Visiting Biscarrosse
Biscarrosse is a seaside town in the southwest of France, prized for its surf culture. It sits within the Landes department, bordering the Gironde. The town's name is thought to come from the Basque root biskar, meaning ridge. The area has deep historical roots, starting with a medieval castle later transformed into the Renaissance-style château de Montbron. During the Hundred Years War, it was occupied by English troops serving the Black Prince, the Prince of Wales and Aquitaine.
Between massive lakes and the Atlantic Ocean
Biscarrosse occupies a prime spot between the Atlantic coastline and three large lakes, including the lac de Cazaux et de Sanguinet. As the second-largest lake in France, it spans over 5,600 hectares. You will find plenty of water sports here, from paddleboarding and kayaking on the lake to surfing and swimming along the 4 kilometers of Atlantic beachfront: Plage Sud, Plage Centrale, Plage Nord, and Plage du Vivier. Families and thrill-seekers often head to the Aquapark, the world's largest inflatable water park, or play a round at the local golf course located near the Grands Lacs lakes.
The town also played a significant role in the 1930s rise of French aviation thanks to the Latécoère company. Seaplane assembly workshops were established along the lake, and the first flight took place in 1930. Aviation legends like Saint-Exupéry and Jean Mermoz spent time here. You can trace these technological leaps at the seaplane museum, the musée de l'hydraviation.
Nature, heritage, and local traditions
Biscarrosse is framed by the Landes forest. This massive pine forest was planted in the 18th century to stop inland dune migration, and today it serves as a massive playground for hikers and cyclists.
In the old town center, look for the église fortifiée de Saint-Martin. Built between the 14th and 15th centuries, it is constructed from garluche, a reddish iron-rich stone native to the Landes region. For a deeper dive into local customs and regional history, the town's museum of traditions and history features local art and a petting farm.
The town was once known for its Orme Ancien, a 600-year-old elm tree. After the tree died from disease in 2013, the artist Olga Kisseleva created a sculpture to honor its memory.
When to go
The warmer months are packed with outdoor activities. Just be aware that July and August are peak season, meaning the town gets extremely crowded during those two months.
Getting there
The most practical way to reach the area is by car, as there is no direct train service to Biscarrosse. During the summer, the BiscaBus shuttle system runs daily to connect the town center with the beach areas. If you are cycling, the Vélodyssée route, which stretches from Roscoff to Bayonne, passes directly through Biscarrosse.
Between the Atlantic Ocean, the Landes pine forests, sandy beaches, surf spots, the big lakes, and the Dune du Pilat not too far away, there are really some beautiful things to see in the region. Plus, between the rentals and the campsites, there is accommodation for every taste and every budget.