Some of the best beaches along the Côte d’Argent are away from the unprepossessing resorts, just broad unspoilt expanses of fine white sand backed by dunes. South of Mimizan, the D652 gives access to uncrowded beaches from the villages of Lit-et-Mixe, Saint-Girons, Moliets and Messanges.

The anonymous pine lands of the Forêt des Landes march right up to the coast – see the photo. As a complement to the beaches and sea-bathing (which can be hazardous – pay attention to warnings), a series of tranquil lakes are strung along the fringes of the forest. They are excellent for families, with sandy beaches and facilities for fishing, sailing, windsurfing and water-skiing. Two of the most pleasant are Etang de Cazaux et de Sanguinet and Etang de Biscarosse et de Parentis immediately to the north and south of Biscarosse. Prettiest of all is the reed-fringed Etang de Soustons. The little rivers which lead from these lakes to the sea a few kilometres away are known as courants. Just south of Saint-Girons, still on the D652, the Etang de Léon (fishing and windsurfing) is linked to the sea by a ravishingly pretty courant. You can take a delightful boat trip (in a flat-bottomed punt) along this Courant d’Huchet which winds, carpeted by waterlillies, between over-hanging willows, alders, hibiscus and tamarisk. Trips last between 1 and 4 hours, depending on how far you go. Enquire at the Bureau des Bataliers, tel. 05 58 48 75 39.

You could stay the night at the simple, and peaceful Hôtel du Lac, F at Léon (tel. 05 58 48 73 11, www.hoteldulac-leon.com). Alternatively, stay at Les Huitrières du Lac, F (1187 avenue du Touring Club, Hossegor; tel. 05 58 43 51 48) just to indulge in the inexpensive seafood served in the restaurant with a lovely lake-side position.

The flat countryside of the Landes makes cycling attractive and there are cycleways along the coast and in the forest. Contact Comite Départemental du Tourisme des Landes, 22 rue Victor Hugo, bp 407, 40012 Mont-de-Marsan; tel. 05 58 06 89; www.landes-fr/comite-departmental-tourisme-c.d.t.