The Landes area of Aquitaine stretches down from the Bordeaux coast all the way to the Pyrenees. Mile after mile of sun kissed, white sandy beaches backed by sweet smelling pine forests.

Every now and again the beaches are interrupted by charming seaside resorts such as Biscarosse which enjoys the combined pleasures of the Atlantic ocean and a huge freshwater lake. Indeed there are many large lakes in the area, some near the coast and others further inland near places like Pontenx-les-Forges, Escource and Sore.

The area is superbly adapted for numerous activities including surfing, windsurfing, sailing, fishing and swimming as well as riding and cycling along the forest trails.

Further south there is elegant Hossegor, surf capital and golfing paradise with a long tradition. Lesser known but also pleasant are Soustons, Seignosse, Saint Martin and Seignanx.

Finally there are the Pyrenees and the Spanish border, here the area changes completely and the seaside resorts become bigger and more important, the best known being Saint Jean de Luz and Biarritz.

The countryside is very green, the backdrop of the mountains magnificent and the culture Basque, reflected in the cuisine and the architecture. Ascain is a very typical, thriving Basque village where you can sit in the village square watching the locals play their sport Palote Basque.

The Landes area is accessed via direct flights from the UK to Biarritz or Bordeaux.