Lakes in the Landes: where to swim with the kids this summer?

The Landes department is famous for its lakes and ponds, where it's great to swim with the kids, sheltered from the waves and currents of the ocean. Here's a quick rundown of the most beautiful swimming lakes to discover during your holiday rental in the Landes!

Lake Soustons and Port-d'Albret

Situated between Soustons and Vieux Boucau, 10 km from our campsite in the Landes, the beach of the marine lake at Port d'Albret (or plage de la Sauvagine) offers a safe, landscaped swimming area, with calm, clear water on one side and the pine forest on the other. Ideal for swimming with the kids, but also for introducing them to sailing, paddle boarding and other water sports. A special mention for the Albret swimming school . Perfect for teaching children to swim in a natural environment!

Lake Léon

Between Moliets and Vielle-Saint-Girons, Lac de Léon is also a popular swimming spot for families. Just 20 minutes from the campsite, this small, sheltered cove offers 340 hectares of water. On the Vielle side, the beach at Lac de Léon is supervised in July and August. The swimming area is marked by buoys. Children can walk everywhere and swim without risk.

Hossegor marine lake

Just 20 minutes from your holiday rental, at the gateway to the Basque Country, Hossegor lake is ideal for families looking for a quiet swim. Linked to the ocean by a canal, the marine lake fills and empties to the rhythm of the tides. The lake is safe to swim in, as there are no waves. The lake has four pretty, gently sloping beaches, all of which are supervised during the summer season. Don't miss the walk around the lake to admire the pretty Basque-Landesque villas.

Lac de Cazaux, Sanguinet

At 55km2, Lac de Cazaux and Sanguinet is one of the largest lakes in the Landes region, with a plethora of fine sandy beaches, including Maguide and Navarrosse (Biscarrosse ) and Pavillon and Caton (Sanguinet ). Swimming is supervised in summer and the many water sports clubs offer a warm welcome to children.

Lake Biscarrosse and Parentis

It's impossible to mention the most beautiful swimming lakes in the Landes without mentioning Lac de Biscarrosse and Lac de Parentis. These two large lakes are linked by the Canal du Littoral, in the middle of which is the small Biscarrosse lake. There are small, discreet beaches in Biscarrosse, Parentis, Gastes and Sainte-Eulalie-en-Born, which are supervised in season. Take the opportunity to visit the hydroplane museum!

A few tips for safe swimming with children

Set back from the ocean beaches of the Atlantic coast, the lakes of the Landes region appeal to families looking for more privacy and safety for their children. Supervised swimming, shallow waters right on the beach, few waves, water warmer than the ocean... all the ingredients for risk-free bathing. That said, you should still follow a few essential safety rules:

• Never take your eyes off your children on the beach. An identification bracelet comes in handy if your child gets lost.
• Equip young swimmers with floatation suits, armbands, buoys or floats.
• Avoid swimming during the hottest part of the day (between 11am and 4pm).
• Protect your children from the sun: factor 50 sun cream, hat, anti-UV swimming costumes or T-shirts.