, which is closed to traffic, is invaded by hundreds of thousands of people in white and red colours to watch the Landes cow races, fireworks, Basque pelota tournaments, popular dances and concerts that take place all over the city. It’s festive and friendly and there’s something for everyone. Unless of course you prefer peace and quiet!

Our campsites in Bayonne

A selection of caravan, tent and motorhome campsites near Bayonne.

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Charming towns and villages to visit during your camping holiday in the Périgord

What stands out the most when listing the towns and villages of the Périgord is the incredible richness of this territory. With no less than 10 villages classified as the Most Beautiful Villages in France, the department has a unique heritage. The highlight is the Dordogne valley. Within a few kilometres, no less than 4 listed villages await you, nestling in the meanders of the river, so close that they sometimes seem to be watching each other: Domme, perched on the heights, offers an unrestricted view of the Dordogne, La Roque-Gageac, which stretches along the river, or Castelnaud and Beynac, dominated by their castles. So many jewels that make the Dordogne a splendid necklace. And if these four villages were not enough to make you happy, they are only a few minutes away from Sarlat. With 66 listed monuments in an area of 11 hectares, Sarlat is in the record books. Roofs of lauze, cobbled streets and blonde stone buildings make up the decor of this perfectly preserved Renaissance town. Don’t miss the opportunity to discover it during your camping holiday in the Dordogne.

However, the Périgord is not limited to the banks of the Dordogne. With its 44 listed monuments, Périgueux seems to want to compete with Sarlat. Although the city boasts a Roman history with its Vesunna museum, it is the cathedral of Saint-Front, with its white stone and Byzantine domes, that best symbolises the city. To the north of Périgueux, don’t miss Saint-Jean-de-Côle, which is one of the 10 listed villages in Périgord, and Brantôme, whose abbey, steeped in history, is the pride of the Périgord Vert.

The Dordogne, from one castle to another

In addition to the listed villages, the Périgord has a myriad of castles that bear witness to the region’s glorious history. From your campsite in the Dordogne, there is bound to be a castle to visit. Of all these, the castle of Puyghuilem is one of the most surprising. With its Renaissance architecture, this elegant building is more reminiscent of the castles of the Loire. The castle of Hautefort was once a stronghold before it became a residence with a French garden in the 19th century. Once the property of Josephine Baker, the château des Milandes is also famous for its formal garden, which is now used as the setting for a bird of prey show. On the edge of the Agenais region, the château de Biron has watched over the borders since the Middle Ages. When you visit it, you will no doubt recognise the setting for cloak and dagger films such as D’Artagnan’s Daughter. When one speaks of Monbazillac, one thinks above all of the wine. Whether you like wine or not, the Château de Monbazillac alone is worth a visit.

camping in nature

Of course, the Dordogne has a rich heritage to discover from the campsite where you spend your holidays. But the Dordogne also has beautiful green hillside landscapes where the Vézère, Dordogne and Dronne rivers meander. In the north of the department, the Parc Régional du Périgord Limousin is located. It is an area of plateaus and hills suitable for hiking and cycling. In all seasons, the region enchants the nature lover, whether in spring when the orchids bloom or the mushrooms in autumn. Among the treasures of this region where water is everywhere, go for a walk to the Saut du Chalard waterfall or to the Tourbière de Vendoire. This 65-hectare peat bog is an island of preserved nature. Educational trails invite you to discover these surprising landscapes.

the dordogne in prehistoric times

The heritage of the Périgord does not date back to the Middle Ages, but much earlier. Indeed, the Dordogne is one of the world’s leading centres for prehistory and cave art. The most famous site is of course the Lascaux cave. This cave, discovered in the 1940s, is one of the most beautiful decorated caves in the world. In order to preserve the original, a facsimile was built to welcome the public. In 2016, a new version opened its doors in Montignac with Lascaux IV, International Centre for Cave Art. During your camping holidays in the Dordogne, don’t miss the opportunity to discover this fantastic site using all the latest technologies to immerse yourself in prehistory. Several campsites in the Dordogne allow you to stay close to Montignac to facilitate access to the cave. Lascaux is not the only prehistoric site in the Périgord. The Vézère Valley has one of the largest concentrations of prehistoric sites in Europe. Fifteen of them have been listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites. Among the must-see sites in the Vézère valley, the Roque-Saint-Christophe, a limestone wall with dwellings, and the National Museum of Prehistory at Les Eyzies-de-Tayac, which will give you a better understanding of this period.

