Les Landes, a land of the South-West, known for its forest of nearly one million hectares and its sun-drenched beaches, is an attractive tourist destination for lovers of art, history and nature.
Ideally located south of the Landes forest, Mont-de-Marsan, capital of the Landes, is a festive city with a rich historical heritage. Come and discover this ancient fortified city through its medieval streets and make a real leap in time at the foot of the remnants of immense ramparts. Near the donjon Lacataye, 15th century Romanesque remains, contemporary art buffs will linger at the Musée Despiau-Wlérick. Its great specialty : figurative sculptures made between 1880 and 1950. The museum has more than 1800 works inside its medieval buildings surrounded by green gardens. This is not surprising : Mont-de-Marsan is a high place of sculpture. Every three years, the city organizes the Mont-de-Marsan Sculptures festival during which several contemporary artists and artistic collectives make the city their playground. In the summer, the commune is bubbling with life. The Magdalen Festival, which takes place every year in July, brings together many local associations on the streets of Montois. On the program, a parade of chariots, bewitching balls, free shows, funfair, fiery bullfights and, of course, the famous Landaise competition (a type of fun and acrobatic bullfighting).
Another major city in the department, Dax is a spa resort whose warm waters and bullfighting tradition have been famous since Antiquity. The vestiges of this glorious period are found everywhere in this great city. First of all, visit the historic center of the city to discover the archaeological crypt, the remains of a Gallo-Roman construction discovered in 1978. Although the foundations of the monument remain, Established that it would be a civil basilica dating from the 1st or 2nd century of our era. On both sides of the town, you will also encounter pieces of Gallo-Roman ramparts of the 4th century. Much more recent, the Arena of Dax is a central point of the city. Built in 1913 in the Andalusian style, their main purpose is to host bullfights and other bullfighting shows such as the Grand Landais Contest and the Toro y Salsa Festival. Nowadays, it is also possible to attend concerts and other cultural events.
The Landes are also (and especially, in summer) animated seaside resorts. A former fishing port of great renown, Capbreton is today recognized as a major tourist destination on the coast. The coasts of the Landes are particularly popular for surfing and most water sports are practiced there, for both beginners and experienced sportsmen. The seaside is also perfectly arranged for lovers of swimming and relaxation. And to go as close as possible to the ocean, do not hesitate to take the long Napoleonic boom on the seafront.
