Top 10 picnic areas with a view in the Landes

Fancy enjoying a meal in the open air while admiring the breathtaking scenery? The Landes offers a multitude of picnic areas with spectacular views. Whether you're with family, friends or a couple, discover our selection of the best picnic areas with a view in the Landes, near the Lou Pignada campsite in Messanges.

1. Pointe des Vergnes at Soustons

Admire the meeting of the lake and the forest of this park from this shady area where the squirrels come to meet you. The panoramic view over this magnificent stretch of water is simply incredible. La pointe des vergnes in Soustons is the perfect spot for an outdoor lunch. Benches are available throughout the area. Picnic tables are accessible from the entrance near the hostel. Water sports such as kayaking, paddle-boarding and rowing are available on this pond. Swimming, however, is prohibited. This is due to a rare local underwater plant that lives there (and which will also put your feet to the test if you happen to step on it!).

This unique lake was designated a Natural Site in 1968 and is also a Natura 2000 area. It is one of the last remaining wetlands in the Landes département, following the draining of most of the area by Napoleon III.

2. Lake Léon

Enjoy a day on the shores of Lac de Léon, with its shaded picnic areas and magnificent views over the water. There are a variety of food and drink outlets to suit all tastes, including a refreshing ice-cream that's sure to please both adults and children. After your meal, why not take a walk or go for a swim? In addition to the many nature trails and the lake's beach, the more sporty amongst you will be delighted to be able to experience the pleasures of water-based leisure activities at the nearby water sports centre. Electric boats, pedalos, canoes, kayaks, paddles... So much choice in this world of possibilities to delight the whole family 🥰

Like Lac de Soustons, Lac de Léon benefits from the same ecological protection. The aim being to preserve the local flora and fauna of this exceptional site, which borders the Courant d'Huchet national nature reserve.

3. The Port d'Albret marine lake

With its many picnic areas, this lake between Soustons-plage and Vieux-Boucau-les-Bains is perfect for a family day out. With its mouth at the Vieux-Boucau estacade, its salt water comes directly from the Atlantic Ocean next door. Take in the view of the island, a veritable treasure trove and natural bird sanctuary, as you enjoy your meal. Then set off to explore the footpaths, and experiment with the pleasures of the water or simply relax in this environment with its unique atmosphere.

😎 How do I get there? It couldn't be easier: on foot, by bike or motorised: all roads lead to the Port d'Albret lake!

4. The Courant d'Huchet at Moliets-et-Maâ

Discover one of the most beautiful reserves on the Landes in Moliets. For around 100 years, this site has been classified and listed as a natural heritage site in order to provide the necessary framework for its protection. So much beauty thanks to this unique waterway linking the Atlantic Ocean and Lac de Léon! This passageway has now been nicknamed the "Landes Amazon" for its wealth of plants, animals and history.

If you take the rue de l'embouchure, you can take your picnic and other delicacies with you on towels, tablecloths or other sheets so that you are in contact with the sand. Then take in the view, where on your left, as far as the eye can see, you'll have the typical landscape of the great fine, immaculate sandy beaches of the Landes. To your right, you'll be treated to an incredible mix of postcard-perfect dune and forest. Brought together by this artistically and culturally inspired stretch of water, you'll be invited to engage in a mindfulness meditation. The paths along the Courant d'Huchet offer a glimpse of the local flora and fauna, in a wild and unspoilt setting. Set off for walks and hikes in this natural paradise, but above all remember that you are just as much a part of its preservation by leaving no trace of your passage behind.

5. The beach at Messanges

Enjoy your meal al fresco with a breathtaking view of the Atlantic Ocean from the terrace on the dune at Messanges beach. You can either sit on one of the gazebos on the sandy hillside at this main entrance or enjoy a cool drink right on the spot. Either way, you'll be in the perfect spot to watch the sunset after a day's swimming and/or surfing.

