Traveling by motorhome offers the true promise of freedom, flexible itineraries, and handpicked stopovers. And what could be better than a seamless, direct road trip to discover the wonders of the Atlantic coast? This itinerary takes you from the vibrant, elegant Basque Coast, straight up through the Landes—a realm of dunes and pine forests—before reaching the vast ocean beaches of Gironde.
Your journey begins at the stopover site in Biarritz, the jewel of the Basque Country, where you can admire the ocean from the Rocher de la Vierge and indulge in gourmet delights at the covered market. From the CAMPING-CAR PARK site, you can easily explore the town before hitting the road to the stopover site in Labenne, your first stop in the Landes. Here, the scenery shifts to expansive forests, protected wetlands, and long stretches of fine sand.
Continuing north, you'll reach the iconic duo of Hossegor and Seignosse, famous for their marine lake, bustling markets, and world-class surf spots. It’s the perfect place to settle in for two nights—enjoy a walk around the lake, go for a swim, or take a stroll through the pine forest. These three destinations make for an ideal introduction, seamlessly blending Basque elegance with the laid-back Landes lifestyle.
Head further north to the stopover sites in Messanges and Azur, perfect for alternating between beach and lake, cycling and pure relaxation. These two destinations complement each other so well that they can easily be explored in a single stopover.
For a change of pace, take a detour to the stopover site in Pouillon, a charming village in the Landes countryside where peaceful rural life reigns far from the coastal bustle. It’s an ideal stop to catch your breath, savor local specialties, and enjoy the subtle charm of the region.
Then, head back toward the ocean to discover the wildest stretches of the coast with the stopover site in Contis (Saint-Julien-en-Born) or the one in Mimizan. In Contis, the lighthouse overlooks a stunning backdrop of dunes and pine woods, while in Mimizan, endless cycle paths provide the ultimate playground between lakes and beaches. Two must-visit stops to take in the raw power of the Atlantic from conveniently located sites.
The final leg of this trip takes you to the great lakes of the Landes and into Gironde. Make a stop at the site in Gastes, then head on to Biscarrosse, where freshwater rivals the ocean with a wide range of activities: swimming, bike rides, and lively markets. These calm lakeside retreats contrast beautifully with the Atlantic surf, adding a wonderful variety to your journey.
Crossing the border from the Landes, you’ll enter the Gironde region. First stop: the Arès site, in the heart of the Arcachon Bay—ideal for exploring by bike or tasting local oysters. Further north, the stopover sites in Lacanau and Carcans welcome you to make the most of the waves, boundless cycling trails, and classic ocean vibes. Finally, wrap up your journey in style at Vendays-Montalivet – La Pinède, where the forest meets the ocean for one last nature-filled stop before bringing this road trip to a close.
From Biarritz to Gironde, this motorhome road trip takes you through the full diversity of the Atlantic coast: lively Basque towns, endless Landes beaches, great lakes, and Gironde forests. Thanks to the CAMPING-CAR PARK network, you can enjoy practical, secure stopovers throughout the entire route. With the Pass’Étapes card for seamless access and the Privilege Pack to reserve with complete peace of mind, every leg of your trip is effortless.
