Contis lighthouse: 360-degree view of the ocean and Landes forest

Located halfway between Biarritz and Mimizan, in the south of the Landes region, the Contis lighthouse is the only one of its kind in the Landes. What makes it special? It's painted with a black spiral on a white background, which makes it so photogenic. Not to mention the breathtaking views over the ocean and the Landes forest.

The one and only lighthouse in the Landes

To visit the Contis lighthouse, you have to go to Saint-Julien-en-Born, the southernmost village in the Pays de Born, 15 km south of Mimizan. Situated in the middle of the forest, overlooking the canopy, it offers one of the finest views of the Landes coast.

Built in 1862 by decree of Napoleon III, the Contis lighthouse is the only lighthouse in the Landes region , located equidistant from Biarritz and Cap Ferret. It was manned by lighthouse keepers until 1999, when it was automated. The building was listed as a Historic Monument in November 2009. To find out more about the history of the lighthouse, there is a small museum, sponsored by yachtsman Titouan Lamazou, which traces the building's construction.

An unusual spiral lighthouse

The lighthouse is distinguished by its tower decorated with a black and white Archimedes screw. It belongs to the family of spiral lighthouses known as "barber's poles", named after the American barbershop sign. Originally snow-white, it was painted black and white in 1937 to make it more visible and serve as a landmark for daytime navigation.

A pinnacle sparkling with a thousand lights

Perched 41.5 metres above sea level, the lantern of the Contis lighthouse sweeps 42 kilometres out to sea. Its cylindrical shaft is made of garluche, a ferruginous sandstone typical of the Landes de Gascogne region. Construction work began in 1861 and the lighthouse was commissioned on the night of 19-20 December 1863.

A panoramic view of the ocean and forest

To reach the dome, you have to climb the 183-step cast-iron staircase. It takes just 5 minutes for the most athletic climbers. The climb can be tricky for young children, as the last few steps of the staircase are rather steep. But once up there, the effort is rewarded with a breathtaking view of the ocean and the pine forest. The immensity of the vast Landes forest becomes apparent. On a clear day, you can even catch a glimpse of the Pyrenees.

What to do after climbing the lighthouse?

Take advantage of your visit to Saint-Julien en Born to discover Contis-Plage, a hamlet in the commune that has become a small, peaceful seaside resort, preserved from all the hustle and bustle. In summer, the village is home to a pretty market full of delicious local produce. There are also a number of restaurants, boutiques and surf shops. The beach at Contis is one of the Landes ' top surfing spots. Looking for adventure? Take a paddle or canoe trip down the 8km-long Courant de Contis.

• Contis lighthouse: 407 avenue de l'Océan, 40170 Saint-Julien-en-Born (40 km from Lou Pignada 5-star campsite)
• Open to visitors from April to September, every day (except Mondays) in July and August, from 10am to 6pm.
• Adult price: €3, children aged 3 to 12: €1, free for children under 3.