Planning your stay and wondering what to do in Biscarrosse and around the Grands Lacs? Here's our selection of not-to-be-missed experiences during your visit to the north of the Landes! 👀
Our 10 must-haves in flash mode ⚡
Don't have time to read the whole article? Get to the point with our summary of the top 10 must-sees and must-dos in Biscarrosse and the Great Lakes!
→ Create a "what to do in Biscarrosse" note and pick from our ideas to build your own "coup de coeur" list ❤️🔥
1. Enjoy the ocean beaches of Biscarrosse, between Plage Sud and Plage du Vivier 🏖️
2. Try your hand at water sports on the Grands Lacs: paddle, sail, kayak or wakeboard 🚤
3. Discover surfing at one of the iconic spots on the Atlantic coast🏄
4. Taste Landes gastronomic specialities in local restaurants 🍴
5. Stroll through local markets to meet producers and craftsmen 🧺
6. Explore the heritage and traditions of the Landes through museums and cultural sites 🏛️
7. Experience the festive atmosphere of the Landes at local events, concerts and festivals 🎉
8. Explore the most beautiful walking and cycling routes between lakes, forests and the ocean 🚴
9. Enjoy the Landes forest through nature activities and outdoor adventures 🌲
10. Climb the Dune du Pilat, Europe's highest sand dune located just a few kilometers from Biscarrosse ⛰️
→ In Biscarrosse and around the Grands Lacs, must-do activities include ocean beaches, water sports on the lakes, surfing, markets, Landaise gastronomy, bike rides, the forest and a visit to the Dune du Pilat.
1. Biscarrosse's beaches
It's impossible to visit Biscarrosse without enjoying its long, sandy beaches bordered by the Atlantic Ocean. With 5 kilometers of unspoilt coastline, there's a little piece of paradise for everyone.
Our favorite beaches ❤️🔥
🏖️ La Plage Sud
La Plage Sud boasts a lively atmosphere (bar, restaurant, library on the beach in summer) and close proximity to the shops and restaurants of Biscarrosse Plage.
🏖️ La Plage du Vivier
For lovers of wide open spaces, the Plage du Vivier offers a wilder setting where dunes, pines and ocean meet in a postcard setting 100% Landes.
Your favorite beaches live 🎥
Before heading off to the beach, check out the conditions in real time thanks to our webcams installed all along the coastline, from Plage Sud to Plage Nord.
2. Try out water sports on the Great Lakes
With almost 9,000 hectares of freshwater, the Great Lakes are a huge playground for water sports enthusiasts.
Activities for all ages 👧👵
The calm, shallow waters allow you to practice in complete serenity:
- Paddle
- Canoeing
- Sailing
- Pedal boat
- Catamaran
- Waterbike
- Kitesurfing
- Fishing
- Pinasse ride
- Boat trip
A paradise for families 💕
The lakeside beaches of Navarrosse, Maguide or Sanguinet are particularly popular for their shallowness and warmer waters than the ocean.
3. Surfing at Biscarrosse-Plage
For decades, Biscarrosse has been a benchmark for surfing enthusiasts.
Spots for all levels 📈📉
Biscarrosse's ocean beaches welcome beginners looking to discover the first sensations of surfing, as well as experienced surfers in search of great waves.
🏄♀️ Learn with surf schools
Numerous partner partner surf schools offer lessons, courses and introductory courses throughout the season.
Surfing, bodyboarding and much more
The coast also offers a wide range of surfing activities:
- Bodyboarding
- Longboard
- Kitesurfing
- Stand-up paddle in the waves
🤫 Psst! Discover our online ticketing service to book all your must-do activities and experiences in Biscarrosse and around the Grands Lacs... 🎟️
4. Taste the flavours of Landes gastronomy
Vacations are also an opportunity to discover the specialties of the Landes region and the wider South-West.
🍴 The essentials of Landes cuisine
Emblematic products include
- Foie gras
- Duck breast
- Confit
- Landes sand asparagus
- Local fish products
- Landes Pastis
Restaurants to suit all tastes 👩🍳
Facing the ocean, beside the lakes or in the heart of the Grands Lacs villages, the region's restaurateurs celebrate local flavours and seasonal produce.
5. Stroll through the markets in and around Biscarrosse
Real living spaces, markets are an integral part of the Landes art of living.
🧺 An immersion in local traditions
As you browse the stalls, you'll meet producers, craftsmen and enthusiastic shopkeepers.
Products to bring back in your suitcases 🧳
- Duck products
- Local honey
- Southwestern wines
- Cheeses
- Artisanal specialties
6. Discover the Great Lakes' heritage and traditions
Beyond its natural landscapes, the region boasts a rich and sometimes little-known history.
Exciting museums
✈️ Musée de l'Hydraviation in Biscarrosse
This museum retraces the incredible adventure of the seaplanes that marked the history of world aviation.
🌳 Musée des Traditions in Biscarrosse
This museum features period costumes and objects from the Landes region. Boatmen also offer guided tours of our natural heritage.
🏺 Musée du Lac in Sanguinet
Beneath your feet are more than 4,000 years of history swallowed up by the waters of Lac Nord. This museum takes you on a voyage of discovery of these relics brought to the surface...
Skills rooted in the Landes identity 💚
Gemmeurs, stilt-walkers, pala players and popular festivals are still part of the intangible identity of the region.
Stop at the stand 🏁
Still haven't found your accommodation for your stay in Bisca Grands Lacs? Find the future pied-à-terre for your vacation in Biscarrosse! Forest villa, sea-view apartment, poolside bungalow or half-board hotel: we've got it all 🏠
7. Experience the festive atmosphere of the Landes
In Biscarrosse and around the Grands Lacs, vacations (and not only!) often rhyme with conviviality.
