When people 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 life shaped by the tides, filming for “Emily in Paris,” and a partially custom-built home.
A personal architectural project conceived as a secret spot
Binard didn’t just stake out a spot to set down his board: he drew up the main plans for his home. The goal? Recreate the flow of a Landes barrel indoors: open spaces, low-angle light, and visual breathing room worthy of a glassy peak.
The construction project showcased local craftsmanship. Maritime pine joinery sawn in Soustons, Labenne bricks for the masonry heater, and clay murals tinted with ochres from the Basque Country: the whole reflects 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 gabled roof, concealed by canal tiles.
- Hemp wool insulation produced in the New Aquitaine region.
Local shapers agree: living in such a Landes home helps reduce one’s carbon footprint while retaining the coast’s authentic vibe. It’s an inspiration also found in the Soorts-Hossegor Architecture initiative, which catalogs models built between the ocean and the forest.
Daily Life: Sessions, DIY, and a Permaculture Vegetable Garden
When the swell is weak, he heads to Fatima Beach in Seignosse for a little late-afternoon glass. Arnaud favors these quiet time slots to stay under the radar, then returns home to prune his heirloom tomatoes or adjust a driftwood shelf. The surf-slow-life mix fuels his lifestyle and fuels his acting: he speaks of a “coastal energy bank” that can be tapped on set.
2026 calendar of surf & cultural events around Hossegor
| Period | Event | Rental | Useful link |
|---|---|---|---|
| April | French Junior Championships | La Nord | Official information |
| September | Quiksilver Festival 2025 (2026 edition postponed) | Capbreton-Hossegor | Full program |
| November | Sustainable Housing Forum | Seignosse-Bourg | Coastal outlook |
Between shoots—“Meurtres à Pont-L’Évêque” proved it once again—Binard remains faithful to Seignosse. There, he meets up with his surf buddies: a veteran shaper, a yoga teacher, and an ER doctor who loves twin fins. The group illustrates the social diversity of the coast, far removed from clichés.
Large family and home design that evolves
Housing four children requires a flexible layout: a modular loft, pass-through bedrooms, and a convertible office when the youngest practices guitar scales. The loft overlooking the living area offers a view of the canopy, while the west-facing terrace becomes an outdoor movie theater 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 oysters from the marine lake. The result: the partial home becomes a multimodal platform, blending theater, surfcraft, and local cuisine.
For those who dream of settling on the coast without blowing their budget, the Travel Smart section offers nomad 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
Though he has made a splash 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 trees shapes the beginnings of each role.
In 2026, his next film project explores Gascon mythology: an esoteric thriller, some scenes of which will be shot in the Tarnos pine forest, proving that the coast remains his life-size studio.
Why did Arnaud Binard choose the Landes coast as his base?
Born in Seignosse, he has found a balance there between filming and surf sessions. The natural setting fuels his acting and provides a network of craftspeople for his personal architectural projects.
What materials are used most in the construction of his house?
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 surfing 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 at the moment. Only a few architects and interior design students have been able to visit 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 development for 2027.