Dive straight into the greenest lineup on the coast: ten hikes made for 2026, the perfect mix of whispering pines, winding streams, and historical behind-the-scenes. Each route is tailored for trail riders seeking nature, discovery and adventure far from the shoulders of the swell.
Top 10 Must-Do Hikes in Landes: the 2026 Spot Guide
1. Courant d’Huchet: the “Little Amazon of Landes”
A classic more solid than a winter ground swell: 8 to 14 km 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, herons. Traditional boats extend the session to the river mouth.
2. Hossegor–Capbreton: marine lake and gouf under offshore watch
A full loop around the lake (10 km), then a pass above the submarine canyon that boosts Europe’s hollowest waves. Art Deco villas, the Napoleon III pier, and a triple combo of surfing, strolling, and the fish market.
3. Mimizan & Sainte-Eulalie: UNESCO heritage and coastal current
A 12 km loop around Aureilhan Pond, 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 pine forest
Access by little steam train, immersion in a 19th-century airiale century, then 8 to 18 km through the heart of Europe’s largest pine forest. Perfect for escaping the buzz 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 the walk is guaranteed. Ideal in the off-season when the beaches are glassy but cool.
6. Soustons Pond: 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 pond is a flat lineup: safe for kids.
7. Biscarrosse: giant lake tour and seaplane history
A 12 km loop along the west shore, with the seaplane museum as an option and views over the 9,000-hectare waters—basically a true inland ocean-lake.
8. Saint-Sever: rolling Chalosse and listed abbey
10 km, 130 m of elevation gain—rare elevation in the department. A thousand-year-old scriptorium, AOC Tursan vineyards, and views over 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: Three Rivers loop
8 km of tree-lined riverbanks at the Midou-Douze confluence, open-air Despiau-Wlérick sculptures, and bullfighting vibes in the arena. An urban break between two coastal sessions.
Gear checklist: travel light but stay safe
- Breathable low-cut shoes for long sandy sections.
- Waterproof windbreaker: unpredictable westerly winds.
- UPF cap and SPF 50+ sunscreen.
- Filtering water bottle: few water sources on the dune plateaus.
- Offline GPX maps: unreliable mobile network 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 hr 30 min–4 hr | Easy |
| Hossegor–Capbreton | 10–16 km | 50 m | 3–5 hr | Easy |
| Mimizan | 8–14 km | 30 m | 2 hr 30 min–4 hr 30 min | Easy |
| Marquèze | 8–18 km | 30 m | 2 hr 30 min–5 hr | Easy |
| Dax | 8–14 km | 60 m | 2 hr 30 min–4 hr | Easy |
| Étang de 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 hr 30 min–4 hr 30 min | Easy |
| Vieux-Boucau | 7–12 km | 30 m | 2–3 hr 30 min | Easy |
| Mont-de-Marsan | 8–14 km | 70 m | 2 hr 30 min–4 hr 30 min | Easy |
To stretch things out, a van trip detour is doable thanks to the detailed itinerary in this road trip guide, perfect for combining surf spots and hikes. Backpackers who prefer a more rugged format can also check out this mobile travel journal to optimize overnight camping in designated areas.
What is the best season for these hikes in the 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 trails?
Yes, if kept on a leash. Only the Courant d’Huchet Nature Reserve imposes strict restrictions on certain boardwalks 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 surfing and trekking in the same day?
Absolutely: the surf spots in Hossegor, Capbreton, and Vieux-Boucau are less than 15 minutes from many trailheads. A morning session on an offshore sandbar, a hike in the afternoon, and tapas in the evening.