Inspiration

5 UNMISSABLE ACTIVITIES FOR YOUR CUSTOMERS IN ATLANTIC COAST

Designed to inspire your programme development, these five must-do activities highlight Atlantic coast’s key experiences. Easy to integrate into your itineraries, they add value to your stays and respond to your clients’ expectations on the destination.

Table of contents

A strong nature immersion between dunes, forests and wide horizons

1. DISCOVERING LUSH NATURE IN EUROPE’S MOST PRESERVED COASTLINES

Parks, nature reserves, estuaries and lakes… the Atlantic Coast offers a spectacular yet soothing setting, ideal for slow travel, nature-focused stays or wellness-oriented escapes.

Feast your eyes on the coast from the sea as you sail through the region’s two biggest marine nature parks (Gironde Estuary and Pertuis Sea, Arcachon Bay) .
Enjoy a spot of birdwatching at the Teich Bird Reserve in Arcachon Bay, Aiguillon Bay near La Rochelle and on the banks of Lac d’Arjuzanx, a popular Landes destination for the common crane between spring and autumn.
Hop on board the Marquèze tourist train to the ecomuseum of the same name and spend a day reliving 19th century life as a shepherd and farmer.
Go for a stroll or bike ride on the many paths through the Landes Forest and take a deep breath of the heady blend of sea air and sap.

Surfing, cycling, canoeing – an accessible outdoor playground for all levels

2. ENJOYING YOUR FAVORITE SPORT FOR ACTIVE HOLIDAYS

Surfing in Anglet, canoeing on the Leyre River, touring along the Vélodyssée cycle route… the Atlantic is best experienced in motion, appealing to both sports enthusiasts and curious explorers alike.

Ride along the Atlantic coast from north to south on the Vélodyssée©, a route covering almost 650km with 70% of it car-free and specially set up for cyclists.
Watch surfers ride the waves between Île d’Oléron and Hendaye before you sign the kids up for a taster session.
Reconnect with nature, the wind and waves with one of many water sports available on the coast or on inland freshwater lakes (sailing, canoeing, SUP etc.).

Lighthouses, historic ports and elegant seaside resorts punctuate the coast

3. EXPLORING ARCHITECTURAL TREASURES YEAR-ROUND

From La Rochelle to Saint-Jean-de-Luz, the destination blends culture and coastline: Cordouan, Rochefort, Arcachon, Soulac… a perfect thematic thread for seaside and heritage itineraries.

Go retro in Royan then stick to the coastline to visit Belle Epoque sea resorts. Feast your eyes on opulent villas and spectacular sea views from their grounds (Châtelaillon-Plage, Fouras, Soulac-sur-Mer, Arcachon etc.).
Let the wind blow through your hair off the coast between the towers on La Rochelle’s port or learn about whaling at Saint-Jean-de-Luz Port and Biarritz Aquarium.
Take the family on an adventure at sea for the day at the Arsenal des Mers in Rochefort: sailing workshop at the Corderie Royale, escape game at Musée de la Marine, treetop adventure at Accro-Mats or an evening show at the Arsenal’s Oceana Lumina.
Go on an expedition and scale 301 steps up Cordouan Lighthouse to experience the UNESCO gem that is rightly nicknamed “The Versailles of the Seas”.

Gentle beaches, sea-inspired cuisine, and unapologetic relaxation

4. IN FINE WEATHER, EXPERIENCE THE ATLANTIC THROUGH A FAMILY AND ART-OF-LIVING LENS

Intergenerational holidays, summer stays or off-season breaks: here, days flow between swimming, markets, tastings, and wide open breaths of fresh air.

Unwind at sprawling freshwater lakes sheltered by the dunes between dips and quality time together.
Make your break 100% natural and sustainable and pitch your tent (or suitcase) on one of the many ecoaccredited seaside campsites in Nouvelle-Aquitaine.
You don’t need to get wet to soak up the Atlantic Ocean; just visit La Rochelle Aquarium and Cité de l’Océan in Biarritz.
Tuck into the freshest fish at Capbreton Port washed down by a glass of “vin de sables” and feast on a dozen oysters at the oyster farms in Marennes.
Try local fare: éclade, the famous mussel dish on Ile d’Oléron or chipirons (squid) by the sea in the Basque Country.

A well-established offering, ideal for short, restorative breaks

5. TAKING TIME TO RECHARGE WITH THALASSOTHERAPY

The Atlantic coast is also a land of thalassotherapy and marine treatments, highly appealing to wellness-focused travellers and senior clientele.

Recharge your batteries with sea water on Île de Ré, La Rochelle, Royan, Arcachon or the Basque Country. The holidays are about making time for yourself after all.
Take your pick from the best seaside hotels with spas providing bespoke treatments and hydrotherapy havens of wellness.

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