canoe trip and balloon ride

Canoeing and hot-air ballooning are two of the great classics for discovering the green, hilly landscapes of the Dordogne. There are many rivers where you can go canoeing. The Dordogne, the Vézère and the Dronne are just some of them. Ask at the reception of the campsite where you are staying during your camping holiday in the Périgord for the best addresses for a canoe trip. As the sun descends over the Dordogne valley, it’s time for the hot air balloons to come out. It is a superb spectacle that colours the Perigordian sky every evening. If you have the opportunity, take a ride in one of these hot-air balloons. You will discover the Dordogne, its listed villages and its castles from another angle.

Gourmet Dordogne

More than any other region in France, the Dordogne is associated with gastronomy. Black Périgord truffles, foie gras, confits, ceps and walnuts are all delicious Périgord specialities. They can be tasted in restaurants, of course, but also on the traditional markets. They are of course washed down with Bergerac wines. The Bergerac vineyards, in the western Dordogne, produce delicious red wines such as Pécharmant, but also rosés and whites, as well as the famous sweet wine of Monbazillac.

To learn more about truffles, be sure to visit the Musée de la Truffe in Sorges.

The campsites in the Dordogne often have a restaurant where you can taste recipes based on the emblematic products of the Périgord. Take advantage of your holidays in the Dordogne to go and eat there. And if you are looking for something a little more gastronomic, the campsite managers will be able to show you their best gourmet addresses around the campsite.

Our campsites in Dordogne

A selection of campsites in the Dordogne for holidays in a tent, caravan or motorhome.

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The marshes of the Île d’Oléron

We arrive on the island of Oléron by a bridge. Built in the 1960s, it was in its time, with its 3 kilometers long, the longest bridge in France. The first place was taken over by the Saint Nazaire Bridge in 1974. It remains today the third longest bridge in France (behind the bridge of the island of Ré). The crossing is free. It can be crossed by car, of course, but also on foot and by bicycle thanks to a bike path connected to a network of 130 km of bike paths that run through the island.

As soon as you arrive on the island, you discover a typical landscape of the island: the marshes. The island of Oléron has one of the most important wetlands in France. About 40% of the island is covered with marshes! For a long time, these marshes were dedicated to the production of salt. Since the 18th century, they have been used for the production of the famous oysters of the island of Oléron, the Fine de Claire. In the marshes of the island of Oléron, you will find many oyster huts to taste these oysters protected by an AOC. The port of the Salines,with its label “Echappées Nature”, invites you to learn more about the salt production on the Isle of Oléron with visits – tasting and workshops for children.

In addition to the production of oysters and salt, the marshes of the island of Oléron are a paradise for migratory birds and especially waterbirds such as geese or waders. Most of the marshes on the island of Oléron are now protected. They are classified as Natura 2000 Protected Natural Areas. Be sure to go for a walk on your camping holiday on the island of Oléron to appreciate the richness of its flora and fauna. In total there are more than 250 species of birds on the island of Oléron and 140 species of plants! In the south of the island, the Bris marsh is covered by a footpath. It can be visited alone or in the company of a nature guide. Depending on the season, he will introduce you to the many orchids that bloom there.

The beaches of the Isle of Oléron

One of the main reasons to come to the island of Oléron are, of course, the beaches. The island has 100 kilometres of coastline, most of which is made up of beaches. In many parts of the island you will find long sandy beaches that are suitable for to sunbathing as well as water sports, but also smaller beaches sheltered from the ocean or bordered by the forest. There’s something for everyone. One of the most popular beaches is Boyardville Beach thanks to its stunning view of the famous Fort Boyard. Surfers and snowboarders will be favouring the Huttes beach in the North of the Island.

