Between the forest and the ocean, on the border between the southern Landes region and the Basque Country, Ondres is one of those typical Seignanx villages that deserve more than just a detour. What to see and do in Ondres during the vacations? Follow the guide!
A small Seignanx village on the outskirts of Bayonne
In the south-western Landes region, between
Labenne
and Bayonne, Ondres is a small seaside resort that is a must-see during your stay at our
4-star campsite
Lou P’tit Poun. Just 10 minutes from your vacation rental, discover an authentic Landes seaside resort, with its beach, lake, forest and much more.
Set in an unspoilt natural environment, it’s also a tourist village of some 6,000 inhabitants, with a church, pelota court and trinquet, as well as shops and craftsmen. Every Sunday morning, the town center hosts an attractive open-air market offering a wide choice of quality produce: fruit, vegetables, fish, cheese, poultry, delicatessen, delicatessen…
Ondres beach, overlooking the Basque Country
Supervised from mid-June to mid-September,Ondres beach stretches over 2 kilometers and offers magnificent panoramic views of the Landes dune belt to the north and the Basque mountains to the south. In the central area, there’s a beach volleyball court for sunbathing and a surf school for safe surfing. For the record, it was here that Joan Duru, one of the most gifted French surfers of his generation, learned to surf! At dune level, along the Promenade de l’Océan, a number of shops, bars and restaurants offer refreshments after a swim.
Practical: in July and August, the free Txik Txak shuttle takes you directly from the village to the beach!
Every year at the end of August, the commune of Ondres organizes the Fête de la Dune. Come and enjoy the reading of tales, stories and songs on the theme of the sea, with your feet in the sand, while discovering this fragile environment.
Hiking, biking and horse trails
The pine forest offers many opportunities for walking, cycling or horse riding. Once exploited for its wood, pine cones and resin, it now guides hikers along marked and developed footpaths.
Cycle tourists are also spoilt for choice. The “Vélodyssée” cycle route links the town of Ondres to the ocean (3 km) on a long straight stretch lined with pines, oaks and mimosas. From Ondres to
Tarnos
The cycle path then offers cycling enthusiasts a pleasant ride through the forest.
Horsemen and women are not left out: bridle paths run along the beach and through the forest. To be discovered with the Haras des plages instructors for unforgettable memories.
Lakes and ponds for fishing
Several lakes and ponds surround the village, including Etang du Turc, Lac de Garros, Lac de la Laguibe, Etang de Beyre and Canal de l’Anguillère. People come here for the nature, the walks and bike rides, and especially for the fishing. In particular, we recommend a visit to the Etang du Turc, home to fine populations of carp, pike-perch and black-bass.
Landes folklore with the Seignanx shepherds
In Ondres, numerous local associations keep Gascon traditions alive: Basque pelota, cow races, lively meals, village festivals… Among these are representatives of Basque-Landesque culture, les Bergers du Seignanx a folkloric group of dancers on stilts, offer dance performances on stage and street entertainment at markets all summer long, accompanied by traditional musicians.
Photo@mairie d’Ondres