The actual picnic areas on Messanges beach are a little further down. You'll find yourself in a cosy atmosphere of relaxation between the dunes and the forest. You can have your car or caravanning vehicle right next door for added comfort and convenience. Breathe in the pure Landais air: there's nothing better than sharing a good lunch!

6. L'Étang Noir de Seignosse

For a more tranquil experience, head to the Étang Noir de Seignosse. The wooden walkways throughout offer a serene, panoramic view of this pond surrounded by lush vegetation. It's the perfect place for nature lovers. Created in 1974, this nature reserve helps to protect the fragile living species that make up this place of great local heritage interest. Want to go further afield and visit the surrounding area? Wherever you go, the town of Seignosse will charm you.

If you're happy to stand or lie on the ground, that's fine. For campers who prefer to sit down, we recommend that you bring your own picnic table as well as your food.

7. The Santocha blockhouses in Capbreton

In a completely different atmosphere, we recommend a view of the emblematic historic sites that are being swallowed up more and more by the Atlantic Ocean every day. Located in Capbreton, these bunkers were built during the Second World War. Now covered in frescoes, it's possible to land on top of them at low tide to enjoy an unobstructed view of this part of the Landes coast. From one of these vantage points, you can see the CERS building (Centre Européen de Rééducation du Sport) as well as the lights on the north (green) and south (red) sea walls. If you're lucky, you'll even catch a glimpse of the Basque tip of this extreme south-western corner of France bordering Spain.

Capbreton is also famous for its fishing and yachting harbour. We recommend that you visit this part of the Landes département before returning to the peace and quiet of the Lou Pignada campsite 😌

8. Arjuzanx Nature Reserve

Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in this nature reserve, a former lignite mine converted into a protected area. The waters of this turquoise-blue lake will soon have your eyes succumbing to all its natural beauty. A winter haunt for Grey Cranes, this unspoilt site boasts 400 hectares of open access and almost 25 km of signposted paths for all your walking and hiking needs. Open to bathing and water sports, the site has a leisure centre and a beach. Ideal for sunbathing in peace and quiet!

The picnic areas with views of the surrounding biodiversity are perfect for a lunch break. Alongside the lake you'll also find the Miocene Garden: spread over 1.4 hectares, admire the replanted plant species dating back more than 11 million years. And thanks to the wooden pontoons and their 6 viewpoints, including 3 belvederes, your tour of the lake will be a striking display of ecology at its best...

9. La Lette Blanche in Vielle-Saint-Girons

Your appetite for lunch on the grass is more inclined towards a Spanish inn atmosphere on the beach? No problem, La Lette Blanche in Vielle-Saint-Girons has just the right amount of wilderness for you! You'll love the Robin Crusoe end-of-the-world feel of this coastline for relaxing in the fresh air. Part of a Natura 2000 zone and a much-loved spot for local surfers, enjoy the sea breeze with your meal, then set off for a stroll along the accessible paths behind the dune and on the beach stretching as far as the eye can see.

With no tourist facilities on site, this little corner of paradise for the locals does have supervised swimming, but only in summer. For the rest, serenity is the order of the day in this unspoilt natural bubble.

10. The Dune du Pilat

Finally, for an unforgettable experience, take a picnic to the top of the Dune du Pilat, the highest dune in Europe. This natural site is one of the most visited in France. The 360-degree view over the Atlantic Ocean, the Bay of Arcachon and the Landes forest is breathtaking, and worth every minute of the climb! A tourist attraction par excellence, get your best breath ready for this dune climb 😮‍💨

Conclusion

The Landes region is full of picnic areas with spectacular views, perfect for enhancing your holiday at camping Lou Pignada in Messanges. Whether you're looking for seascapes, lakescapes or forests, you're bound to find the perfect place to enjoy an al fresco meal while taking in the natural beauty of the region. And don't forget to bring your camera to capture those special moments.

Make the most of your stay with us to discover these gems and create unforgettable memories with family and friends. Enjoy your meal!