What to do and see in Soustons?

On the south coast of the Landes, in the heart of the Marensin region, Soustons is a haven of relaxation and coolness on the edge of a pretty lake, in the shade of the Landes forest. One comes there to benefit from the beach, the marine lake and the wild ponds, to discover a small old inheritance and the landaises races which make vibrate the public of the arenas during the summer.

SOUSTONS-PLAGE, APPRECIATED FOR ITS WILD AND NATURAL SIDE

Nicknamed the "Pearl of Marensin", the small seaside resort of Soustons offers holidaymakers in the Landes a magnificent 6-kilometre long ribbon of golden sand, hidden behind the dune. Located about ten kilometres from Soustons-Ville, the large ocean beach is a paradise for swimmers and surfers, with supervised swimming areas, a water sports centre and surfing schools to safely take your first lather! If the waves of the Côte d'Argent are a bit scary, especially with small children, you will surely prefer the beach of the marine lake of Port d'Albret, another jewel of the resort.

THE MARINE LAKE OF PORT D'ALBRET

Between Soustons and Vieux-Boucau, the marine lake of Port d'Albret is very popular with families during the summer. Built on the edge of the Landes forest and fed by the ocean, the lake forms a vast tourist complex: supervised beaches without waves or currents, sailing clubs, miniature harbour, electric boats, canoes, pedal boats, picnic areas, shops and restaurants. All this is enhanced by a cycle path that runs around the lake (4 km). You can easily spend the whole day there!

THE LAKE OF SOUSTONS

Straddling the communes of Soustons and Azur, a few kilometres from the Vieux Port campsite, the Soustons lake extends over 380 hectares, in the heart of a Natura 2000 classified site. The lake is mainly dedicated to pleasure boating. The sailing club of Soustons proposes courses of light sailing, as well as the hiring of windsurf, wing Foil, stand up paddle and canoe.

The pond of Soustons is also famous for its fishy waters, fed by many streams. Fishing enthusiasts will find their happiness with beautiful pikes, carps, roaches, perches and eels brought to the end of the line.

THE PINSOLLE GOLF COURSE

Fans of the little white ball will not pass by the Pinsolle golf course without stopping. Nestled between the pines and the ocean, the site offers a 9-hole par 36 course with fast, rolling greens and undulating fairways on the edge of the lake. A golf course far from the clichés of a sport reserved for a privileged class, where a family and relaxed atmosphere are always present.

THE TRADITIONS OF THE LANDES CAN ALSO BE DISCOVERED IN SOUSTONS

In addition to its lake and its ponds, Soustons also has a small heritage, rather well preserved, which makes the charm of the city. Among the places to visit are the Saint-Pierre church and its 35-metre high bell tower, the municipal theatre with its art deco facade or the Tourist Office installed in an old Basque-Landes style farm. Opposite the town hall, the Viscount's fountain is said by local tradition to have miraculous virtues.

Away from the town centre, the old Soustons neighbourhoods are home to some traditional Landes houses and several airiaux with preserved architecture. During your walks, you will also come across numerous fountains and washhouses scattered throughout the forest.

Did you know that? Soustons is also known for having been one of the places of residence of François Mitterrand.

THE CASTLE OF LA PANDELLE AND THE MUSEUM OF OLD TOOLS

Built in the 19th century, the Château de La Pandelle, in Soustons, stands in the middle of a park planted with hundred-year-old oak trees. This large manor house now houses the Museum of Old Tools and Traditions. The place gathers a rich collection of objects and old tools. Nearly 1,000 items are on display in three main rooms and tell the story of the resin makers, clog makers and other Landes coopers.

THE SOUSTONS BULLRING, A MECCA OF LANDAISE CULTURE

Built in 1913 to replace the old wooden ones, the Soustons bullring hosts numerous bullfighting shows, which are very popular with connoisseurs, as well as concerts, operas and other cultural events. At the heart of summer, the arenas are the scene of the Soustons festivals which last five days at the beginning of August. On the programme: Landes races, novilladas, bullfights on foot and on horseback, music and traditional songs.