Top 7 things to do at Port d'Albret marine lake

Nestling between Soustons-Plage and Vieux-Boucau, on the south coast of the Landes, the Port d'Albret lake stretches over 50 hectares between the ocean, the dune and the Landes forest. A haven of coolness in the heart of summer, it's also a real paradise for water sports enthusiasts. Here are seven family activities to make the most of it!

Swimming on the beach at Port d'Albret

To the south-west of Lake Port d'Albret, near the town of Soustons, Plage de la Sauvagine is a family favourite every summer. Swimming is supervised and children can have fun in calm, shallow water, sheltered from the waves and in the welcome shade of the pine forest. The proximity of shops, bars, restaurants and leisure activities makes this a lively family beach par excellence. In summer, the Fun Park completes the range of leisure activities on offer, with a large inflatable playground set up right on the beach.

A pedalo ride

Whether you fancy a leisurely stroll around the lake or a thrilling ride on a pedalo equipped with a slide, this is an activity that allows you to discover the lake in a different way, without getting too wet, far from the crowds on the beaches. You'll have to go round Robinson's Island, the wild island in the middle of the lake. With or without a slide, for 2 to 6 people per boat, for 30 minutes or several hours, there's a pedalo to suit everyone!

Try your hand at stand-up paddling (or giant paddling!)

A welcome alternative to the ocean, the marine lake at Port d'Albret is perfect for stand-up paddling. Standing, kneeling or sitting on a large board, the lake is all yours! To find out more, check out our advice on paddle boarding in the Landes, how to get started and how to progress easily.

For even more fun on the water, try Big Paddle! It's like paddling, but more fun, because you can be up to 10 people on an XXL board, and up to twelve if they're children!

Learn to sail on a catamaran

There's more to sailing than the sea! Located 200 metres from the ocean, Lake Soustons-Port d'Albret offers ideal sailing conditions. You get the benefit of the offshore wind without the big waves or strong currents. Alone, with family or friends, hire a catamaran and experience the pleasure of sailing!

• Catamaran courses for children aged 7 to 12, hire and private lessons for teenagers and adults. From €80 for a 2-hour session, 1-hour hire: €35

Try windsurfing

The lake is calm and the breeze is light, perfect for trying your hand at windsurfing! Neglected for years by the general public, windsurfing is making a strong comeback and attracting a large number of enthusiasts to the Pôle Nautique de Soustons Plage. Initiation is possible from the age of 7, where the first rudiments are taught on a mini windsurf board. Private lessons from €40 for a 1-hour session (teenagers and adults), hire: €15 per hour.

Family sailing on a miniature boat

To discover the marine lake at Soustons-Plage in an unusual way, a miniature port allows even the youngest children and their parents to sail on an electric boat, a miniature replica of a fireboat, a trawler, a military frigate or a ferry-boat. And off you go for an unusual ride on the lake. When you're at the helm, you'll feel like you're there!

Tour the lake on foot or by bike

You can also discover the lake... with dry feet! The Lac Marin circuit takes you all the way around the lake: a 4-kilometre loop, designed for cyclists and pedestrians. To the north, you'll cycle along Vieux-Boucau, a lively shopping and entertainment district.

To the south, the setting is wilder and the banks have been preserved. On one side, paddles, kayaks, pedalos and other watercraft await visitors; on the other, the current of Soustons, a small coastal river that crosses the lake before flowing into the Atlantic Ocean. All in all, a great day out!