Gastes brings together Lac de Parentis-Biscarrosse, paths through the Landes forest and distinctive heritage. The lake, also known as Lac Sud, covers 3,540 hectares. The landscape and local cycling and walking options offer different ways to shape your stay: you can focus on the water, outdoor activities or the history of the area. When choosing a destination, you can first consider whether the lake and nature, longer cycling trips or a shorter outing should take priority.
The lake and protected natural areas
Gastes is located on Lac de Parentis-Biscarrosse, also known as Lac Sud. The Port de Gastes is on the lake. For water sports, the harbour has four basins: Calicobas, Sandres, Perches and Brochets. They are equipped with floating or wooden jetties. This means the landscape encompasses both the large lake and the specifically named harbour basins.
Gastes has protected natural areas within the framework of a Natura 2000 site, a registered protected site, five ZNIEFF areas and a pre-emption zone under the Espaces Naturels Sensibles programme. Together with the lake, these protected areas define the natural character of the area. When planning your trip, you can make the water and nature trails your focus without centring your stay on a single excursion destination.
Exploring by bike and on foot
La Vélodyssée passes through Gastes and forms part of the French section of EuroVelo Route 1. Check the official route updates before setting off. Another cycling option is Boucle cyclo 2: En pays de Born. This easy circular route is 79 kilometres long and designated for road and touring bikes. It passes through Gastes between Sainte-Eulalie-en-Born and Parentis-en-Born, then continues through the Landes forest.
For a much shorter activity, try the Terra Aventura discovery walk: La Folle quĂŞte de Sainte Quitterie. The route runs through Gastes between the forest and the lake, covers 2.5 kilometres and takes an hour and a half. It is accessible by bike and with a pushchair; conditions along the route may vary. The different distances make it easier to choose between a longer cycling loop and a shorter walking activity with a stated duration.
A cycle path and a footpath run along Plage de Gastes, making walks possible. If you prefer hiking, you can follow trails in Gastes or walk alongside the lake, discovering protected nature in the heart of the Landes forest.
The church and local history
Église Sainte-Quitterie de Gastes is a medieval church dedicated to Saint Quitterie. It was remodelled in the 19th century, and its bell-tower porch was built in 1860 by departmental architect Ozanne. The building therefore reveals both its medieval origins and a later alteration.
The church houses a painted polychrome wooden statue of Saint Quitterie from the first half of the 18th century. It was listed as a protected object on 11 September 2003. The boathouses of Gastes are also part of the area’s heritage: they bear witness to its more recent past. Together, the church, statue and boathouses offer different perspectives on local history, from sacred art and architecture to historic harbour buildings.
Discover more destinations: Bonnegarde, Gourbera, Gaujacq, Soorts-Hossegor, Labouheyre, Seignosse, Hastingues, Mugron.
For the broader travel overview: Landes.
