In Soustons, the large Lac de Soustons, trails through the forest and two contrasting beaches shape the choice of outings. At the lake, you can choose from waterside activities and water sports; at Plage du Lac Marin La Sauvagine, swimming is sheltered from waves. Plage de l’Océan, by contrast, offers a large sandy beach in a protected natural setting. Cultural attractions and a year-round market round out the options.
Water and trails at Lac de Soustons
Lac de Soustons is a large lake in the heart of Soustons. You can walk, cycle and fish along the shore; sailing, stand-up paddleboarding, canoeing and kayaking are also available. If you’re looking for trails on land as well as water activities, Soustons has marked mountain biking, walking and running routes by the lake or in the municipal forest.
Centre Evad’Sport is an outdoor recreation base on Lac de Soustons. It rents canoes, kayaks, paddles, large paddleboats and pedal boats for use on the lake, and offers catamaran lessons. Other activities include high-ropes courses, trips along the Courant and multi-sport raids. Trips along the Courant are available from age six.
A canoe trip along the Courant starts at Lac de Soustons and covers 7 km through the Landes forest to Lac marin de Port d’Albret. This trip is a separate option from activities directly on the lake: it starts at Lac de Soustons, passes through the forest and ends at Lac marin de Port d’Albret.
The greenway Itinérêve also connects the lake and the ocean: it is 6 km long, with 38 sculptures lining the route. The marked mountain biking, walking and running routes provide further options by the lake or in the municipal forest.
Two beaches, different conditions
Plage du Lac Marin La Sauvagine offers swimming sheltered from waves beneath a shady pine forest. The water there is shallow and warmer. From the town centre, take the D652 and Avenue de la PĂŞtre to reach the beach; a shady car park is nearby.
Plage de l’Océan has a different character: it is a large sandy beach reached from a shady car park via a path of about ten minutes through the forest and dunes. This beach in a protected natural setting is suitable for surfing. The two beaches therefore differ not only in their location by the lake or ocean, but also in the swimming and surfing conditions described.
Culture and local life
The Mémorial François Mitterrand is a 2.20-metre-high bronze sculpture by Jacques Raoult. François Mitterrand spent 31 years at his Bergerie de Latche in Soustons. The Terra Aventura trail in Soustons has a water and local heritage theme.
A year-round market is held at Place des Arènes, offering local produce alongside other goods. As operating details may change, check the latest market hours before visiting.
Arènes Henri Canelas hosts cultural, festive and sporting events and has 2,900 seats. It is open to visitors only during events. Bullfighting events are held there every year, particularly in summer; check the dates before your trip. Soustons’ cultural calendar also includes the “ARTE FLAMENCO” festival in January. As the festival month may change, it’s a good idea to check the latest dates.
Discover more destinations: Saint-Barthélemy, Arthez-d'Armagnac, Hastingues, Bahus-Soubiran, Taller, Arjuzanx, Mauries, Lévignacq.
Go to the regional travel overview: Landes.
