Department Landes hotels - Book hotels in France at great rates

The Département Landes is in south west France in the Region Aquitaine. There are unending forests and enormous sandy beaches stretching for miles. Biarritz is probably the most famous of all the Atlantic coastal resorts and found its fame thanks to the patronage of the Empress Eugenie who loved the picturesque coastline and even had a palace contructed here. A stroll along the promenade culminating in the view from the top of the 44 meter high lighthouse is wonderfully relaxing. The old harbour is a rocky cove and also has a sandy beach and some wonderful cameo views.

The cathedral of Ste-Marie in Bayonne from the 13th Century is said to be one of the finest sacred buildings in France. The Musée Basque has many fascinating exhibits about the Basque region of France and its culture and traditions. The annual Ham Market at Easter encourages many visitors to the city. The Citadel dating from 1680 sits high above the city and offers some excellent views.

St-Jean-de-Luz has been a fishing port since the Middle Ages and now is also a popular holiday resort – even in winter due to the mild climate. Here it is also possible to visit the birthplace of the composer Maurice Ravel. Another well known resort on the coast is Vieux-Boucau-les-Bains . The Route Nationale 10 takes you directly to the area.

Population: 359 500 (2006)

Main towns: Mont-de-Marsan, Dax, Tarnos