The Landes

It was to describe the Landes, and more specifically Mimizan, that the expression “Côte d’Argent” (Silver Coast) was coined by Maurice Martin, a chronicler and adventurer, on 20 March 1905. He had recently led an “exploratory caravan” along the coast, including 17 poets, musicians and painters.

Little by little, the fishing villages and their peaceful lakes became seaside resorts renowned for their mild climate and the beauty of their beaches. Well known in artistic circles for its “school” formed around the writers Justin Boex, aka Rosny Jeune, and Maurice Martin, Hossegor developed from 1923 onwards with the construction of hotels, a golf course, a casino and many villas.

The decorators and architects of the time not only gave the town remarkable unity, but also started up a regional style known as "Basque-Landes", which became famous all over the world. 

With 106 kilometres of beaches and powerful waves, the Landes part of the Atlantic coast has forged a reputation as one of the prime choices of surfers. Biscarrosse, Moliets, Seignosse, Capbreton, Ondres… A stage in the world championship is held each August in Hossegor, where the headquarters of the Fédération Française de Surf has been based since 1984.

To find out the quality of the water in all swimming areas (ocean and freshwater) in this département, visit the website of the Ministry of Health:
http://baignades.sante.gouv.fr