The Château de terre in Labrit was built in the 13th century and is considered the cradle of the Sires d’Albret. The communal forest covers around 700 hectares and consists mainly of maritime pines. Other attractions include the neo-Gothic Church of Saint-Médard, a war memorial, an easy cycling route, a walking trail, and a seasonal pool. During your stay, you can choose to focus on history, landscapes, exercise, or seasonal swimming.

History and buildings

The Château de Labrit, known as d’Albret, was listed as a historic monument by decree on 27 December 1990. The protected area includes surviving structures as well as plots where demolished parts once stood, including the courtyard and associated cellars. The protection therefore covers not only surviving buildings, but also the sites of former structures. Together with the construction date of the Château de terre and its significance as the cradle of the Sires d’Albret, this offers several points of historical interest.

The Church of Saint-Médard is neo-Gothic in style and was built between 1886 and 1888. Its restoration was completed in 2011. The work included the façades, repointing the stonework, the bell tower, the bell ringer’s quarters, the electrical system, the stained-glass windows damaged by the storm, and the choir. The dates mark different phases: construction from 1886 to 1888, and completion of the later restoration in 2011. The neo-Gothic style describes the church’s architectural classification; the restoration covered several parts of the building.

Labrit’s war memorial was created by sculptor Robert Wlérick in 1922. The relief depicts a widow of the First World War with her daughter, both with their arms crossed. On either side of the relief are two bronze profile portraits of soldiers. The composition therefore differs from the buildings: its focus is on the people depicted and their arrangement, rather than on construction dates or restoration work.

Forest, trails, and seasonal swimming

Labrit’s communal forest consists mainly of maritime pines and covers around 700 hectares. For cyclists, “A Labrit « Parfums de landes »” is one option: this easy route is 39 kilometres long and starts at Place de l’église. One section passes through varied woodland that provides shade on hot days. The Chemin du Pioc offers a different kind of exercise: an easy walking trail. You can choose between a 39-kilometre cycling route and an easy walking trail. Check the conditions on the Chemin du Pioc again before setting out.

The Bassin Ludique de plein air is a seasonal facility in Labrit. It has a paddling pool and a pool with a gently sloping floor, suitable for young children. Swimming and aqua-aerobics classes are available by arrangement with the pool attendant. As operating details at seasonal facilities can change, it is advisable to check them before your visit.

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