Kampaoh Mézos

Once you’ve dipped your toes in the lagoon on site, set off for the coast and days at places like Contis-Plage (15 minutes’ drive), a small resort town where you can climb the lighthouse, try paddleboarding or sea kayaking or relax on the sheltered beach. Mimizan (20 minutes) is another good option – stop by to take in the flower-filled trails of La Promenade Fleurie before heading to one of the town’s beaches. The coast is fabulous, of course, but there’s also much to see inland – especially if you set off on walks or bike rides through the forests and wetlands of the Landes de Gascogne Regional Natural Park (20 minutes), perhaps stopping at the Écomusée de Marquèze (half an hour) to get a taste of the area’s heritage. If you don’t mind a slightly longer drive, Bayonne (just over an hour) is worth the trip – it’s a certified Town of Art and History with lots of colourful houses in its Old Town and sights including the old ramparts, the Basque Museum and the cathedral. There’s also some excellent food to try out in the city’s restaurants, market and chocolate shops.