Lacanau Océan is a lively beach resort on the south west coast of France, directly west of Bordeaux. This is not the France of chateaux, mountains or dramatic river gorges. But if you enjoy activity in the great outdoors, it’s a fantastic place to spend a couple of weeks in France in a campervan or tent.
Visiting Lacanau Océan, Gironde
Amongst fragrant pine trees and on the mighty Atlantic coast. With waves to excite even the most hardened of thrill-seekers, this laid back town is a great destination for a family holiday. Especially if your kids are teenagers. From the huge beach scene to live music, great seafood and inland lakes for gentler water experiences; Lacanau Ocean has much to offer.
When to visit Lacanau
Visit in June, July or August and you are guaranteed good weather and warm seas. In August, the annual Lacanau Pro surfing competition takes place. And the seafront is taken over with stalls, live music and dancing late into the night. The days are spent watching the surfers ride the waves and perform incredible tricks for the cheers of the crowd.
Things to do in Lacanau
Head inland on one of the many cycle trails through the pine forests to Le Moutchic, a tiny hamlet on the edge of the Lacanau lake. Here you can hire kayaks and stand up paddle boards to explore the tranquil lake and nature reserve. There is also a large and colourful inflatable obstacle course, the best fun you can have in a swim suit! After all that activity, head to one of the lake side bistros for a relaxed lunch followed by a delicious local ice-cream. Or why not try a citron presse? A traditional French drink served as neat, freshly squeezed lemon juice with a jug of iced water and a bowl of sugar. Mix it together to your taste and enjoy a lip-smacking and very refreshing drink!
Beaches at Lacanau
The Lacanau Ocean central beach can get busy as people descend from the town for a spot of sun worshipping alongside the surf schools that hold lessons here. Head a kilometre or so north or south to find a quieter spot, both Plage Nord and Sud have life-guards in the summer months. The real attraction here is the waves. Big, clean swells perfect for a body board if you can’t surf, or just jumping over or swimming under. As you head through the sand dunes to Plage Nord, the line of people willing to brave the breaking waves is obvious, with screaming and laughing audible as people get caught at the crest and tumbled through the water.
You do need to be a confident swimmer and accept that you may well get wiped out a few times. But the stories at dinner as you recall your adventures will be well worth it! There are places where smaller children can play. Dips in the sand which fill with warm water as the tide recedes, ideal for paddling and sand-castle building. Ice-cream trolleys and doughnut sellers amble along the beach if you fancy a snack. Hold up your hand to signal as the beignet (doughnut) seller runs over with the tray balanced on his head!
Day Trips from Lacanau
Arcachon Basin
If you can bear to drag yourself away from the simple beach life and decide to take a day trip. Head for Arcachon, a beautiful and elegantly faded French town on the fascinating Arcachon Basin. Wander the pretty streets and stop for fresh oysters, farmed in the basin itself and probably harvested that morning. If you prefer nature and activity, head for Dune du Pilat, the largest sand dune in Europe. Make the climb to the top, cursing the sand which seems to get harder to wade through the higher you go, and admire the stunning views and gorgeous green and blue hues of the water in the basin as the tides ebb and flow.
Bordeaux
Bordeaux, around an hour and a half drive away, is a must do day trip. This gorgeous French city has a charming old town, several very good museums; and pretty gardens that line the river banks. In the hub of the famous wine growing district, a visit to Bordeaux is also the opportunity to try some of the gorgeous local wines, literally grown on the doorstep.
Lacanau Amenities
Shops
In the evenings, Lacanau Ocean comes alive with a great holiday atmosphere. People throng the main street and promenade, both full of boutiques, gift shops, restaurants and bars. Seafood features heavily on most menus, as does the local speciality of duck and foie gras. There are also creperies, ice cream parlous and pizza places if you’re looking for something simpler.
Food
For supplies, there is a small supermarket in the town and you must visit the legendary Wednesday market. Clothes, gifts and household items can be bought here but the big draw is the food. Pungent cheese, thick saucisson (sausage) and glorious local fresh fruit and vegetables take centre stage. Alongside escargot (snails) gently cooking in pans full of butter and garlic; and the most amazing fresh bread imaginable.
Visit Lacanau Océan once and you’ll want to go back again and again!
PIN IT FOR LATER
All content © Hannah Henderson or listed guest author, and may not be used without permission (sharing this blog post is fine, though!).
