The most beautiful Landes villages - Part 1

We were making a stopover in south-west France for one of our articles, heading for the Gironde estuary, and its many wonders; folklore, gastronomy, culture blending together, for an unprecedented quality of life.

This department, bathed in an oceanic climate, occupies a privileged position between the Atlantic, the Pyrenees and farmland. What's more, it boasts an immense coastline, as does its forest -world-famous for its maritime pine.

Further afield, in the confines of the Adour river and approaching the Pyrenean barrier, the Chalosse terroir is a wine-growing area, equally renowned for livestock and crops.

Furthermore, the Côte d'Argent and its more inland areas abound in a unique urban heritage, characteristic of the history built up over the centuries.

So discover the first part of our tour of Landes villages to discover, less than thirty minutes from Mimizan!

Located just 30 minutes from our Mimizan vacation village / campsite, Mézos is a village in the Born region, in the heart of the Landes forest. Restful and refined, this charming little setting has a rich and ancient history (Saint-Pierre chapel was built as early as the 11th century...). In addition to the pignada, the banks of streams, rivers (Courlis ...) and airials give this Station Verte many assets for a successful getaway during your holiday in Gascony. Nature activities abound, and the beach is not far away for swimmers and surfers. Also worth a visit in Mézos: the Château de la Castéja, the old abattoirs, the wash-house ....

Pontenx-les-Forges is nestled between the ocean and the Landes forest. Just 15 minutes from the main town of Mimizan, the village bears witness to the iron and steel industry in the Landes region, which began during the industrial revolution. The Canteloup stream and the Forges pond were once used to power the forge. Today, the town's architectural heritage persists, with its semi-detached workers' houses and bourgeois residences. In the heart of the Landes countryside, the Bouricos district is also well worth a visit! With its Saint-Jean fountain and chapel, it offers you a moment of peace and quiet in a magnificent green setting.

There's a good reason why Saint-Paul-en-Born is located on the coastal route of the Camino de Santiago de Compostela. Close to Lac d'Aureilhan and the Atlantic beaches, "Saint-Paul" has made a place for itself between ocean and lake. The nearby Landes forest offers a wealth of walking opportunities. As for the marshes, they are a delight for nature lovers, with their lush flora and fauna. This village in bloom stands out for the diversity of its landscapes and heritage. To discover, for example: the "espitaou" hospital house, the tuc de Houns (a very old medieval fortification), the 9 km-long footpath, the gare de l'Art (a former train station converted into an exhibition space, which welcomes photographers, sculptors, artists...).

20 km south of Mimizan, Uza is revealed around the banks of its lake, a listed site. The village is also known for its town hall, with its singular architecture, its tightly-packed half-timbered houses and for its castle standing atop a mound and overlooking the Vignac and Pas du Kaa streams. A historic monument, the château shares the title of prestige with the church of Saint-Louis, or the forges (for their workshops and shelters).

A number of country walks with a change of scenery will enable you to discover this Landes seigneury, lodged between woods, dunes and padouens (communal land used for grazing).

As a bonus, if Bias and its Maison de l'Airial present themselves to you on the road, spare a few moments for this charming village, which will also offer you beautiful views!