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Hossegor, Landes, France - Guide to Hossegor

Hossegor is a thriving resort on the West Coast of France, the biggest holiday centre between Biarritz and Arcachon, and arguably Europe’s best spot for surfing.

Hossegor is bordered by lush green pine forest, the Atlantic Ocean and its endless beach of fine sand, and skirted by a glittering salt-water inland lake. All this with the backdrop of the Pyrenees on the horizon.

Writers and artists from Biarritz came in the early 1900s, settling around the Lac d’Hossegor to establish an idealistic commune where they could be inspired by the area and each other.

Much of the town’s modern success is based on the exceptional surf. The swell is aided by the presence of the Fosse de Capbreton, an underwater canyon located 2km offshore. You can check out the legendary waves from the comfort of seaside properties in the resort. Evening meals watching the sunset over the surf from the balcony are quite inspiring.

If surfing is your thing, we recommend the official surf school ‘Ecole du Surf’, on Hossegor beach. It was inexpensive and the instructor spoke excellent English.

The famous waves on this glorious sandy beach can get a bit lively, so be sure to only bathe in the areas protected by lifeguards (check for flags) and look out for rips.

The gentle beaches on the side of the inland Lac d’Hossegor are much calmer, and are perfect for young children, the warm salt water creating tiny waves. The long, warm Lac d’Hossegor is bordered by gentle sands, pine forest, and villas in the local style. Why not try your hand at the wide variety of watersports available on the lake (including sailing from the Marina in Capbreton).

The lake links to the ocean via the Boudigau Canal – which separates Hossegor from the neighbouring commune of Capbreton.

Bike rental is a nice relaxed way for the whole family to get to know Hossegor and neighbouring Capbreton early in your visit, while you consider activities for the week ahead.

Also great for children, The Pinède des Singes is a wooded area 8km south of Capbreton, where monkeys imported from Java walk around freely. Atlantic Park in nearby Seignosse (to the North) has water games, slides and whirlpools for all ages from 3yrs. Our children also loved canoeing down the serene Courant d’Huchet from the lake at Leon to the edge of the sea.

There are several market days in Hossegor every week. The generally young crowd means that there are plenty of fashion shops and boutiques to choose between. We loved the retail outlet at Sports Hossegor which includes lots of surf and sports outlets: ‘Zone Artisanale de Pédebert’.

The maritime history of the region ensures excellent seafood, particularly the local speciality of oysters. Trips inland to rural Gasgony are rewarded with excellent foie gras, and floc de Gascogne (a sherry-like aperitif).

Golfers are spoilt for choice with the range of excellent standard courses locally: the two nearest courses are the 1930s-built Golf d’Hossegor and Seignosse, a water and forest monster of a course ranked in Continental Europe’s Top 50. Also in 30 minutes drive are Moliets (also in the Top 50), Biarritz le Phare, Makila, Arcangues and Chiberta.

There is so much to see on day trips from Hossegor – the Pays Basque (Basque Country) to the south includes elegant Biarritz; the stylish fishing port St Jean de Luz, charming mountain villages such as Ascain and Espellette, and over the border into Basque Spain.

Written by Nick Hall - Owner of Property 73899 in Hossegor, France