Manoir Mer et Lacs is set in six acres of grounds, just on the outskirts of Soustons, in the Landes department in south-western France. You can walk to the centre of the village in about 1km, where you will find restaurants, café-bars and supermarkets on the outskirts for everything you may need. Look out for festivities from spring to autumn, including the lovely spring festival with its tulip parade in April. You can also enjoy some of the typical cuisine of this region in traditional restaurants and farms in this area, as well as summer markets in local villages and towns.
This is a great position because you are close to both the huge lake, Étang de Soustons (3km) as well as the Atlantic coast with the beach around 10km away. Around the main lake you will find a number of watersports such as sailing, pedalos and paddle-boarding as well as kilometres of walking paths and cycling trails through peaceful countryside filled with wildlife.
Nearer the coast there is also a marine lake with superb beaches and shady pines near the dunes of the Atlantic, an especially lovely place for younger kids to splash around without the Atlantic waves of the coast. Again, there are some lovely walks around here and parts are only accessible by foot or bike.
The Atlantic beaches are also fantastic and surfing is a popular pastime here due to the brilliant waves and tides. There are surf schools here or for the less adventurous just enjoy the amazing surroundings and stunning pine forests, ideal for picnics and walks. Further south, the beaches of Seignosse, around 15km away, also offer long sandy beaches, surfing spots and one of the best golf courses in France.
Just twenty minutes south, Hossegor is another hot-spot for surfing and there are some great shops and lovely cafes and restaurants, many of them cool surfing hang-outs. Lac d’Hossegor also offers wind-surfing and paddle boarding. Following the coast further south, you reach the beautiful beaches of Anglet, the picturesque inland city of Bayonne (44km) and the glitz and glamour of coastal Biarritz (55km).
A little closer to home, Dax (27km) is a spa-town dating back to the Roman times, famous for its hydrotherapy. The town is full of history and in the heart of the town is the ‘Fontaine Chaude’, an impressive warm fountain and is now a ‘Monument Historique’. In the middle of August there is a huge festival with bull-fighting, traditional Basque pelota and huge parties as well as fireworks and family-friendly activities.
The Region
Aquitaine’s reputation as a varied and enchanting destination is well-earned – whether you’re looking for relaxation or excitement, this beautiful part of south-western France is a feast for every one of the senses.
