Hossegor is a must-see seaside resort in southwest France. As the surfing capital of Europe, more and more surfers are coming to enjoy the incredible waves and relaxed atmosphere on the beaches and in the streets of the town center. During a stay in Hossegor, you can store, admire beautiful Landes villas, discover the lake, play golf and cycle in the beautiful surrounding countryside. Hossegor is the place to be with these 13 must-do activities.
1. Spend time at the beach
Hossegor is lined with long beaches that stretch as far as the eye can see. Most are supervised during the summer months. Plage Sud is a city beach, with pretty houses lining the golden sands. The central beach is very popular with families, with a pedestrian promenade lined with stores, cafés and restaurants. All Hossegor's beaches are frequented by surfers, but their favorite spot is Plage de la Gravière. It's a famous surf spot! Naturists also have their own Hossegor beach , Plage Nord. It is supervised in season, and everyone is welcome in a friendly atmosphere.
2. Take surfing lessons
Hossegor is the surfing capital of Europe, so now's the time to try out this water sport and test your sense of balance! There are several surf schools in the town, run by professionals who are keen to introduce the public to the sport and pass on their passion. Surfing may be quite technical, but you'll learn a lot about the sea, currents and how to handle the waves. You'll see, you can't help but improve. Surf culture is everywhere in Hossegor. Not just on the beach, but also in the town and its shops.
We recommend that you book your surf lesson with a certified instructor right here .
3. Shopping in Hossegor
Between two sessions on the beach, there's nothing like a little shopping spree in downtown Hossegor. In a seaside atmosphere, you'll discover boutiques selling ready-to-wear, shoes, surf and beach accessories, not forgetting sunglasses and cosmetics. You'll find everything you need to complete your wardrobe and equip yourself for the beach, with top brands and local designers. You can also take home something to decorate your home. A very pleasant stroll, which can be accompanied by a tasting of sweet treats.
4. Stroll around Lac d'Hossegor
Holidaymakers looking for a change of scenery can head for Lac d'Hossegor, a marine lake linked to the Atlantic Ocean by the Hossegor canal. The water level varies according to the tides. The lake is surrounded by a pretty pine forest, and here and there you'll see villas with Basque-Landesque architecture. A stroll of just over 7 km will take you all the way around and allow you to enjoy the peace and quiet of the area. A number of restaurants and oyster huts line the banks. Perfect for enjoying oysters with a view! Swimming is possible in fine weather, thanks to a number of equipped beaches. All of which makes Hossegor one of the ideal retirement destinations.
5. See a demonstration of Jaï Alaï
Visit Jaï Alaï is a variant of Basque pelota. The sport consists of bouncing a ball on an enclosed, walled area, trying to accelerate it with a wicker basket placed at the end of a leather glove. Hossegor was the first French town to equip itself with a facility for the practice of this sport. If you're in thearea during the summer months, you'll want to catch a demonstration. Watching the professionals is quite impressive, with a ball that can reach speeds of 200 to 250 km/h.
6. Discover the Sporting Casino
The Sporting Casino is a monument to Basque-Landes architecture, typical of the 1930s. Its facade is sublime, with elements sculpted by a local artist. It's a not-to-be-missed entertainment venue in Hossegor, even during the winter vacations, with gambling of course, but also a restaurant, bar, swimming pool, mini-golf course and even exhibitions. Special events take place regularly, to coincide with the major events of the year. Please note that you must be at least 18 years old and show proof of identity to enter the gaming room.
7. Stand-up paddling in Hossegor
A trip to Hossegor is the perfect opportunity to discover or perfect stand-up paddling, an activity not to be missed on a waterside vacation. The principle is simple: stand up on a board, often inflatable, that resembles a sailboard, and paddle to move forward and change direction. The best place for this water sports activity is the calm waters of Lac d'Hossegor. There are several types of stand-up paddle. You can practice alone, in tandem, or even with up to 6 people on a Big SUP! A great way to test your balance before discovering surfing.
8. Test the course at Golf d'Hossegor
Visit Golf d'Hossegor is one of Europe's top 50 golf courses and is set in exceptional natural surroundings of pine and cork oak. The course's typically British layout is well protected from the wind. Access is subject to certain conditions, such as possession of a valid FFG license. Golf d'Hossegor also has a restaurant for those wishing to spend the day. There's no doubt that Hossegor is a sporting town, with infrastructures and activities to suit everyone.
