Seignosse, the beautiful wild

A neighbour of Hossegor, the Landes town of Seignosse has every reason to be proud of its assets and its reputation. Popular and welcoming, it draws many visitors, holidaymakers and residents alike, and its natural charms are certainly not what would drive them away. Between the pines, the lakes, the golf course and its striking coastline, this part of the Landes is renowned for its wonderfully gentle pace of life. Take a little detour through this charming town on the edge of the Atlantic, a dream destination.

Where is Seignosse in France?

In the south-west of the country, Seignosse is a coastal commune in the Landes department. The town boasts a 6 km seafront, 2,500 hectares of forest and a lake. Its mild climate makes it a sought-after holiday spot. Its closest neighbours are Saubion, Soorts-Hossegor, Angresse and Tosse.

What are the inhabitants of Seignosse called?

Quite simply, the town's inhabitants are known as "Seignossais". The population today stands at 4,417. Around 70% of the commune is covered with maritime pines, and 5 km of forest separate the town from its beaches.

Why spend your holidays in Seignosse?

You will quickly see that Seignosse is a wild, natural town, rich in coastline. Set on the edge of the Atlantic, it enjoys a mild, pleasant climate in winter and a beautiful summer season. This makes it a tourist town, yet also a very family-friendly one all year round. The seaside resort never disappoints the visitors and residents who come to enjoy its many activities. Five beaches to unwind and soak up the sun, the largest water park in the Landes, markets and Landes gastronomy fill your days, while shops, campsites and hotels are on hand to welcome you.

Seignosse is not only a tourist resort: the town lives all year round, and sport sets the rhythm of local life. Surfing makes Seignosse as famous as Hossegor for its must-visit spots. A historic surfing site, it is now known worldwide by surfers who come here for the world championship. And for those who don't surf, rest assured: the town also has an 18-hole golf course over 70 hectares, designed by two renowned architects (Pierre Thévenin and Robert von Hagge). Ranked the 15th finest course in Europe, it will delight lovers of the little white ball.

A holiday destination or an ideal place to live, Seignosse appeals through its natural assets, its sandy beaches and its forest to explore, but also through its typically South-Western way of life. Close to Capbreton, Hossegor and a few kilometres from the heart of the Landes, the town enjoys an exceptional location that attracts future buyers, who will be disappointed neither by its setting nor by its property offering.

What does Seignosse look like?

A few shops and restaurants, a town hall, the church, the school, the Basque pelota fronton, a small wash-house and some typical Landes houses: this is how this village in the moors presents itself, where life is good in a very natural setting. In summer, hop on the free shuttle to travel through the pine forest between the town and the ocean.

Founded in the last century, Seignosse is a young town with no historic monuments. It does, however, radiate an assertive Basque character, maritime and geared towards the outdoors.It is well worth visiting the Fonds Labégorre, which displays year-round the contemporary works of the Basque painter Serge Labégorre, along with a number of temporary exhibitions.

Seignosse (almost) rhymes with golf. The challenging Seignosse course occupies an exceptional natural setting that discerning enthusiasts and passing travellers greatly appreciate.

For fun times, especially with family, the water park is easy to reach and ideal. You paddle, ride the water slides and pass beneath the waterfalls for a few thrills. Those seeking calm will prefer the solarium or the hot tubs. The Seignosse water park has something for young and old alike.

What to do in Seignosse?

Nature is the DNA of Seignosse.

The Étang Noir Nature Reserve is reached via a wooden walkway. If the lake is described as "black", it is probably because it is deep, muddy and surrounded by thick forest that darkens it and lends the place a mysterious air.

To enjoy natural sites while learning, there is nothing better than the prehistoric caves of Sare. You head underground to cover 900 m along a marked, lit and narrated trail. You can also simply discover the on-site caving museum or the megalithic park, evidence of human life several thousand years ago.

A little further afield, the Bétharram caves catch the eye. The visit takes you through a mountain and reveals how most caves formed and evolved over the centuries.

Finally, take the Rhune Train up to the highest point in the area, the summit of La Rhune, for a 360° view over the beaches and mountains.

What events take place in Seignosse?

The Traditional Festival thrills the town for three days in August, with pelota tournaments, bodegas, dancing and a giant communal meal that brings people together.

On summer Thursdays, Seignosse hosts Basque-Landes evenings with displays of Basque pelota, Landes dances and a large country feast.

From 6 to 9 August, the Little Festival takes place across Seignosse, Capbreton and Hossegor at once. Renowned musicians and street artists gather around board-sports culture.

In July and August, the Summer Scenes offer a free show every evening.

Finally, the surfing event awaited each year is the Pro France, which brings together Seignosse and Hossegor in October.

Where to walk in Seignosse?

Hike from Ondres-plage to Labenne-plage: a fairly easy 12 km loop linking the two neighbouring beaches through the beautiful Landes forest, on foot or by mountain bike.

A stroll along the Boudigau: from Tarnos, cross the forest and follow the Boudigau river to reach the port of Capbreton. Over 15 km, you pass the Monkey pine forest and the Labenne mini-zoo, where you can take a dip if you wish. Arriving at the port, admire the beaches of Capbreton and the stalls of freshly caught fish.

Where to eat in Seignosse?

At the Villa de l'Étang Blanc 1*, the chef prepares dishes of perfect precision and balance using organic produce from the Landes. His wife brilliantly runs the dining room, the terrace and the wine service.

La Petite Table de Capbreton offers a concise menu and cuisine made from very fresh produce, getting straight to the essentials.

Savouring a lobster salad or a turbot with baby vegetables on the terrace of the Regalty in Capbreton, where service comes with a smile and real professionalism, is one of the keys to a successful holiday.

Where to stay in Seignosse?

A stay at the Villa de l'Étang Blanc 3* in Seignosse, surrounded by birdsong and greenery, is always a pleasure. As for the restaurant, we mentioned it earlier…

Pretty, well-appointed rooms and Thai treatments await you at the Baya Hotel & Spa 3* in Capbreton, a refined establishment with panoramic Atlantic views.

The welcome is warm, the breakfast perfect and the terraced rooms very well equipped at the guest house Le Habre de Seignosse. As a bonus, a discreet jacuzzi tucked among the trees in the lovely garden.

BARNES Hossegor and its three agencies specialising in luxury real estate are at your service for buying property in Seignosse.

What are the property market trends in Seignosse?

From a seafront apartment to a villa in a quiet spot in the shade of the pines, you will find what you are looking for in Seignosse. The options vary: large villas with a pool near the beach, others more secluded, seafront apartments, homes near the golf course or a lake, or properties away from the seaside bustle and closer to the countryside. New, renovated or older — the choice is yours among Seignosse's property listings, where the price per square metre ranges from around €3,000/m² for an apartment to €3,100/m² for a house.

Between sea and forest, Seignosse is the ideal place to enjoy good times, live to the rhythm of the South-West, eat well, spend time with family and play sport in an idyllic setting. Wild and dynamic, look no further for where to set down your bags for a few days — or for life.