Just over a 5-minute drive from the sweeping Atlantic beaches and dunes of the Landes coast, Villa Littoral sits within 1.2 hectares of garden and natural grounds on the edge of a forest. Fly into Biarritz, San Sebastian or Bordeaux Airports or it is less than a 3 hour drive from Bilbao’s ferry port. Gare de Dax (35km) has fast train arrivals from Paris Gare Montparnasse.
Close to Moliets-et-Maa, the villa is in a rural setting yet not secluded with other neighbouring houses (including
Le Lodge Littoral). A small supermarket is 1.6km away whilst the traditional village centre is only a little further with its boulangerie, butchers, tabac, pharmacy and small handful of places to eat. Continue on towards the coast for more restaurants, surfing schools, tennis courts and a highly regarded 18-holf golf course with ocean views. The sandy beach at Moliets-et-Maa (3.7km) is huge and a paradise for surfing enthusiasts – lessons for beginners can be arranged.
Slightly to the north, paddle in the gentler waters of the Courant d’Huchet that flows from L’Étang de Léon. Indeed, the Réserve Naturelle du Courant d'Huchet offers idyllic walks through the marshlands and wild nature or discover the 12km long natural wonder by boat where you can learn all about the local flora and fauna. The protected nature reserves around Étang de Moliets and Étang de la Prade are also ideal for walking and cycling. Fishing is possible with a permit from the tourist office.
Furthermore, discover forest walking and cycling routes straight from the villa. Indeed bikes are a great way to explore the local area (bikes can be hired and delivered to the villa with plenty of advance notice before you travel). A network of cycling paths, La Vélodyssée, connects the local area to the coast, pine forests, other nearby villages and beyond. For those who don’t wish to travel too far, cycle through the forest to the pretty Chapelle Saint-Laurent de Maa passing traditional Landais houses.
The Landes region offers a variety of fantastic day trips. Trendy Hossegor (25km) is just half an hour drive to the south, famed for its surfing vibe and often referred to as the surfing capital of France (competing with Biarritz!). For a change of scene, visit the attractive town of Dax (35km) with thermal spring waters and spas.
There are a variety of other glorious surfing spots along the Côte d'Argent as far as Plage de Mimizan (53km) to the north or you could even continue towards Arcachon (127km) for white wine and oysters overlooking the bay. Not to mention the great city of Bordeaux (147km), less than two hours by car.
To the south, slightly closer to home, is the bustling town of Biarritz (78km), also known for its great surfing beaches from Anglet to Guéthary. Meanwhile, the picturesque city of Bayonne (63km) is a lovely day out with its attractive Basque houses, grand cathedral, chocolate shops, museums and riverside setting.