9. Glide over the water in a canoe
Les Landes is an ideal destination for outdoor living and seaside pleasures. We were just talking about Lac d'Hossegor for stand-up paddling. Well, from mid-April to mid-October, the Rey beach around the marine lake also offers Canadian canoes and Hawaiian pirogues for hire. Other fun ways to get into the water, with family or friends. These activities are available from age 7, and include boat, paddle and lifejacket hire. The rental company also requires the ability to swim. There's no better way to have a good time and enjoy the natural surroundings.
10. Treat yourself to a bike ride
For those who don't already know, Hossegor is crossed by the Vélodyssée®, France's longest cycle route. Starting in Norway, it ends in Portugal. For cycling enthusiasts, a stay in this nature and relaxation vacation par excellence is an opportunity to rent a two-wheeler and enjoy a ride through Europe's largest pine forest and protected areas rich in biodiversity. The Landes is criss-crossed by 163 km of cycle paths, so there's plenty to do if you enjoy exploring the countryside by bike.
11. Relaxing on the Place des Landais
Place des Landais is the lively heart of the town. It's where locals and visitors alike like to meet at the end of the day for a drink, dinner and, why not, a nightcap. It's a very pleasant place, with magnificent Basque-Landes buildings, unobstructed ocean views and, since the recent renovation, places to sit and protect yourself from the sun. A word of advice before leaving the square: take a look at the mural "La Vague" just behind it. A great place for souvenir photos.
12. Stroll through the Hossegor market
It's hard to imagine a seaside vacation without spending some time stocking up on good local produce at the market. During the summer months in Hossegor, the market is held at Place des Halles on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. It's a great opportunity to stock up your fridge with fresh fruit and vegetables and local specialities. There are also stalls selling ready-to-wear, jewelry and beachwear. The Hossegor market always attracts crowds in summer. There's even an evening craft market in Parc Rosny every Sunday from early July to late August.
13. A day out in Capbreton
Capbreton is a seaside resort close to Hossegor. You can therefore take advantage of your stay to discover the only port in the Landes region. Another must-see is the estacade, a wooden pontoon over the sea built by Emperor Napoleon III, with a lighthouse at the end. Of course, spending time on the beach is Capbreton's other main activity, with no less than 7 stretches of sand where you can lay your towel and enjoy the ocean. You can't leave town without passing through the pedestrian street. As well as being a hub of commercial activity, it's also home to some lovely half-timbered houses.
Where to stay in Hossegor? Our selection of the best hotels
Like any self-respecting seaside resort, Hossegor has no shortage of places to stay to enjoy its beaches and surfing atmosphere. The best places to stay are close to the beach, near the lake or in the heart of the forest. Here's our selection of 3 of Hossegor's finest establishments.
- Hôtel 202, close to the town center
This establishment boasts modern, fully-equipped rooms with balconies. It boasts a beautiful swimming pool with wooden deck and a sauna for relaxation. The Hossegor golf course is just 50 m away. It's also very close to the town center, the beaches and the Place des Landais for nightlife.
- Pavillon Bleu, for a view of the marine lake
The hotel is located on the shores of Hossegor lake and can be booked injust a few clicks here. The soberly decorated rooms feature balconies with a soothing view of the marine lake. There's also a bar where you can enjoy an aperitif at the end of the day. The location is perfect for enjoying the lake and its water sports. Prices remain reasonable, so check here for hotel availability !
- Le Mercedes, for the iconic
This is an iconic hotel in the south of the Landes region that you can book right here. Its typical architecture catches the eye, and the rooms breathe in the sea and the beach. You're immediately in the mood. The hotel offers parking, a bar, laundry facilities and a lovely swimming pool for a dip. It faces the Hossegor canal, not far from the lake and just 900 m from the central beach.
Planning a vacation in Hossegor? Don't miss out on the must-sees in the Landes and Nouvelle-Aquitaine regions!
Family activities in Hossegor
Hossegor is a top destination for families looking for a seaside vacation. Its beaches are magnificent, with supervised swimming in season. The Plage Centrale is particularly popular with children, who are sure to make new friends! Families can also enjoy a stroll, picnic or water sports activity on the calm waters of Lac d'Hossegor. Another tip for children is to take their bikes out into nature, particularly in the heart of the Landes forest. The best reward will be a snack in the center of Hossegor, over an ice cream or a gourmet waffle. And if you're just a short drive away, parents and children can take advantage of the many attractions on offer, including the Labenne Zoo and Seignosse's Atlantic Park.
Find below the trendiest activities to do during a stay in Hossegor:
