Lacanau: All destinations, advice & information for your holidays!

On the west coast of France, directly on the Atlantic, lies the popular seaside resort of Lacanau. The endless sandy beaches around the coastal town not only invite you to swim but also to surf, attracting numerous nature-loving families to the Gironde department every year.

Table of contents

Lacanau - Must-see attractions
Lacanau - Secret spots
Lacanau - In 3 days
Lacanau - Climate

Lacanau - Must-see attractions

Lacanau - Holiday homes & apartments

Réserve Naturelle Nationale de l'Étang de Cousseau

Cousseau Pond

A circular path about 8 kilometers long leads walkers through the nature reserve, over gently rolling dunes planted with cork and pedunculate oaks, through marshlands with swaying reeds and cattails, and barren heathlands where the marsh gentian blooms. From a vantage point, visitors can observe the wildlife of the nature reserve. In spring and autumn, 200 bird species pass through, including greylag geese, ospreys, or black-headed gulls. However, the area is known for the marsh turtle, otters, and genets, which attentive walkers might discover.

Lake Lacanau

Lake Lacanau is one of the largest inland waters in France: it is 7 km long and 3 m. If you are planning a beach holiday, the months of July to September are ideal due to the water temperature of 20°C and above. The lake is a natural body of water, and the northeast shore can be reached via an access road. In the north, kite surfers enjoy ideal wind conditions. For swimming, head to the beach of Moutchic, where there are many water sports opportunities.

Central Beach Lacanau

Between the North and South Beach, Lacanau's main beach stretches directly at the city center. At the long, fine sandy beach, visitors can rent beach chairs. For a beach trip, you should plan for the tides, as the main beach is significantly smaller at high tide. After a swim in the Atlantic, a stroll through the nearby city center with its shops, cafes, and restaurants is recommended. The city center is easily accessible from the coastal section via stairs, and parking is available nearby.

Aqualiday Waterpark

The Aqualiday Waterpark spans 1,500 square meters, where tropical temperatures constantly prevail. Adult guests swim in the wave lagoon, drift along the Wild River, or indulge in bubble baths and massage jets. Sun loungers are available for relaxation. The young guests of the Aqualiday Waterpark especially love to zoom down the exciting indoor slides or swim against the current in the counter-current system. For the little ones, there is a paddling pool. The restaurant pampers hungry bathers with burgers and ice cream.

Trip to Bordeaux

Charming townhouses line the Garonne, nearby the towers of churches and city gates greet you. Enjoy breathtaking views from the 50-meter-high tower of the Saint André Cathedral of the magnificent Grand Théâtre, proud palaces, and the ruins of the Roman amphitheater. Fine restaurants and cafes can be found in the Quinconces and Hotel de Ville districts. One of the largest regional museums in France is the history museum Musée d’Aquitaine. Also outstanding is the impressive art collection of classical paintings in the Musée des Beaux Arts at the town hall.

Golf Bluegreen Lacanau

The course was opened in 1994. Eight years later, it was voted the best 9-hole course in France by the renowned magazine Fairways. The golf course was designed by Jean Garaialde. It is 3,209 meters long and covered with old pine trees. The large and well-maintained greens alternate with water features and sandy sections. The hilly course is a challenge for experienced players. There is a dedicated practice area with artificial turf for players who want to focus specifically on their tee shots.

Lacanau - Secret spots

Lacanau - Holiday homes & apartments

Saint-Vincent Church in Lacanau

The simple structure of the church Saint-Vincent in Lacanau dates from the 18th century. The interior contains older artworks such as the Pieta from the Renaissance and the baroque statue of Saint James. In July and August, you can visit the small church every Tuesday between 10 and 12 o'clock.

Hiking through the Cousseau Nature Reserve

About 13 km west of Lacanau, the nature reserve Réserve Naturelle de l'Étang de Cousseau extends around the lake of the same name. Its protected area of 600 hectares of mixed forests, ponds, marshes, and wooded dunes, protected since 1976, can only be explored on foot. Many rare plants and animals have found a refuge and habitat here.

Lacanau and its forests

Endless pine forests and more than a hundred kilometers of cycling and hiking trails characterize the regional nature park Médoc in the southern French department of Gironde. In the heart of this natural paradise lies the popular holiday resort of Lacanau. The area seamlessly transitions into the Landes de Gascogne, the largest forest area in Western Europe, and extends to the port city of Bordeaux.

Landmarks, the lighthouses of Hourtin

From Lacanau, the small town of Hourtin is located 25 km to the north. Its attractions include the two almost identical square lighthouses made of red bricks, built in 1860 and 1863. While one towers over the village center, the other warns passing ships 200 m further on the coastal dunes of the Lake Hourtin-Carcans.

Lacanau - In 3 days

Lacanau - Holiday homes & apartments

Day 1

In Lacanau, you spend the most beautiful time of the year on the Atlantic coast in the French region of Nouvelle-Aquitaine. The district of Lacanau-Océan, a particularly popular tourist destination, is directly adjacent to the sea, while the center of Lacanau is about 10 km inland. The beach, lined with dunes, stretches for kilometers along the coast and is naturally the main attraction from the first day of vacation. A pure holiday mood arises during the first beach walk and the sound of the waves. The beach of Lacanau is popular with water sports enthusiasts thanks to its good Atlantic winds. The resort has made a name for itself especially as a surf spot. For the sporty, it's straight out onto the water. There are several surf schools on site for all newcomers to the boards. And relaxation is not neglected either, whether it's summer sunbathing on the coast or autumn kite flying with the whole family.

Day 2

On day 2, exploration tours around Lacanau are on the agenda. The beach and dunes at the edge of Lacanau-Océan transition into a vast coastal forest with shady pines. This extends far inland and is perfect for long walks in any season. The bicycle is the best means of transportation to ride with the whole family along the flat paths through the forest to the center of Lacanau. Here, several cafés and brasseries invite you to take a break with coffee and fresh croissants. A visit to the Musée de la Mémoire Canaulaise, which focuses on local history, is also worthwhile. It is located in an 18th-century house and provides insights into historical living spaces and regional craftsmanship. A trip to the beach completes the day with a view of the sunset over the west-facing Atlantic.

Day 3

The third day in Lacanau is all about experiencing nature. Behind the coast lies the Étang de Lacanau. The lake, with its bathing beach, is an interesting addition to a dip in the Atlantic and is suitable for a relaxing day by the water with children. A few kilometers away, there is another lake behind the coast, the Lac de Hourtin et de Carcans, which also has a beach and many small beach coves for a quiet getaway alone, as a couple, or with the whole family. Between the two lakes stretches the Réserve Naturelle de l'Étang de Cousseau. Marshlands, coastal dunes, and expansive forests characterize the diverse landscape of this nature reserve. Various hiking trails lead through the area, which is also a true paradise for bird watching. Especially in spring, a trip into the colorful blooming nature is a real pleasure.

Lacanau - Climate

Lacanau is characterized by an oceanic climate. It can rain all year round and the average temperature is 18 degrees. The best time to travel to spend your vacation in Lacanau is from April to October. During these months, the temperatures are pleasantly warm and you can expect very little rainfall. Spring and autumn are best suited for outdoor activities in Lacanau. In midsummer, the average temperatures can reach up to 27 degrees and the weather is perfect for a beach holiday. The lowest temperatures in January average around 10 degrees.

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