While the ocean beaches of the Basque-Landes coast attract a host of tourists in search of sea, sun and sand, the Landes and Basque regions also boast a number of lakes, sheltered from the waves and dangers of the ocean, where children can enjoy a safe swim. Here are the best swimming spots for families within 30 minutes of Camping **** Lou P’tit Pou.
The lakes of southern Landes
Lake Hossegor
Connected to the ocean by the Boudigau canal, the
Soorts-Hossegor marine lake
offers an alternative to ocean beaches: the sea without the waves! There are 4 supervised beaches to discover around the lake. Among them, the Chênes Lièges beach is very popular with families. Choose the end of the day in season to enjoy the shade and tranquility. On the west shore, the Plage Blanche is also very pleasant, with no crowds and shady spots under the pine trees. Close to the Hossegor golf course, the Plage du Parc is a beautiful, little-frequented spot to cool off and take a dip. To the north, Plage du Rey is mainly dedicated to water sports. Also perfect for taking toddlers swimming.
- On-site: free parking, first-aid post in summer, “Handiplage” label (Chênes Lièges and Plage Blanche beaches), showers and WCs, pets not allowed.
- How do I get there? From downtown Hossegor, take Avenue de la Grande Dune. Distance from campsite: 20 km (20 minutes by car)
Port d’Albret lake
Just 200 m from the ocean, between Soustons and Vieux Boucau, the marine lake at Port d’Albret also offers families the chance to swim without the Landes waves crashing onto the beach. With a surface area of 60 hectares, the Port d’Albret lake has several stretches of sand for swimming. Among them, Sauvagine beach is very popular with families. Swimming is supervised in summer, on a gentle, shallow slope. The icing on the cake: the water temperature is warmer than the ocean, up to 24 degrees in midsummer. You can also enjoy a wide range of water sports: paddle, pedal boat, sailing, windsurfing, electric boats…
- On-site: free parking, picnic areas, shops, bars and restaurants nearby.
- How do I get there? In Soustons, follow signs for “Vieux Boucau”. On entering Vieux Boucau, at the “Port d’Albret Entrée Nord” traffic circle, take Avenue de la Petre. Lac Marin is on the right. Distance from Lou P’tit Poun campsite: 40 km (35 minutes by car).
Lakes of the Basque Country
Lake Sames
For an afternoon away from the beach, head for Lac de Sames, 30 km from Bayonne along the Adour river. Nestling on the border between Landes and Béarn, this 18-hectare lake offers an exceptional playground. In July and August, bathing is supervised daily from 12 am to 7 pm. From June to September, the lakefront is home to a 900 m2 aquapark (floating obstacle course, paddle surfing, water skiing, kneeboarding, wakeboarding, wakeskating, paddle, canoeing…).
- On-site: swimming lessons, restaurant, picnic tables.
- How do I get there? Aire du lac: 789 chemin de Bourrouilla, 64520 Sames (30 minutes from Bayonne). + more
Lake Guiche
On the shores of Lac de Guiche in the Basque country, 20 minutes from Bayonne, the atmosphere is relaxed. The bathing area is supervised by a lifeguard throughout the summer season. You’ll be able to relax all day long, swimming, building sandcastles and playing with snowshoes. Under the trees, some take a nap or read a book, while others discover paddling or kayaking at the nautical base. For thrill-seekers, try your hand at water jumping, the freestyle sport of the summer!
- On site: snack bar, picnic tables, children’s play area, soccer fields, pétanque, volleyball.
- How do I get there? Lac des Arroques : 136, chemin du lac, 64520 Guiche (30 minutes drive from Lou P’tit Poun campsite), + infos
photo@Daniel Kirsch/pixabay