A 2 km circular trail runs partly along boardwalks through the Tourbières de l’Estanque; the Circuit des barthes neuves is 5.2 km long and leads to the banks of the Adour. These two trails give Mées a clear focus on nature and walking. Wetlands, a longer walking and cycling route, and a few traces of local history add further highlights.
Discover Wetlands and Nature
The Tourbières de l’Estanque are a wetland habitat for protected species, including dragonflies and butterflies. The 2 km circular trail runs partly along boardwalks. It is accessible to people with reduced mobility, families and animals.
The Barthes de Mées are a 25-hectare natural area consisting mainly of grazed natural meadows and mixed deciduous woodland. Species that can be observed there include white storks, lesser spotted eagles and the Mercurial bluet dragonfly. The area is freely accessible and has no special facilities. As local conditions may change, check them before your visit.
Walking and Cycling Trails
The Circuit des barthes neuves is a very easy walking route. It starts at the car park in the town centre. From there, the route crosses the railway line to Paris and Hendaye, then continues along the Route du Port. Via the Route du Port, the trail reaches the banks of the Adour and follows the river for about 2 km. The place called Le Port recalls the time when the navigable Adour was used for trade.
The Voie verte 1 du Grand Dax is a 14.8 km walking and cycling route. It runs between Saint-Paul-lès-Dax, Mées, Angoumé and Rivière-Saas-et-Gourby. This distinguishes it from the 5.2 km Circuit des barthes neuves both in its greater length and in being suitable for cycling.
Local History and Activities
In the north of Mées stands the hexagonal Pierre de Tinon, which is associated with a local legend about dancing witches. The parish church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste offers another historical highlight: Hippolyte Durand and Hippolyte Guichenné built it between 1865 and 1868. In Mées, a local legend and a specific 19th-century building thus stand side by side.
Domaine El Campo in Mées includes an equestrian centre and a private arena. Carriage rides and horse or pony rides are available by reservation. The carriage can accommodate a maximum of 4 to 5 people.
At “La tourbière aux sesterces” in Mées, the free Terra Aventura app offers a treasure hunt leading to a cache and the route’s Poïz character. Together with the trails, wetlands and historic sites, this offers another playful way to explore the themes of a stay.
Discover more destinations: Caupenne, Castelnau-Chalosse, Laglorieuse, Pissos, Saint-Julien-En-Born, Capbreton, Hastingues, Garein.
Go to the main travel overview: Landes.
