When we mention Arnaud Binard, Hossegor’s lineups immediately come to mind: the actor slips into the water at dawn before returning to a cocoon he designed himself. A closer look at a Landes lifestyle shaped by the tides, filming « Emily in Paris, » and a partially custom-built home.
A personal architectural project conceived as a secret spot
Binard didn’t just put down stakes to park his board: he drew up the main plans for his home. The goal? To recreate the flow of a Landes barrel indoors: open spaces, low-angle light, and visual breathing room worthy of a glassy peak.
The construction work gave pride of place to the local craftsmanship. Maritime pine joinery sawn in Soustons, Labenne bricks for the masonry heater, and clay frescoes tinted with ochres from the Basque Country: together, they reflect an interior design where every material tells the story of the coast.
Eco-conscious materials: the essential checklist
- Glued laminated timber from FSC-managed forests.
- Lime plaster to let the walls breathe in the salty air.
- Solar panels integrated into the double-pitched roof, concealed by barrel tiles.
- Hemp wool insulation produced in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region.
Local shapers confirm it: living in this kind of Landes home helps reduce the carbon footprint while preserving the coast’s authentic vibe. An inspiration also found in the initiative Soorts-Hossegor Architecture, which catalogs models built between ocean and forest.
Everyday life: sessions, DIY projects, and a permaculture vegetable garden
When the swell is modest, he heads to Fatima Beach in Seignosse for a “little glassy session” in the late afternoon. Arnaud favors these quiet time slots to stay under the radar, then heads home to prune his heirloom tomatoes or adjust a driftwood shelf. The surf-slow life mix fuels his lifestyle and informs his acting: he speaks of a “bank of coastal energy” he can draw on while filming.
2026 Calendar of Surf & Culture Events Around Hossegor
| Period | Event | Rental | Useful link |
|---|---|---|---|
| April | French Junior Championships | La Nord | Official information |
| September | Quiksilver Festival 2025 (2026 postponed edition) | Capbreton-Hossegor | Full program |
| November | Sustainable Housing Forum | Seignosse-Bourg | Coastal Perspectives |
Between two shoots—“Murders in Pont-L’Évêque” proved it once again—Binard remains faithful to Seignosse. There, he meets up with his session partners: a veteran shaper, a yoga instructor, and an ER doctor who loves twin fins. The group illustrates the social diversity of the coastline, far from the clichés.
Large family and an adaptable home design progressive
Housing four children calls for a flexible layout: a modular mezzanine, through bedrooms, and a convertible office when the youngest practices his guitar scales. The mezzanine overlooking the living area offers a view of the canopy, while the west-facing terrace becomes an open-air cinema in summer.
A closer look at the shared spaces
The shaping workshop is next to the outdoor kitchen: Arnaud repairs his own fins there before whipping up a sake-ginger sauce for the oysters from the marine lake. The result: the partial house becomes a multimodal platform, blending drama, surfcraft, and local gastronomy.
For those dreaming of settling on the coast without breaking the bank, the Travel Smart section offers nomadic tips, while a van road trip remains the ideal way to try out the region before setting down their quiver.
The cultural roots of a surfer actor
Having made a splash on screen in “Sous le Soleil,” “Alice Nevers,” and “Brocéliande,” Binard claims a visceral connection to the Landes. He often rehearses facing the ocean, headphones on, board propped against the railing. The mystical power of the pine tree shapes the beginnings of each role.
In 2026, his next film project explores Gascon mythology: an esoteric thriller, with some scenes to be shot in the Tarnos pine forest, proof that the coast remains his life-size studio.
Why did Arnaud Binard choose the Landes coast as his base?
Born in Seignosse, he finds a balance there between filming and surf sessions. The natural setting nurtures his acting and provides a network of craftspeople for his personal architectural projects.
What materials dominate the construction of his home?
Local maritime pine, Labenne brick, natural lime, and hemp wool form the framework of an eco-friendly Landes home.
Does the actor still take part in surf competitions?
No, he prefers free surfing at first light. His appearances are limited to charity demonstrations or prototype board testing.
Is the house open to the public for tours?
Not for now. Only a few architects and interior design students have been able to discover the place during private workshops.
What are his upcoming TV or film projects?
After « Meurtres à Pont-L’Évêque », an esoteric thriller filmed between Tarnos and Biarritz is in preparation for 2027.
