Soustons

Deeply rooted in the traditions of the Landes, but not only, Soustons surprises with the diversity of its cultural offerings. In July, it plays host to the Opéra des Landes festival **, which showcases the lyrical arts** with a high-quality programme. It's an opportunity to discover or rediscover classic works such as Bizet's famous Carmen, as well as lesser-known composers from the Landes region and beyond. Over the course of a week, from the municipal arenas to the Espace culturel Roger Hanin and the Salle Rouchéou, not forgetting public squares and even private windows, concerts and shows follow one another to the delight of our ears. It's a unique event that offers access to the beauty of this classical repertoire in a friendly, non-snobbish atmosphere.

Bagpipes aren't just played in Brittany! At the end of July, the sopranos bow out, but the music goes on in Soustons with the Festiv'cornemuseS devoted to this emblematic instrument of traditional Landes music. It brings together national and international amateur and professional musicians for 3 days of concerts, street entertainment, traditional dances and courses. Singing, dancing and joviality all come together for a festive musical celebration. All events are free or paid for by the hat.

In August, it's time for the férias! A veritable ceremony in honour of Gascon traditions, which are very much alive and well in the Landes region, the Fêtes de Soustons is the must-see summer event in the area. Stilt-walking demonstrations, Basque pelota and the inevitable Landes races and bullfighting shows follow one another for several days and nights of intense festivities. Between the profusion of local food stalls and the grandiose processions of musicians dressed all in red and white, the general enthusiasm is contagious. What better way to immerse yourself in Landes culture!

When it comes to the 7th art, Soustons is not to be outdone, with the Atlantic cinema, with its attractively old-fashioned facade, offering an excellent Arts et Essai programme throughout the year. What could be better on a rainy day than to take refuge in its wide, comfortable armchairs and enjoy a good family film?

Although the Etang de Soustons, classified as a Natura 200 area, is off-limits to bathers, you can still enjoy some great walks and cycle rides. At the Pointe de Vergnes, a superb panorama awaits you over the lake and the surrounding countryside. You can watch the squirrels, grey herons and wagtails that populate the surrounding area.

But the nugget of the lake is undoubtedly the Ponton d'Azur, which offers a sublime view over the lake. Quite simply one of the most beautiful spots in the Landes, particularly magical at sunrise and sunset. Budding photographers get ready to bomb!

For water sports enthusiasts, the Centre Nautique de Soustons offers paddle, windsurf and canoe-kayak hire from 12 euros. Reservations required on 06 45 62 81 00. The centre also has a tree climbing course accessible to children aged 3 and over.

It's getting very hot and all you can think about is taking a dip? Don't panic, Soustons has plenty of places to swim. On the idyllic marine lake of Port d'Albret, a real oasis of coolness, part of which belongs to the commune of Vieux Boucau, you'll find the delightful Sauvagine beach. With its white sand and translucent water, and facing the superb virgin island in the middle of the lake, it's a little haven of peace where you can spend whole afternoons relaxing. It is supervised in summer and is home to several water sports centres.

L'Otra Cosa is an excellent lakeside restaurant with a magnificent terrace in the shade of the pine trees. With your feet in the sand, you can enjoy excellent cuisine with a variety of influences, concocted using fresh seasonal produce, all in a warm and friendly atmosphere. Open Saturdays from 12pm to 3pm and from 7pm to 10.30pm, Sundays from 12pm to 6pm and Mondays and Tuesdays from 12pm to 3pm.

If you prefer to frolic in the fiery waves of the Atlantic, the Plage de l'Océan is just a 10-minute walk from the marine lake. Hidden behind a pine forest and a barrier of dunes, it has the wild charm of the Landes beaches, whose vast expanse gives an exhilarating feeling of infinity. Here, the atmosphere is natural, with no concrete buildings to mar the coastline, apart from a few snack bars and surf schools. In this magnificently unspoilt setting, the warm sand and gentle ocean breezes are the perfect place to unwind.