Year-round entertainment ❄️🌸☀️🍂
What to do in Biscarrosse? Concerts, shows, night markets, family entertainment and sporting events punctuate the seasons and answer the inevitable question all year round!
🎉 The spirit of the Landes festivals
Visit calendar of village festivals at Bisca Grands Lacs! Ferias, bandas, festive meals and local traditions immerse you in the culture of the Southwest.
8. Explore the most beautiful routes on foot or by bike
The region boasts a vast network of itineraries enabling you to discover the countryside at your own pace, whether on foot or by bike.
🗺️ More than 145 kilometers of bike paths
The cycle paths cross forests, lakes, dunes and villages in complete safety. Cycling between the 7 communes of the Grands Lacs is one of the must-do activities in Biscarrosse.
Walks for all the family 👣
Whether you're an occasional walker or an experienced hiker, Bisca Grands Lacs has a walk for everyone.
9. Enjoy the Landes forest in a different way
Our pine forests cover 30,000 hectares of our territory and are one of the major natural riches of the Great Lakes.
🤠 Fill up on adventure
Accrobranche, horseback riding, tree climbing, Terra Aventura and other outdoor activities let you discover the forest from a different angle.
Immerse yourself in an unspoilt environment 💚
Guided walks and nature outings are offered throughout the year to better understand the fauna, flora and history of this emblematic massif.
10. Climb the Dune du Pilat
Located less than 20 kilometers from Biscarrosse, the Dune du Pilat is a must-do excursion during your stay.
👀 Europe's highest sand dune
With a height regularly exceeding 100 meters, it offers an exceptional panorama of :
- The Atlantic Ocean
- The Banc d'Arguin
- Arcachon Basin
- The Landes forest
- An incredible sunrise AND sunset
Constantly shaped by the wind and tides, the dune is constantly evolving, revealing different landscapes on every visit.
Why choose Biscarrosse and the Grands Lacs for your vacation?
Rarely does a destination combine so many experiences in a single area: 4 beaches, 3 freshwater lakes, 30,000 hectares of forest, 3 museums and over 400 activities to discover!
→ As a family, with friends, as a couple or on your own, Biscarrosse and the Grands Lacs offer a refreshing break where everyone can create their own memories to the rhythm of their desires...
La FAQ des ✨incontournables✨
Par beau temps, profitez des plages océanes de Biscarrosse, des plages lacustres des Grands Lacs, des activités nautiques, des pistes cyclables ou encore des nombreuses balades en forêt. Vous pouvez également vous initier au surf ou partir découvrir la Dune du Pilat située à proximité.
Même par temps de pluie, plusieurs activités sont possibles : visiter le Musée de l'Hydraviation, découvrir les traditions locales, profiter des restaurants du territoire, se faire un ciné ou encore s’offrir une parenthèse bien-être (massages, hammam, sauna, SPA, etc…).
Un week-end permet de découvrir les principaux sites touristiques. Pour profiter pleinement des plages, des lacs, des activités nautiques, des marchés et des excursions aux alentours, nous vous conseillons de prévoir au moins 1 semaine.
La plage Sud est particulièrement appréciée pour son ambiance animée et sa proximité avec différents commerces. La plage du Vivier séduit davantage les visiteurs en quête de nature et d'espaces préservés, ce qui en fait la plus belle plage de Biscarrosse.
Oui. Les Grands Lacs offrent de nombreuses plages aménagées et surveillées en saison. Leurs eaux douces, calmes et peu profondes sont particulièrement adaptées aux familles avec enfants.
Les 4 principales plages océanes de Biscarrosse offrent des conditions idéales pour le surf, de la Plage Sud jusqu'à la Plage du Vivier. Plusieurs écoles proposent des cours et stages pour tous les niveaux, du débutant au surfeur confirmé.
Les grands marchés de Biscarrosse et Parentis-en-Born permettent de découvrir les spécialités locales, les produits du terroir et l'artisanat landais tout au long de l'année.
Oui. La Dune du Pilat se situe à moins de 20 kilomètres de Biscarrosse. Elle est facilement accessible en voiture, à vélo ou dans le cadre d'excursions organisées.
Parmi les plus beaux sites à découvrir autour de Biscarrosse figurent la Dune du Pilat, le Bassin d'Arcachon et Bordeaux.
Biscarrosse est une destination idéale pour les familles grâce à ses plages sécurisées, ses lacs peu profonds, ses pistes cyclables et ses nombreuses activités de plein air.
Les enfants apprécient particulièrement les plages des Grands Lacs, où l'eau est calme et chaude en été. Les familles peuvent également profiter des balades à vélo, des activités nautiques adaptées aux plus jeunes, des animations estivales, des marchés et des parcours aventure en forêt.
Oui, il est possible de découvrir une grande partie de Biscarrosse sans voiture grâce aux pistes cyclables, aux sentiers de randonnée et aux liaisons du Biscabus (la navette qui relie le bourg, la plage et le lac).
Le territoire dispose de plus de 145 kilomètres d'itinéraires cyclables permettant de rejoindre les plages, les lacs, les centres-villes et plusieurs sites touristiques. Le vélo est d'ailleurs l'un des meilleurs moyens de profiter pleinement des paysages des Grands Lacs.
Biscarrosse est l'une des rares destinations de la côte Atlantique à réunir océan, lacs, forêts et patrimoine riche sur un même territoire. Cette diversité permet de pratiquer de nombreuses activités tout au long de l'année, que vous soyez sportif, amoureux de la nature ou amateur de culture.
