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The most beautiful walks in Hossegor with your dog: beaches, lakes & dog-friendly forests

Hossegor, the emblematic seaside resort of the Landes region, is not only a surfer's paradise: it's also a dog-lover's paradise. The region is very popular with French tourists, not least for the diversity of outdoor activities suitable for families, children and dogs. Between wild beaches, pine forests and peaceful marine lakes, this destination abounds with itineraries perfect for walking your faithful companion. The Landes region, bordering the Basque Country, is renowned throughout France and beyond for the quality of its dog walks.

Here's our guide to the most dog-friendly walks in and around Hossegor. To take full advantage of all that the world of Hossegor and its surroundings has to offer, don't hesitate to prepare your visit well and research activities and places suitable for everyone.

Where to take your dog for a walk on the beach in and around Hossegor?

Many beaches in the Landes region are dog-friendly, but beware of seasonal restrictions. Here's an overview of the areas where you can enjoy the sand and ocean with your dog.

Dog-friendly beaches in Hossegor

In high season (June 1 to September 30), supervised beaches are generally off-limits to dogs. In the off-season, however, several emblematic beaches are open to the public:

  • South beach: vast and little frequented, ideal for free running outside the summer season.

  • Plage de La Gravière: a wild spot, perfect for energetic dogs.

  • Plage des Culs-Nus: very quiet, ideal for early mornings or late afternoons.

  • Central Beach: accessible in autumn and winter, with easy access and breathtaking views.

Always remember to bring your poop bags and keep your dog on a leash, even on tolerant beaches.

Other dog-friendly beaches in the Landes

Beach in Biscarosse

  • In summer: dogs are only allowed on a leash at the south end of Plage Sud and at the north end of Plage du Vivier.

  • Off-season (October 30 to April 1): South, North, Central and Vivier beaches open to dogs.

  • Biscarrosse, Parentis, Sanguinet and Gastes lakes: swimming prohibited, but leashed trails authorized.

Beach in Capbreton

From June 1 to September 30, dogs are not allowed on any of Capbreton's beaches. You can walk your dog on the beaches out of season! The rest of the year, just head for the following beaches: plage de la Piste; plage des Océanides; plage du Prévent; plage Santocha; plage Centrale; plage de l'Estacade; plage Notre-Dame.

Beach in Seignosse

  • Dogs prohibited on all beaches from May 1 to October 31.

  • In low season, rides are permitted on: les Estagnots, les Bourdaines, le Penon, les Casernes.

Other municipalities :

  • Tarnos & Ondres: tolerance outside supervised bathing areas.

  • Labenne: dogs allowed outside supervised areas.

  • Vieux-Boucau: tolerated mornings before 11am and evenings after 7pm.

The best thing to do is get in touch with the town hall of the commune where you and your pooch will be vacationing. 

The best routes for a walk with your dog in Landes

Walk around Hossegor lake

The tour of Lac d'Hossegor is the most popular dog-friendly walk. The path skirts a superb marine lake with calm waters, lined with typical villas, pine trees and oyster huts. The pedestrian route around the lake is well-marked and dotted with educational panels, allowing visitors to discover the surrounding history and nature.

  • Distance: approx. 5.7 to 7.4 km (depending on variant)

  • Estimated time: 1h30 to 2h

  • Advantages: flat trail, plenty of shade, dog-friendly swimming spots, pet-friendly terraces

You can also paddle and even cani-paddle with your dog on the lake!

What's more, many establishments accept dogs for a short break.

There are benches all around the lake, perfect for relaxing or admiring the scenery.

Last but not least, you'll be able to observe the presence of numerous birds in this unspoilt environment.

Trails between beach and forest nearby

Between the beaches and Hossegor lake" loop - 8 km

A superb, varied itinerary combining seafront and undergrowth. The trail starts near La Gravière beach and winds down to the lake.

  • Level: easy

  • Contrasting landscapes: ocean, pines, sand

  • Dogs allowed on leash

Notre-Dame beach circuit - 7 km

More confidential, this trail skirts the coastline and then plunges into a peaceful forest. Ideal for an early-morning outing with a calm dog.

Surrounding lakes & dog-friendly forests

Lake Léon

Just 30 minutes north of Hossegor, this natural lake bordered by pine trees is an ideal spot for dog walks.

  • Distance: about 8 km

  • Advantages: flat, shaded path, access to water outside supervised swimming areas

  • Atmosphere: family, wild and peaceful

The Arjuzanx estate

A former industrial site transformed into a nature reserve, this site offers several trails around the lake and through the forest.

  • Year-round trails

  • Dogs welcome, ideal for long walks

  • Numerous watering holes and quiet spots

In Hossegor, walks with your dog take on a whole new dimension. Whether you're a fan of long, wild beaches, fragrant forest trails or peaceful lakeshores, you'll find everything you need to enjoy special moments with your four-legged friend.

So strap on the leash, get the treats ready, and set off to discover the Landes in a different way, as a duo.

Tips for a safe walk with your dog

To ensure that every walk with your dog in the Landes region remains a moment of happiness and tranquillity, a few precautions are essential. Before setting off on an adventure on the trails, beaches or around the lakes of Hossegor, take the time to check that the areas you have chosen are suitable for dogs. Certain areas, particularly during the summer months, may be subject to restrictions: a quick visit to the town hall website or a glance at the information panels will avoid any unpleasant surprises.

When out walking, always keep your pet on a leash, especially near roads, in shared areas or on busy footpaths. This not only guarantees your dog's safety, but also that of other animals and walkers. And don't forget to take along bags to pick up after your pet: keeping beaches, forests and parks clean is essential to keeping them welcoming places for everyone.

The weather in the Landes region can sometimes be capricious: when it's hot, opt for walks early in the morning or at the end of the day, and don't forget to bring fresh water to keep your dog hydrated throughout the walk. Shady areas in forests or on the shores of lakes are ideal for keeping your pet cool, even in midsummer.

Finally, take advantage of the region's diversity of dog-friendly activities and venues: many restaurants, campsites and accommodations welcome dogs, like our Les Fougères - Hossegor hotel, making it easy to organize your family vacation. Whether you're a fan of long hikes in the forest, walks on the beach or relaxing breaks by the lake, every outing is an opportunity to strengthen your bond with your pet and discover the unspoilt nature of the Landes region.

By following these few tips, your walks in and around Hossegor will be synonymous with safety, pleasure and wonderful discoveries, for you and your pooch.

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