Apologies for this old-fashioned web page. We are in the process of updating this section of our website - Justin & Alex
Lacanau-Ocean Alternative Aquitaine's resort report
Similar to...
For guidance, we think Lacanau is similar to Polzeath, Perranporth or Bude in North Cornwall because of the huge sandy beaches with rolling surf. These resorts are relatively small and more 'bucket-and-spade' than Cote d'Azur. There are similar resorts along the Vendee coast in France too.
Five
Reasons to Choose Lacanau
1
A
laid-back family resort of beaches, lakes and forests
2
Superb
stretch of sandy beaches, popular for surfing
3
Discover
the vast lakes for picnics, cycling, watersports, riding...
4
Visit the
famous vineyards of the Médoc and Bordeaux
5
Day trip
to rejuvenated Bordeaux - shops, culture, sight-seeing
"Built
along the ocean front, where huge rollers come crashing on the shore,
Lacanau is a picturesque resort lying at the foot of a large expanse
of sand dunes, carpeted with sea pines...it is the ideal place for
cycling and surfing enthusiasts." Quoted
from "The Green Guide - Atlantic Coast" by Michelin Travel Publications
Lacanau
- highlights
30
miles west of Bordeaux, Lacanau-Ocean sits
on a 12 mile stretch of wide sandy beaches
where huge waves crash to the shore.
Lacanau is a laid-back, informal sea-side
town with a mix of fine villas and more modern seaside apartments. Lacanau
swells in the summer as visitors pour in from France and all
over Europe. It's easy to see why - the town has a very informal
atmosphere, and the local area is a natural haven for enjoying
the outdoors.
Inland, a string of lakes has been created
by streams unable to reach the sea. Many are connected by
canals, and most are bordered by lush pine forests.
Lac de Lacanau is a favoured watering hole
of the wealthy folk of Bordeaux who began to build impressive
lakeside villas here in the early part of the 20th century.
The resort is well-known for its abundance of sports
facilities - as well as surfing, there's golf,
horse-riding, tennis and
cycling as well as many other watersports
(sailing, water-skiiing, kite-surfing, windsurfing, etc)
Lacanau
- Our Personal Favourites
•
A
round of golf at Ardilouse
•
A
lazy afternoon picnic-ing at Lac de Lacanau
•
Circuit
the Lac de Lacanau by VTT (mountain bike)
•
A
day at the beach in the surf
•
A
day of wine-tasting in the Médoc
Lacanau - Out of Season
French resorts tend to be very seasonal and this can often come as a surprise to visitors who are less familiar with France. Owners of seasonal business such as bars and restaurants can often get by simply by operating in two months of the year - July & August - and are happy to shut down the rest of the year.
Lacanau is certainly one of the more seasonal resorts, buzzing in July & August and quiet during other times of the year, although surfers are attracted to the superb waves in September and October.
There will be a limited number of shops, bars and restaurants open outside the summer, but there is an all-year round population which ensures a few staple shops remain open. Plus there are great walks to enjoy along the wild coastline and also this is a great time to enjoy the tranquility of the lakes.
Lacanau offers a variety of activities and attractions for
the holiday visitor.
Find out more in our Lacanau tourist information guide.
Topics covered include beaches, activities such as golf and
surfing, kids' attractions, restaurants, cultural attractions
and more...
