Waves calling you at sunrise, a generous natural setting to recharge far from daily life, vast open spaces where you can finally breathe freely… Ah, the South-West! But when you travel as a group, everyone comes with their own expectations. Where should you go so that everyone finds their happiness? Here are our two favorite spots for a trip with friends in the South-West, along with our tips for finding accommodation that suits your whole group.

The Landes, where surfing meets nature

There’s something magical about the Landes… Perhaps it’s the maritime pine forest covering 70% of Seignosse, forming the largest forest in Western Europe. Or that unique light filtering through the branches at dawn, when the air is filled with resinous scents. Here, nature is not just a backdrop: it surrounds you and brings you back to what truly matters. The Golden Triangle – Hossegor, Seignosse, Capbreton – embodies this perfect harmony between waves and pine forest.

A true surfer’s paradise

Hossegor hosts the World Surfing Championships every year at the legendary La Gravière spot, where riders from around the world come to challenge the ocean. In Seignosse, the four beaches (Bourdaines, Estagnots, Casernes, Penon) offer waves for all levels, while surf schools provide group sessions and tailored lessons. And then there’s that special atmosphere… a community of surfers gathering at sunrise, sharing coffee after their session, exchanging knowing glances as the sets roll in. It’s a whole lifestyle.

But the Landes offer so much more than surfing…

It’s also the Étang Noir nature reserve, where you discover local biodiversity along wooden walkways, with the feeling of walking through a preserved ecosystem. It’s the Huchet stream, this “Amazon of the Landes,” where traditional boat rides immerse you in a wild corridor between lake and ocean. And those endless beaches, stretches of fine sand where you can run, laugh, or simply relax facing the horizon.

For those who prefer cycling, 600 kilometers of flat bike paths wind between forest and coastline. You can explore the area as a group, stopping for an impromptu picnic under the pines. Or head to Hossegor to browse the surf shops before ending the day with a drink on a terrace.

In the evening, Capbreton comes alive around its old port, with restaurants serving fresh oysters. Meanwhile, Soorts-Hossegor, more urban and lively, echoes with laughter and music. Life here is enjoyed at a gentle pace, a Landes rhythm that invites you to slow down without ever feeling bored.

🌿 Read to plan your stay: Must-see and must-do experiences in the Landes

The Basque Country, another vibrant soul just thirty minutes further south

What if you went a little further south? Just thirty minutes away, the Basque Country offers a completely different atmosphere. Green mountains flow down to the ocean, and the wild nature is striking.

Here too, it’s all about surfing and legendary waves

Basque surf spots rival those of the Landes in their global reputation. The Côte des Basques in Biarritz attracts surfers from around the world with its powerful waves breaking against the rocks, while the Cavaliers in Anglet offer long left-handers beloved by longboarders.

Further south, Guéthary and Bidart reveal more technical reef breaks where locals carve elegant lines. Cenitz, Parlementia, Lafitenia… each spot has its own character, its regulars, and its legends.

The Basque surf atmosphere differs from that of the Landes: more rock-inspired, more urban, with a strong cultural dimension blending surfboards and Basque pelota, wetsuits and traditional espadrilles.

The Basque Country also offers breathtaking mountain landscapes

The La Rhune peak, rising to 900 meters, offers a stunning view over both the coastline and the Pyrenees. The 50 kilometers of coastal paths wind between cliffs and hidden coves, with routes adaptable to your energy level. The Iraty forest invites group picnics under centuries-old beech trees, the Sare caves tell ancient legends, and the Cambo-les-Bains thermal baths soothe tired muscles after surf sessions.

Going out and experiencing the Basque way of life

For groups of friends who enjoy extending the day, Basque towns offer a contagious festive energy. Bayonne comes alive with its pintxos bars, where you move from counter to counter with a glass of txakoli and slices of cured ham. Biarritz combines Belle Époque terraces facing the ocean with surf bars where international riders and locals meet. And of course… Saint-Jean-de-Luz, with its port, grilled fish restaurants, and lively streets. Basque celebrations have a unique generosity that turns any evening into a lasting memory.

Our tips for finding accommodation that suits everyone

🌿 Choose flexible accommodation options

Avoid rigid all-inclusive packages. Instead, look for resorts offering either nearby individual units for those who value privacy while still gathering easily in the evening, or spacious villas that can accommodate the whole group comfortably.

🌿 Check the variety of on-site activities

Surf schools, bike rentals, yoga classes, wellness areas, swimming pools, restaurants, and grocery stores… Having everything accessible without relying on a car allows everyone to plan their day according to their own desires. And that keeps everyone happy.

🌿 Choose a strategic location

Ideally, a base that allows easy access to different atmospheres: calm beaches, lively nightlife, cultural heritage, preserved nature… This central positioning ensures everyone finds what they’re looking for within a short distance.

🌿 Finally, for eco-conscious groups, choose genuinely committed eco-resorts

For example, those working with the National Forestry Office or offering immersive nature experiences. This attention to harmony creates a more authentic and peaceful atmosphere.

🌿 From a lodge for 12 people to cabins nestled in the pine forest, discover our accommodations and our philosophy for your next group trip to the South-West.