Ocean, Great Lakes and the Landes Forest

Atlantic Coast Family Escape

This family stay revolves around a single base - Biscarrosse - avoiding constant packing and long drives with children asking, “Are we there yet?”. From here, you can alternate between ocean beaches, peaceful lakes, the Landes forest and an excursion to Arcachon Bay. The programme is flexible, easy to adapt, and designed so everyone can enjoy themselves without rushing.

Table of contents

You’ll love it

Choosing each day between lake or ocean

Letting children play while parents finally relax

Exploring the Landes forest easily without getting lost

Discovering Arcachon Bay without changing accommodation

Day 1

Drop the Bags, Forget the Time

The scent of pine trees, a road running along the lake, and the immediate feeling that the holidays have truly begun.

at a glance

a.k.a. Bisca

  • Morning: Arrival in Biscarrosse and check-in. No need to try to “make the most” of the first day, start gently. Take a first walk or bike ride to get your bearings: paths disappearing into the pine forest, signs pointing towards the lake, the warm scent of resin confirming that you’ve arrived somewhere special.
  • Afternoon & Evening: Head to Lake Biscarrosse for a first stress-free swim. The water is calm, warm in summer, and the beaches are well equipped. Children can swim freely while parents settle in the shade with a book they haven’t opened in six months. An evening without plans or goals — simply setting the rhythm for the days ahead.
Destination Biscarrosse

©Biscarrosse, water activities / Hervé PIAUT – Bisca Loisirs

tip

Water Activities Galore

On Lake Biscarrosse, water sports unfold at everyone’s own pace: kayaking for explorers, paddleboarding for those seeking calm waters, or light sailing for anyone eager to venture a little farther. The water is gentle, the lakebed sandy, and instructors at the watersports centres happily guide both children and adults.

View water sports activities

Day 2

Biscarrosse Plage

Waves just impressive enough, sand stretching as far as the eye can see — and children who never want to leave.

at a glance

A Classic That Always Works

  • Morning: Head for Biscarrosse Plage. The Atlantic shows its full scale here: kilometres of sand, steady rolling waves, and supervised swimming areas that allow everyone to relax. Sandcastles, first attempts at riding waves, lively debates about who caught the best one — everyone finds their own rhythm.
  • Afternoon & Evening: After lunch, total freedom: stay on the beach, grab an ice cream along the seafront, or return for a well-earned (and guilt-free) nap. If the weather turns cloudy, the Seaplane Museum is a surprising and very popular alternative for children, with life-size aircraft and immersive historical displays. Return to the ocean in the late afternoon or enjoy a relaxed dinner back in Biscarrosse.
See the presentation video

©Sanguinet, Musée du Lac / Laurent Wangermez

Did You Know?

Budding Archaeologists

Who would imagine that Lake Sanguinet hides five submerged villages beneath its waters? The Lake Museum tells this incredible story through 450 objects recovered from the depths by volunteer divers — dugout canoes, Gallo-Roman jewellery, and Bronze Age ceramics. Activity booklets for younger visitors turn the visit into a real archaeological investigation.

About the Sanguinet Museum

Day 3

Arcachon Bay

The dune rising high, the breathtaking panorama, and children eager to run back down the steepest side.

at a glance

A Complete Change of Scenery

  • Morning: Excursion to Arcachon Bay. First essential stop: the Dune du Pilat. The climb may cause a few complaints along the way, but once at the top everyone falls silent for a moment. The Atlantic on one side, the endless Landes forest on the other, and the shimmering bay below. Guaranteed “wow” effect, even for teenagers pretending not to be impressed.
  • Afternoon & Evening: Descend towards the bay for a completely different atmosphere. Calm waters, gentle beaches in oyster-farming villages, colourful boats moored along the shore: everything changes pace. Stop at an oyster hut to taste the famous oysters of the bay, while younger visitors watch seagulls, boats and fishermen. Return to Biscarrosse in the evening, tired and happy — in that order.
About Arcachon Bay
About Arcachon city

©Enfant sur la Dune du Pilat / David Remazeilles / Gironde tourisme

tips

for Visiting the Giant of Sand

Access, equipment, the best times to visit, and how to respect this remarkable natural site… It’s best to check these practical tips before your visit.

