Other Activities
Beaches
The Atlantic coast of South West France, stretching from the Spanish border right up to Bordeaux, is really just one long sandy beach!
In the south of Les Landes are the wonderful beaches of Soustons, Vieux Boucau, Moliets, Capbreton and Hossegor. Vast stretches of pristine sand are backed by mountainous dunes and sweet smelling pine forests. The beaches, all of which have been awarded European Blue Flag status, are immaculately kept as each of the region's councils is responsible for their cleanliness and safety.
There are good facilities at all of the main beaches (Soustons, Vieux Boucau, Moliets, Capbreton and Hossegor) including lifeguards, surf schools, showers, toilets and litter bins.
Even in the height of summer, it is possible to find uncrowded and unspoilt beaches where you can experience solitude.
Surfing
This area of France, situated between Bordeaux and Biarritz, is famed for its long sandy beaches, pine forests and impressive surf. Soustons village is ideally located to make the most of the area with endless opportunities for surfing just minutes from the villa.
This stretch of coast is world famous and provides some of the very best surfing in Europe and many international surf companies (Quiksilver, Billabong and Ripcurl) hold surf competitions in the region each year. If you pick up a surf magazine and see a cover shot of a guy/girl deep in a barrel of a hollow beach break then chances are it is a shot taken in the South West of France!
A variety of surf breaks cater to both beginners and more experienced surfers. Quintin grew up in Cornwall and is passionate about surfing having surfed for the past 18 years. He would be happy to show you to some of the more 'out of the way' surf spots, so that you get the most out of the your surfing experience.
Vineyard Discovery
Only one hour away from Soustons is France's most prestigious winegrowing region, Bordeaux, which is becoming an increasingly trendy destination. Of course, wine aficionados from all over the world have always been attracted by the desire to taste, right from the cellar, the most celebrated wines in the world, or to select the ones that are soon to be on every sommelier's hot list!
Taste classified growths and indulge in gourmet dining while visiting the well known vineyards of the Medoc, St Emilion, Pomerol, Sauternes and Graves. Your tour could also include visits and tastings at some of the world's most famous chateaux - Margaux, Mouton Rothschild, Lafite Rothschild and many more!
We will help you to arrange a suitable itinerary whether you wish to visit one, two or several vineyards! Guided tours can also be arranged with transport included.
Hiking/Walking
Les Landes is a region of pine forests and lakes, dunes and seascapes, fishing villages and nature reserves, with an extensive network of walking trails all waiting to be explored!
By their very nature, such walking trails offer a variety of scenery including the wonderful birds and wildlife that typically inhabit the region.
Whether you're a serious walker or simply wish to escape the beach for a day, we can recommend some excellent walking itineraries.
If you are looking to go out for the day, we will happily arrange a gourmet picnic hamper for you to take with you - or we will meet you at your picnic stop at lunchtime!
Horseriding
From budding novices to the most competent rider, there is something magical for everyone to experience on horseback on the South West coast of France!
Revel in the thrill of cantering along broad, sandy beaches which stretch for miles, or explore the endless trails that run through the forests, meadows and wetlands of Les Landes. You will see a variety of wildlife including deer, squirrels and herons and ride through fields of colourful yellow broom in Spring and glorious purple heather in the late Summer.
Several equestrian centres exist within a very short distance of the Domaine de Bellegarde, including Soustons, Vieux Boucau and Moliets where they offer trekking with experienced guides for 1 hour, 2 hours and half days. We would of course be happy to arrange it all for you!
Mountain Biking
If you enjoy cycling then this area is paradise! It has everything that you could possibly want - stunning scenery, quiet roads and a culture that embraces the bike as a fundamental part of its character and therefore welcomes cyclists with respect and enthusiasm.
We have a selection of carefully planned routes through some of the most beautiful parts of South West France, travelling on minor roads and the 200km of designated cycle paths in the local area.
We will be happy to recommend (and join you on) cycle routes encompassing everything from a simple ride to the beach, to a full day tackling a mountain pass made famous by the Tour de France.
Whatever you choose you will be guaranteed to experience the beautiful countryside of this region. Whether you want to venture off on your own or join an experienced guide we will be happy to arrange it for you. Mountain bikes and helmets are provided free of charge.
Watersports
Kayaking - The local Soustons Nautical club caters for canoeing & kayaking enthusiasts, you can canoe/kayak from the inland lakes along beautiful waterways linking to the seawater lakes which open to the Atlantic Ocean.
Sailing, Kitesurfing and Windsurfing - Every conceivable type of sailing craft is on hire ranging from windsurfing boards, kitesurfing, sailing dinghies, 420's and catamarans, with lessons available for groups, schools or individuals all year round.
Fishing - We are able to organise a variety of interesting fishing excursions at relatively little cost. For fly-fishing, trout or grayling, we would recommend the local rivers and waterways in the South of Les Landes or the wonderful mountain rivers of the Pyrenées Atlantiques.
Waterskiing, Wakeboarding and Jetskiing - Waterskiing and wakeboarding are available on some of the lakes close to Soustons. Jetskis can be hired from Capbreton marina (20km) for a 45 minute blast over a 16km circuit along the coast, or a half day excursion as a tour where you often see dolphins and even whales close up!
Motorsport
Go Karting - There are four Go-Karting centres located within a short drive of Soustons that cater to individuals, groups and companies. Group race challenges are available with exclusive use of the track over a series of races and include on screen computer generated timings, podium and prize ceremony…perfect for a corporate outing.
A range of Go-Karts are available with 125cc for the youngsters, karts of 200cc and 270cc 4 cylinder karts for the Schumachers amongst you! Courses are well set up and include all the safety features and equipment for a fun day out.
Quad Biking - There are several centres for Quad biking in the pine forests of this region. One of the best is within a few minutes drive of the villa with 6 hectares of tracks. Children as young as 6 years old can Quad bike along a specially prepared childs circuit of 3km on 80cc with adults having the choice between 125cc or 200cc on a range of tougher tracks.