Around You
The Cocon is just a starting point. Here's what there is to explore all around.
The beach
It's 100m away. No need for a car, no need for a map: you step out, you walk, you're there. From mid-June to mid-September, a supervised area is 10 minutes' walk away for worry-free swimming. Fine sand, dunes, and an Atlantic Ocean that changes mood by the day — perfect for surfers and for those who'd simply rather watch the waves.
Early morning or late afternoon is often the best time to see it truly quiet, almost all to yourself.
Nature
You're at the heart of the Landes forest, the largest planted pine forest in Europe. Trails and paths run beneath the maritime pines, amid the scent of resin and the silence — here, walking or cycling quickly take the place of driving.
The Boudigau canal winds not far from the house and follows the forest down to the port of Capbreton, a pleasant walk at any time of day. The forest changes with the seasons: low golden light and dry heat in summer, mist and absolute calm in winter, but walkable all year round.
A few kilometres further, the coast's ponds and lakes (Hossegor, Soustons, Léon) offer another way to enjoy nature, between walking and swimming in calm water.
By bike
The Vélodyssée (EuroVelo 1) passes 1km from the house — Europe's longest cycle route, linking Brittany to the Basque Country. Here it takes the form of a flat, safe, dedicated greenway, entirely away from traffic, running alongside the Boudigau canal and the pine forest.
Heading north, towards Capbreton and Hossegor (about 8km), with the option of continuing to Hossegor's saltwater lake for a full loop among villas and century-old pines.
Heading south, the path continues through the forest to Ondres and then Bayonne, through scenery that alternates between pines, dunes and ocean views.
Bring your own bike or rent one nearby: the flat, hazard-free terrain suits families and keen cyclists alike.
Landmarks
Chapelle Sainte-Thérèse (2km) — a small chapel from 1932, standing alone on the dune facing the ocean, reachable on foot via marked paths. A photogenic spot, especially at sunset.
Capbreton & Hossegor (15 min) — the charm of a real fishing port on one side, the seaside elegance and renowned surf spots on the other.
Le Ponton d'Azur — one of the most photographed spots on the coast, best seen at sunset.
Marais d'Orx (10 min) — a nature reserve crossed by a road where animals are painted right onto the tarmac, a nice touch for the whole family.
The Marquèze ecomuseum — a 19th-century Landes village, deep in the forest, reachable by steam train.
The Courant d'Huchet Nature Reserve — a boat trip along the water, between lakes and ocean, in an almost unreal setting.
Bayonne (20 min) — a city of Art and History, with its arcades, half-timbered houses and old town running along the Adour river. Easy to stroll around for an afternoon, among covered markets, lanes and terraces.
Biarritz (35 min) — the seaside elegance of the Basque Country, born in the 19th century under the impetus of great European families. The Grande Plage, the Rocher de la Vierge and renowned surf spots make it a complete day trip.
The Basque Country (under an hour) — typical villages (Espelette, Ainhoa, Saint-Jean-de-Luz), mountains and strong gastronomy. Plenty for a day's excursion, between coast and hinterland.
The Petit Train de la Rhune (just over an hour) — a rack railway that climbs to the summit of La Rhune, at 905m, for a breathtaking panorama over the Basque Country, the ocean and Spain.
Spain (just over an hour) — San Sebastián and its Concha Bay, one of the most beautiful in Europe. A chance for a day trip to change country over a meal of tapas and pintxos.
Landes gastronomy
The region is also discovered at the table, starting with its markets where local producers and specialities come together.
Landes duck is the undisputed star, served every way (confit, foie gras, magret), as is Chalosse beef, prized for the quality of its farming.
Sand-grown asparagus and Hossegor oysters nicely round out the table depending on the season.
On the drinks side, Tursan wine pairs well with these local dishes, alongside Armagnac and Floc de Gascogne, more traditionally served as an aperitif or digestif.
Adour kiwi and Soustons peanuts add a sweeter touch, while tourtière landaise (a thin apple and Armagnac tart) and Pastis landais (a fragrant brioche, not to be confused with the aperitif of the same name) remain the must-try desserts.
Activities & Leisure
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Aquatic Landes — a water park with slides and pools, perfect for hot days.
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Parc Robinson — a tree-top adventure course in the pines, with several levels for kids and adults alike.
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Zoo de Labenne — a family-friendly animal park, an easy outing just steps from the house.
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Marais d'Orx Nature Reserve — birdwatching and walks through the marshes, along marked trails and viewpoints.
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Dune & Eau Thalassotherapy Centre — seawater treatments and pools for a relaxing break.
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Surf schools — several schools nearby for beginners and experienced surfers alike.
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Izi Rider — skate and e-scooter rental to explore the surroundings in a different way.