What to see and do in Moliets and Léon, two villages to discover on a campsite in the Landes
Campsite near Moliets and Léon, two charming villages to discover
The Landes coast is full of unusual (and secret) places to visit. Just 10 minutes from La Côte campsite, two villages unfold their authentic charm: Moliets and Léon! It's in this little corner of Marensin, nestling under pine trees, that you'll find one of the Landes' best-kept treasures: the Huchet stream!
Our 4-star campsite is ideally located between Moliets-et-Maâ and Léon. In a quiet, family-friendly setting, you can choose from spacious pitches for tents, caravans or motorhomes, or comfortable accommodation: mobile homes, cottages, cabins and gîtes. Take advantage of the heated swimming pool, the proximity of the Atlantic Ocean and the Vélodyssée cycle path, which leads directly to Moliet et Léon. Here are the places and activities not to be missed in either of these village resorts in the south of the Landes.
Tourism in Moliets: the must-sees
Less than 10 minutes' drive from the campsite, Moliets-et-Maâ is one of the most charming resorts on the Landes coast. Visitors come here to stroll through the village with its square, church and Basque pelota court, but also, and above all, for its proximity to the Huchet stream.
The courant d'huchet nature reserve
Nestling between the Etang de Léon and the Atlantic Ocean near Moliets, the Courant d'Huchet is a coastal river in the Landes region that flows from the Etang de Léon into the Atlantic Ocean at Moliets. This listed natural site is nicknamed the ‘Little Amazon of the Landes’, because of its incredible biodiversity: gallery forest, royal osmonds, wild orchids, droseras, tree ferns...
Join the boatmen on board a traditional boat for a guided tour of the river, where you'll learn all about its history, flora and fauna. An 8 km descent to the ocean (2 hours). On foot, explore the 15 km of signposted paths, including the Embouchure trail, a 9 km walk along the Huchet stream to the sea.
The beaches of Moliets
The beaches of Moliets-et-Maâ mark the beginning of the wild Landes coastline, with their kilometres of fine sand bordered by the immense pine forest. Watch out for waves and baïnes!
- The central beach: this is the busiest and liveliest beach in Moliets, with plenty of shops, bars and restaurants nearby. It stretches for around 1.5 km as far as the courant d'Huchet.
- Chênes-Lièges beach: to the south of the resort, near the Moliets golf course, this is a quieter, more intimate beach. Accessible in 10 minutes from the car park on the edge of the forest.
- Moliets-et-Maâ is also popular with surfers. Several surf schools offer courses and equipment hire.
Accrobranche, golf, fishing, hiking...sports and nature activities in Moliets
Moliet-et-Maâ, with its golf course, adventure park and ponds, offers plenty to do during your camping holiday.
Tree climbing and paintball
Discover the largest accrobranche park in the Landes, with more than 25 tree courses and 300 games (zip lines, swings, vertigo wire, etc.), as well as a paintball field and quad and mini-bike tracks. Find out more on the Adrenaline Parc website.
Moliets golf course
A superb golf course set between sea and forest! Two courses designed by Robert Trent Jones: an 18-hole course with four links holes by the ocean and a 9-hole course called ‘Airial’. Try it and you'll love it! See more
The pond hike
The Etang de Moliets, a Natura 2000 listed site, is a delight for anglers and walkers alike. You can fish for pike, zander and black-bass. There is a 4km footpath around the lake (circuit du ruisseau de la Prade et du swing).
The Etang de la Prade, located in the communes of Moliets and Messanges, is also well worth a visit. Follow the ‘Lou Coupe-Came’ trail for a 6km walk to discover the fauna and flora of the Landes region.
What to see and do in Léon: activities not to be missed
In the heart of the Marensin region, the village of Léon has a timeless charm and a peaceful atmosphere, with its low, half-timbered houses lined with brick. It's famous for its market, but there are plenty of other activities to discover! Léon even has a cinema, which is relatively rare for a town of 2,000 inhabitants!
Market days in Léon
You'll find the best Basque cake in the area, as well as sheep's and goat's cheeses, local charcuterie, honey, foie gras, oysters and chipirons.
- Traditional market: Tuesday and Sunday mornings all year round, Place de l'Église.
- Seasonal market: every morning from mid-June to the end of September, Place de l'Église and Place de la Poste.
- Night market: every Wednesday evening in July and August.
Lac de Léon: beach, swimming and water sports activities
Just 1 km from the village, Lac de Léon is one of the largest lakes in the Landes region. It covers 340 hectares in the heart of a nature reserve. With its two beaches, unspoilt wilderness areas and hiking trails, this haven of peace invites you to relax and enjoy adventure.
From spring onwards, take advantage of the water-based activities on offer: stand-up paddle, pedalo, canoe, windsurf, optimist, dinghy... A great way to spend an afternoon with the family! As well as being a lively place, Lac de Léon is also the scene of many festivities: fireworks on 14 July, local producers' markets, Scène O lac concerts, etc.
Did you know? La Palue, the river that feeds Lac de Léon, is an extension of the Courant d'Huchet nature reserve.