The heritage of the Île d’Oléron

Although essentially made of wild landscapes, the island of Oléron has an interesting heritage strongly marked by its island character. Of course, the most famous monument is FORT BOYARD which stands off the island and which you can admire during cruises. This stone vessel in the middle of the sea was meant to be a defensive place on the mouth of the Charente river. At the end, this building turned out to be useless and have been abandonned for years. It gained a new celebrity at the late 20th century with the TV Game that uses the fort as a seeting. Fort Boyard should have completed the defensif network made of the citadel of the Château d’Oléron and the stronghold of Brouage, laid out by Vauban, or Fort Louvois. The CHASSIRON LIGHTHOUSE,in the north of the island, offers a superb panorama of the island, La Rochelle and the island of Ré from the top of its 224 steps (we counted for you!). Among the various villages on the island of Oléron, LA COTINIERE is probably the one that is worth a visit. This lovely fishing port nestles on the west coast of the island. Don’t miss the sight of boats returning from fishing to unload bars, soles or langoustines. The perfect place to buy fresh fish to enjoy on your CAMPSITE ON THE ILE D’OLERON.

Our campsites for tents, caravans and motorhomes near the island of Oléron

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Brantôme Abbey: 1200 years of history in Périgord

Brantôme’s history goes back to prehistory. The rocky overhangs dug by the Dronne were then used as shelters for men. From this period, one can still admire the dolmen of Peyrelvade. In the 8th century, Benedictine monks imitated prehistoric men and took refuge in the shelter of the Brantôme cliff. The abbey was then founded by King Pépin le Bref, and his son Charlemagne deposited the relics of Saint Sicaire there. Pope Leo III consecrated it at the beginning of the 9th century.

Although destroyed during the Norman invasions at the end of the first millennium, Brantôme Abbey developed in the 10th and 11th centuries. It then acquired a Romanesque-style bell tower. It is still in place and dominates the abbey. It is one of the oldest bell towers in France. History was not always fond of Brantôme Abbey. During the English occupation in the 15th century, in particular, it was partially destroyed. Then rebuilt in a Gothic style. It then continued to expand with the creation of a palace and an abbey garden with Renaissance influences.

Brantôme Abbey has now become a cultural centre with a library and exhibition rooms. The most beautiful is without a doubt the room of the Dorm of the Monks, with the characteristic frame in the shape of a boat hull. You can admire it during your visit to the abbey. In addition to the abbey, you will discover, several hundred meters away, troglodytic remains inherited from the first monastery. This route takes you to the Cave of the Last Judgment, carved from a bas-relief. It is also dug with dovecotes where the monks raised pigeons they enjoyed eating.

Walk in Brantôme

However, the abbey is not the only reason to go to Brantôme. Its history can be read in the beautiful buildings of its old town that oscillate between the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. The Gate of the Reformed and the Church of Our Lady, in particular, deserve to be seen. In front of the abbey, take the time to go for a walk in the old gardens of the abbey. You will discover the Medici fountain and the Saint Roch tower. In the past, this tower closed the wall of the abbey. A twin tower completed the abbey’s defensive system, but this one disappeared.

A small living town

Although Brantôme has a rich historical heritage, it remains a very lively little town. As soon as the sunny days arrive, the waters of the Dronne are covered with canoes and the terraces of bars and restaurants fill up. For the fullness of Brantôme, choose, if you can, to visit it on Friday morning at its market. This is an opportunity to sample some of the gastronomic specialties of the Périgord.

Brantôme is a small town. There are car parks close to the city centre. You can easily park there and then visit the city on foot. Guided boat rides on the Dronne are also a pleasant way to enjoy the charms of the Venice of the Périgord. In addition to the abbey and the historic centre, these boat tours will also take you outside the city to appreciate the richness of the wildlife of the banks of the Dronne.

More about Brantôme and its region: www.perigord-dronne-belle.fr

Our campsites in Brantôme

A selection of the best campsites for caravans, motorhome and tents, in Brantôme or its surroundings.

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Our campsites nearby

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