The Courant d’Huchet winds through forests, wetlands and dunes before reaching Moliets beach. This sequence of landscapes gives a vivid picture of the natural side of Moliets-Et-Maa; by the sea, you’ll also find different types of beaches and surfing options. Marked trails, guided excursions and the cultural history of Maâ also offer practical alternatives to spending all your time at the beach.
Beach character and surfing
Moliets’ central beach is lively and sociable, while Plage des Chênes-Lièges is considered secluded and unspoilt. These are distinct beach profiles that may influence your choice of coastal area. Moliets Plage is a surf spot for all skill levels. There are eight surf schools at Moliets Plage. They offer opportunities to learn, improve and develop your surfing, regardless of age or ability; the specific offerings of individual schools may vary. Check directly with the school in advance to see what options are available for your dates.
Nature trails for different timeframes
The Réserve Naturelle du Courant d’Huchet includes, among others, the municipalities of Léon, Vielle-Saint-Girons and Moliets. The Courant d’Huchet nature area has 15 kilometres of freely accessible discovery trails. At the estuary near Moliets, you can explore the reserve on guided walks or by boat. Before your trip, check whether a guided excursion is taking place on your dates.
The Étangs also have their own appeal: Étang de Moliets is protected as a Natura 2000 site, while Étang de La Prade is designated as a Natura 2000 site. A marked circular trail runs along Étang de Moliets, is almost four kilometres long and is accessible year-round. For a longer hike, the Circuit du ruisseau de la Prade et du swing is a different proposition: it is about 12.6 kilometres long, with an average walking time of 3 hours 30 minutes. This lets you compare a short circuit around the Étang with a considerably longer hike in terms of distance and time required.
Golf and treetop adventure park
Golf de Moliets is set in a forest by the Atlantic. It has an 18-hole course designed by Robert Trent Jones, with four links holes, as well as a 9-hole course. The two course lengths offer a clear choice for anyone who wants to include golf in their trip rather than focus their stay solely on beaches and nature trails.
Adrénaline Parc in Moliets has 30 treetop adventure courses with 300 activities. Seven courses for children are aimed at children over five and under ten years old, or children under 1.40 metres tall. They are adapted to the children’s height and require parental supervision. Check the age requirements again before your visit.
Cultural history in Maâ and seasonal events
Chapelle Saint Laurent in Maâ stands on the site of a 12th-century Templar commandery where pilgrims travelling the coastal route to Santiago de Compostela were accommodated. The chapel has been restored. Free guided tours take place on Mondays at 11 a.m. in July and August; before your trip, check whether a tour is offered on your travel dates.
The C4 cycle route follows the Léon–Soustons cycling trail through a pine forest to Moliets-Et-Maa. It also includes a return route to Chapelle Saint-Laurent-de-Mâa. By the road towards Quartier de Maâ, Fontaine Saint Orens, also known as Pourrut de Maâ, has a washhouse.
Near the beach, a traditional seasonal market takes place on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from mid-June to mid-September. Check the dates for the relevant year before your visit.
Discover more destinations: Vielle-Saint-Girons, Linxe, Biscarrosse-Plage, Biscarrosse, Monget, Saint-Jean-De-Marsacq, Lüe, Labatut
Back to the regional travel guide: Landes.