See the visitor tips page

Day 4

Inland Landes

A train through the pine forest, traditional houses, animals roaming freely — the Marquèze Ecomuseum is the kind of place that reconciles everyone with “cultural visits”.

at a glance

Forest, Little Train and Life of the Past

  • Morning: Head inland for a day at the Marquèze Ecomuseum in Sabres. The small steam train that crosses the forest is already part of the adventure — children often remember it as much as the rest. Once there, explore traditional Landes houses, woodland paths, farm animals and carefully reconstructed rural life from the past, enhanced by excellent audio guides. Educational without ever being boring.
  • Afternoon & Evening: After lunch on site or a picnic in the pine forest, extend the exploration by discovering artworks scattered through the nearby Forest of Contemporary Art. Then return to Biscarrosse for a final evening — often marked by a last swim in the lake at sunset or a stroll along the seafront with (one last?) ice cream.
Marquèze Ecomuseum website
La Forêt de l’art contemporain (in french)

©Pastis landais / Landes Attractivité

YUM!

A Taste of the Landes

Landes cuisine is the kind of discovery that creates lasting memories: sandy-soil asparagus, tender duck breast, foie gras for the adventurous, and still-warm pastis landais straight from the oven. The flavours are bold, generous and unpretentious. A dinner at a local inn or a stop at the Biscarrosse market is the perfect way to enjoy local specialities.

Landes Flavours

Day 5

Just a Little Longer…

The last morning always feels special. Bags are packed, but no one is in a hurry.

at a glance

… or already Memories

  • Morning: One final morning of choice — that’s the beauty of Biscarrosse. The lake for one last peaceful swim, the ocean beach to say goodbye to the waves, or the Biscarrosse market to pick up gourmet souvenirs: canelés, pine honey or Espelette pepper jam. No rush. Children get their last sandcastle, parents their final coffee on a terrace beneath the pine trees.
  • Afternoon: Departure late morning or early afternoon, with the satisfying feeling of having truly enjoyed the holiday — without spending the week driving, ticking off sights, or wondering whether you had “seen enough”.

©Biscarrosse, marché nocturne / Alain Vacheron – OT Biscarrosse – CRTNA

TIP

Markets

Markets take place all year round in Biscarrosse and nearby villages. In summer, they happen every day — and even every evening. Dive into a lively atmosphere filled with gourmet stalls and local crafts.

Markets in and around Biscarrosse

By the lake

your accommodation

Campsite Mayotte *****

On the shores of the lake, between pine forest and beach, this family-friendly campsite is an ideal base for the stay. Well equipped, welcoming, just minutes from the ocean and accessible by bike through the forest — everything is in place so that the holiday truly begins as soon as you arrive.

More about Campsite Mayotte

©Biscarrosse, camping Mayotte, piscine / Mayotte Vacances

Good to know

Our tips for enjoying your stay

  • Alternate between lake and ocean depending on mood and weather: the lake is perfect on windy or quieter days, the ocean for energetic adventures.
  • Book the Marquèze Ecomuseum train in advance during summer, as seats sell out quickly.
  • And always keep half a day unscheduled. It almost always proves useful.

Low-Carbon Accessibility

Before you go

Frequently asked questions

Here are some practical answers to the most common questions, to help you plan your stay with ease and confidence.

Yes. The calm lake waters and supervised beaches make it ideal for young swimmers and beginners alike.

No. All excursions are short from Biscarrosse: less than an hour to Arcachon Bay and only a few dozen minutes to Marquèze.

Not at all. Activities are accessible and flexible depending on age and pace. The only real effort is climbing the Dune du Pilat… and the view makes it more than worthwhile.

Rates

indicative budget

(Based on 4 people)

From €800 to €1600 (2 adults & 2 children)
prices vary greatly depending on the season
  • Mobilhome for 1 week
  • Selected cultural site admissions : Seaplane Museum; Parking Dune du Pilat; Marquèze Ecomuseum
  • Water sports activities
The price does not include
  • International transport to/from Biscarrosse
  • Local transfers
  • Meals
  • Optional guided tours
  • Personal expenses and travel insurance

💡 The total budget may vary depending on the season, accommodation category and availability of guided activities. Travelling outside peak summer periods generally allows for a more comfortable budget and a quieter experience.

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