Lakes, beaches, and Europe’s largest forest surround this Atlantic Coast town.
A town of two halves and two lakes, Biscarrosse is one of the Landes’ most popular seaside resorts. Choose between seafront Biscarrosse Plage with its surf breaks, sand dunes, and Atlantic Ocean views, or the lakeside town of Biscarrosse with its two lakes. To the north, Lake Cazaux-Sanguinet has sandy beaches, an Aquapark, and water sports, while the southern Lake Biscarrosse-Parentis is a seaplane base and fishing hub. Campers have plenty of options, too. Check into a 5-star campsite with direct access to Maguide or Navarrosse beaches, rent a family-friendly mobile home, or escape the crowds at a quiet rural Hipcamp.
Just north of Biscarrosse in the Gironde department, Arcachon Bay is the highlight of the “Cote d’Argent” (Silver Coast), famous for its white-sand beaches, oyster farms, and year-round sunshine. Take in the views from the Dune du Pilat, the highest sand dune in Europe; relax on the sheltered beaches of the bay, then hop on the ferry to the Cap-Ferrat peninsula to hike or bike along miles of forest trails.
With more than 65 miles of sandy beaches and some of France’s best surf spots, the Landes coast is the perfect place for a coastal camping holiday. Head to the sandy shores of Mimizan and Aureilhan, a short drive from Biscarrosse, or continue south to the resort towns of Capbreton, Hossegor, and Vieux-Boucau, where lakes, nature reserves, and golf courses pepper the coast.
The vast Landes forest is one of the largest pine forests in all of Europe, rambling over the border of the Landes and Gironde departments. The Landes de Gascogne Regional Natural Park starts just outside Biscarrosse and harbours miles of hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding trails. You can also take to the water to canoe and kayak along the Leyre river and go bird-watching around the surrounding wetlands.
Biscarrosse fills up with holidaymakers from June through September, and the balmy summer weather is ideal for cooling off at the lake. July and August see the biggest crowds—and the highest accommodation prices—but this is also the most atmospheric time to visit with evening markets, festivals, and beachside firework displays. Camping season runs from April to October, and many campgrounds close in the quiet winter season.