Lacanau : Fun at the beach and cycling in the forest

I love going to Lacanau! With its wide beaches, pine forests and lake, there are beautiful nature walks to do. Follow me for a bike ride on the bike paths and a seaside walk!

A mountain bike ride in the Landes forest

Did you know that the Landes forest (which covers 3 departments, including the Gironde) is the largest artificial forest in Europe? It has been planted with maritime pines by man to stabilize the ground and dry up the numerous marshy areas. Imagine the life of the inhabitants of the time between the sand dunes near the coast and the swamps in the land? Today, while strolling on the bike paths, it is hard to realize that we ride on a land that was once very hostile!

The beautiful bike paths of the Landes 

I recommend the route between Lake Lacanau and Lake Hourtin-Carcans. It is an exceptional bike path that passes through the pine forests. I made twenty kilometers and you can choose your distance because it is not a loop. The path is varied, pleasant and it feels so good ! But be careful, it's climbing. We go on the dunes and even if the ground of the tracks is paved, the difference in altitude changes all the time: it goes up, it goes down then it goes up again. But what a joy to have fun in such an environment.

When we take a little height, we have a beautiful view of the forest 

The more adventurous will be able to take the sand tracks along the cycle tracks ... I tested and it is not very efficient.

We met a lot of courageous parents who were equipped with an ingenious traction system to hang their child's bike on their bike so that everyone can enjoy the ride: the Trail Gator!

A bike path well indicated 

The path I recommend is a green way to the famous Vélodyssée, the longest bike route in France! It allows to cross the Hexagon from Roscoff to Hendaye in 1250km.  Before embarking on a tour of France, let's go back to our ride.

Impossible to be wrong, the path is well indicated! 

To start this walk, I advise you to park at Lacanau Lake, on the parking lot of the Moutchic beach. Then take the forest road, turn left once and then right and you will cross the beautiful bike path.

The Moutchic beach, on Lacanau lake 

In order to better prepare your trip, take a look at the map of bike paths in Gironde which lists the various greenways of the area, points of interest ...

Promenade by the sea in Lacanau 

Now that we have spent well in the woods, let's go to Lacanau beach! This is one of my favorite places to go for a swim. There are 4 beaches in Lacanau but I always go to the Central Beach because we find the nature side with the beautiful sea and miles of sand but also many shops and very good restaurants! 

A meal with such a view, do you like it? 

The bike ride has opened our appetite and just arrived at Lacanau Océan, we rush to the restaurant l'Assiette. A friend had strongly advised and good comments found on the internet have convinced me. In my turn, I can only recommend it to you. It's good, fresh, not very expensive!

The delicious specialty of the restaurant l'Assiette 

I opted for the specialty of the house: Rice, small vegetables, melting fish and an indescribable but tasty sauce. All with sea views. In short, a very good plan

For the evening, I have another address to recommend: the bistro pigs. I have been to many times and each time it is a treat. Enough about cooking, let's go back to the beach ...

Now go to the beach! 

I love this place because everyone finds its place. That we like spending hours reading on his briefcase, building the most beautiful sand castles, surfing ... We can do it in Lacanau beach and besides, the beach is watched all summer long.

It is also possible to rent electric bikes adapted to ride on the sand at low tide. Those of Aloha Bike are great and very stylish! The rental agency even offers reservations at 7am to enjoy the beautiful colors of the sunrise ... it promises magical moments!

At low tide, we take the opportunity to ride on the beach - Photo credit of Aloha Bike 

4pm, it's tea time! And yes, even for the big ones. When I go to Lacanau, I can not ignore the wonderful ice cream maker Gelato Familia. It is a little farther away than others but it is definitely worth a visit. Here, there are always people here.

I assure you it's hard to choose, everything looks so good 

The ice cream is delicious and made on site. The flavors are varied and original: green apple sorbet, chestnuts ... on which we can add pistachios, speculos ... Last argument of shock: they are very generous on the quantities for the delight of gourmands.

A chocolate peanut ball ... my favorite 

If you have some time left in Lacanau, why not try the activities offered by the Les 3 Bandits leisure park? You can indulge in paintball, Laser Game, pedal kart and even Archery Game! A new activity that mixes paintball and archery. Original is not it? 

An opportunity to test archery - Photo credit Les 3 Bandits

A kart pedal session, the kart version more ecological and sporty! - Photo credit The 3 Bandits

So, there are plenty of ideas for activities in Lacanau! I told you, there is something for all tastes and styles. Now, it's up to you!

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Article written by Mélanie Oliva for the Guide Bordeaux Gironde

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