Dive straight into the coast’s greenest lineup: ten hikes tailor-made for 2026, a perfect mix of whispering pines, winding currents, and historical backdrops. Each route is designed for trail riders seeking nature, discoverydiscovery and adventure away from the swell’s shoulders.
Top 10 Must-Do Hikes in Landes: the 2026 Spot Guide
1. Huchet Current: the “Little Amazon of Landes”
A classic more reliable than a winter groundswell: 5 to 9 miles of trails carpeted with ferns and water lilies between Léon and Moliets. A protected nature reserve, with negligible elevation gain but XXL biodiversity—European pond turtles, otters, and herons. Traditional boats extend the session to the estuary.
2. Hossegor–Capbreton: marine lake and gouf under offshore watch
Circle the entire lake (6 miles), then head above the submarine canyon that boosts Europe’s hollowest waves. Art Deco villas, the Napoleon III pier, and a triple combo of surf, strolls, and the fish market.
3. Mimizan & Sainte-Eulalie: UNESCO heritage and coastal current
12 km loop around Lake Aureilhan, with a technical stop at the listed Romanesque bell-tower porch and a finish among the Art Deco beach villas. Ideal for a post-hike paddle launch.
4. Sabres – Marquèze Ecomuseum: a historic ride through the pine forest
Access by small steam train, immersion in a 19th-century airialethen 8 to 18 km through the heart of Europe’s largest pine forest. Perfect for escaping the bustle of overcrowded spots.
5. Dax: Adour riverbanks and thermal steam
8 to 14 km between Gallo-Roman ramparts and a 64°C hot spring. A recovery session with local peloid mud after your walk is guaranteed. Ideal in the off-season, when the beaches are glassy but cool.
6. Lake Soustons: the great stork loop
16 km of almost entirely flat terrain, birdwatching stations, and the option to combine it with the Soustons current as far as Vieux-Boucau. The lake remains a flat line-up: safe for kids.
7. Biscarrosse: giant lake circuit and seaplane history
12 km loop along the western shore, with the seaplane museum as an option and views over waters spanning 9,000 hectares — in other words, a true inland ocean lake.
8. Saint-Sever: rolling Chalosse countryside and a listed abbey
10 km, 130 m elevation gain — a rare climb in the department. A millennium-old scriptorium, Tursan AOC vineyards, and panoramic views of rolling hills: a terroir-style roller coaster.
9. Vieux-Boucau & Penon: artificial marine lake and shifting dunes
7 km around the saltwater basin created in 1976, then an extension toward the Moliets dunes for a shot of preserved landscapes. The perfect spot before a sunset session at La Sud.
10. Mont-de-Marsan: the Three Rivers loop
8 km of tree-lined riverbanks at the Midou-Douze confluence, open-air Despiau-Wlérick sculptures, and a bullfighting vibe in the arenas. An urban break between two coastal sessions.
Gear checklist: travel light but stay safe
- Breathable low-cut shoes for long sandy stretches.
- Waterproof windbreaker: unpredictable westerly winds.
- UPF cap and SPF 50+ sunscreen.
- Filtered water bottle: water sources are scarce on the dune plateaus.
- Offline GPX maps: mobile coverage is unreliable in the forest.
Quick comparison of the 10 trails
| Route | Distance | Elevation gain | Average duration | Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Courant d’Huchet | 8–14 km | 30 m | 2 h 30–4 h | Easy |
| Hossegor–Capbreton | 10–16 km | 50 m | 3–5 h | Easy |
| Mimizan | 8–14 km | 30 m | 2 h 30–4 h 30 | Easy |
| Marquèze | 8–18 km | 30 m | 2 h 30–5 h | Easy |
| Dax | 8–14 km | 60 m | 2 hr 30 min–4 hr | Easy |
| Lake Soustons | 10–16 km | 30 m | 3–4 hr 30 min | Easy |
| Biscarrosse | 10–18 km | 40 m | 3–5 hr | Easy |
| Saint-Sever | 8–14 km | 130 m | 2.5–4.5 hours | Easy |
| Vieux-Boucau | 7–12 km | 30 m | 2–3.5 hours | Easy |
| Mont-de-Marsan | 8–14 km | 70 m | 2.5–4.5 hours | Easy |
To extend the adventure, a van-trip detour is possible thanks to the detailed itinerary in this road trip guide, perfect for combining surf spots and hikes. Backpackers who prefer a more back-to-basics format can also check out this mobile logbook to optimize overnight camping in authorized areas.
What is the best season for these hikes in Landes?
Spring (April-June) and fall (September-November) offer temperatures of 18-25 °C, moderate crowds, and trails less exposed to wildfire risk.
Are dogs allowed on all the routes?
Yes, if they are kept on a leash. Only the Courant d’Huchet Nature Reserve imposes strict restrictions on certain footbridges to protect wildlife.
Do you need a specific permit to hike in a state forest?
No, access is free. In summer, check for any temporary closures due to fire risk posted by the ONF and the prefecture.
Can you combine surf and trekking in the same day?
Absolutely: the spots in Hossegor, Capbreton, and Vieux-Boucau are less than 15 minutes from many trailheads. Morning session on an offshore sandbank, afternoon hike, tapas in the evening.
