Where should you go in the South-West for a stay focused on nature, tranquility, and reconnecting with yourself? As lovers of “the most beautiful region in France” (completely objectively 😉), here are the 3 areas we recommend for a holiday where you return to what truly matters.
The Landes and the Golden Triangle, between omnipresent pine forests and the beauty of the Atlantic Ocean
The Landes, in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, offer a remarkable diversity of ecosystems across a still largely preserved territory: the maritime pine forest covers 70% of Seignosse, a town renowned for its peaceful atmosphere between land and sea. This pine forest, the largest in Western Europe, provides natural shade and welcome coolness even in the height of summer!
And the entire region is shaped by this omnipresent vegetation:
🌿 The Étang Noir nature reserve in Seignosse reveals exceptional biodiversity accessible via well-designed pathways.
🌿 The Huchet stream, nicknamed the “Amazon of the Landes,” invites you to enjoy contemplative boat trips through a unique wild corridor.
🌿 The Hossegor marine lake offers peaceful swimming without waves… perfect for those who prefer calm waters!
This generous nature can be explored gently thanks to perfectly adapted infrastructure. More than 20 kilometers of flat, shaded cycle paths wind through the Landes forest. They make it easy to explore the region by electric bike, effortlessly and without relying on a car. These greenways connect easily to Hossegor, Capbreton, and the various beaches of the Golden Triangle.
Walking enthusiasts will also enjoy the 40 km of marked hiking trails that weave through the pine forest and along the coastline, offering gentle hikes with no elevation gain. The pure air is sometimes iodized, sometimes rich in pine essences, a natural tribute to the region’s health benefits, also reflected in the thermal spas of Dax.
The kilometers of Landes beaches offer a variety of atmospheres depending on your desires: family-friendly supervised beaches for safety, wild stretches for contemplative solitude, or renowned surf spots to meditate to the sound of the waves. The fine sand, captivating dunes, and above all the vastness of these beaches bring a soothing sense of calm to visitors seeking tranquility.
“We cherish this region where we grew up so deeply that it felt only natural to begin this article by highlighting the generosity of the Landes. The Golden Triangle is one of those magical places where we dream of seeing our children and grandchildren happy in turn… That is why we are so committed to sharing its pleasures and preserving the beauty of its exceptional biodiversity. This deep desire has become the very essence of our project with the 5* Naturéo eco-resort in Seignosse. Our dream was to create a holiday destination that sets new standards, focusing on respect for nature, life, and the pursuit of harmony. Here, travelers reconnect with what truly matters in fully comfortable accommodations made from natural materials, nestled within the pine forest. The activities reflect the gentle Landes atmosphere: free yoga, nature walks, cycling outings, pétanque, Nordic walking, pottery, paddleboarding, massages, meditation, naturopathy… It’s so easy to fall in love with our beautiful region and feel at home here.”
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The Arcachon Bay, for peaceful holidays in the land of the Dune du Pilat
The Arcachon Bay, further north, is appealing for its calm waters, contrasting with the Atlantic Ocean waves along the southern Landes coast. This protected inland sea offers safe and peaceful swimming. Sheltered from ocean winds, the region benefits from a microclimate that ensures mild weather all year round.
The authentic oyster-farming villages – Andernos-les-Bains, Gujan-Mestras, La Teste-de-Buch, Canon-L’Herbe – invite visitors to discover a fishing port atmosphere, far from the hustle and bustle of major seaside resorts.
As in the Landes, the diversity of natural sites around the bay can be easily explored thanks to well-developed tourist facilities:
🌿 The Dune du Pilat (Europe’s highest, 110 m) features a staircase of 160 steps leading to the summit, offering a breathtaking 360° panorama over the bay, the ocean, and the forest.
🌿 The Teich ornithological reserve offers 6 km of boardwalk trails with 20 observation huts to admire more than 260 bird species – a paradise for wildlife lovers!
🌿 The Certes-Graveyron estate (530 hectares of former salt marshes) provides flat, bucolic walks from 6 to 12 km among reservoirs, sluices, and dikes where herons and egrets thrive.
🌿 The Île aux Oiseaux and its iconic cabins can be reached by boat for peaceful excursions on the water.
The Arcachon Bay also stands out for its exceptional soft mobility: more than 220 kilometers of flat, perfectly maintained cycle paths circle the bay, allowing visitors to explore each village effortlessly by electric bike. In addition, boat shuttles connect Arcachon to Cap Ferret, offering a charming alternative to driving.
For those hesitating between the Landes and Arcachon Bay, the main difference lies in the atmosphere: the Landes captivate with their omnipresent forests and invigorating ocean beaches, while the Arcachon Bay charms with its calm waters and peaceful oyster-farming ambiance. The two destinations actually complement each other perfectly, being just an hour apart.
The Basque Country, between gentle mountains and villages with authentic charm
The French Basque Country, neighboring the Landes in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques, combines preserved nature with rich cultural heritage. Unlike alpine landscapes, Basque mountains remain accessible, with gentle peaks and trails suitable for all levels.
The natural and cultural treasures of the Basque Country can be discovered in every village:
🌿 Ainhoa, Sare, and Espelette (listed among the Most Beautiful Villages of France) reveal their white houses with colorful timber framing and their pelota courts where the Basque spirit resonates.
🌿 Biarritz, Bayonne, and Saint-Jean-de-Luz combine architectural heritage, lively food markets, and elegant seafronts.
🌿 The Iraty Forest and the Sare caves immerse visitors in preserved mountain nature and ancient Basque legends.
🌿 The coastal paths offer 50 km of easy walks between sea and cliffs, with routes adaptable to all preferences and abilities.
The thermal spa town of Cambo-les-Bains enhances the region’s wellness offering, while the renowned Basque climate ensures remarkable mildness even in winter. And of course… local markets overflow with regional products! Espelette pepper, Ossau-Iraty sheep’s cheese, Bayonne ham, and Basque cake turn every getaway into a culinary journey.
“This complementarity between accessible nature, living heritage, and generous gastronomy appeals to those seeking both cultural discovery and immersion in stunning landscapes. We know how much people love the Basque beauty, as our guests often take advantage of Naturéo’s proximity to visit the region. It’s not always obvious, but Seignosse is only 30 minutes from Biarritz, Bayonne, and Saint-Jean-de-Luz. That is why many lovers of South-West nature choose to stay at the Naturéo eco-resort in Seignosse. One foot in the Landes, the other in the Basque Country, and the full richness of the Atlantic coast to unwind!”
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Not yet familiar with what an eco-resort is, or want to learn more about how certain holiday rentals honor the nature of the South-West? Discover the commitments that gave birth to Naturéo and to this unique escape designed to help you recharge far from everyday hustle.
