Capbreton is home to an extraordinary geological phenomenon comparable to the Grand Canyon—the Gouf, an underwater canyon stretching for 150 km with depths exceeding 2,100 meters. This natural wonder is just one of the treasures we discovered while exploring this charming coastal town.
We created this guide to share our secrets about the Capbreton weather (with pleasant summers reaching 24°C and mild winters between 7 and 11°C), the best Capbreton hotels for every budget, and of course, our favorite Capbreton restaurants where you can enjoy fresh fish sold directly from the 19 traditional fishing boats. If you’re wondering what to do in Capbreton, we particularly recommend the historic 190-meter Estacade, built in 1858, offering breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. A visit to Capbreton also means enjoying its 5.6 km of beaches, perfect for an unforgettable Capbreton vacation.
Iconic places not to be missed
As you explore Capbreton, you’ll discover historical sites and natural wonders that add to the charm of this maritime town. These places tell the story and identity of the only port town in the Landes region.
The Estacade and its lighthouse
The Estacade, a true emblem of Capbreton, is a 189-meter wooden pontoon that juts majestically into the ocean. Built in 1858 under Napoleon III to straighten the course of the Boudigau, it symbolizes the rebirth of the port after the diversion of the Adour. Destroyed during the Second World War, it was rebuilt identically in 1948 and crowned with a lighthouse visible from 14 miles away. Today, this promenade offers a unique view of the horizon and Atlantic sunsets. Anglers also find their happiness here, making this pier a popular meeting place for locals and visitors alike.
The Fishing and Marina
The port represents the beating heart of Capbreton. The only port in the Landes region, it is home to 19 traditional fishing boats and nearly 950 pleasure craft. What makes this port special? Its fishermen enjoy a rare privilege: they can sell their catch directly without going through an auction, a right granted by a decree of Colbert in the 17th century. This centuries-old tradition allows you to buy exceptionally fresh fish “off the boat,” as the locals say. The fish market, located opposite the harbor master’s office, offers freshly caught sole, sea bream, squid, and hake every day.
The Gouf of Capbreton
A few hundred meters from the coast lies the spectacular Gouf of Capbreton. This underwater canyon, comparable to the Grand Canyon of the Colorado, stretches for 270 kilometers and plunges to a depth of 3,500 meters. Formed by the separation of the European and Iberian tectonic plates, it represents a rare geological curiosity as it is one of the few canyons in the world connected to the coastline. This unique phenomenon creates a calm zone visible from the Estacade during storms. The Gouf also enriches the local marine biodiversity, fostering the presence of rare species such as diving cetaceans and deep-sea fish.
Housed in a 16th-century building, the MOP reveals all the secrets of Capbreton. A true interactive museum, it offers an immersion in local history through exhibitions of original works and technological innovations. You can walk on the Gouf in 3D, discover the secrets of “sand wine,” and listen to tales and legends told by locals. Audio guides are available in several languages, and fun activities await children with specially designed game booklets. During the summer, the MOP also organizes the Storytelling Festival, perpetuating Capbreton’s oral tradition.
Local activities to experience Capbreton like a local
To experience Capbreton like a true local, you need to immerse yourself in the authentic activities that punctuate the daily life of this maritime town. Here’s how to fully enjoy the Capbreton experience beyond the traditional tourist routes.
Fish Market: Buying from the Back of the Boat
Capbreton’s lifeblood is its fish market, where the harbor’s 19 boats sell their catch directly, bypassing an auction. This unique tradition dates back to the 17th century, thanks to a decree issued by Jean-Baptiste Colbert under Louis XIV. Every morning, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (weather permitting), fishermen offer ultra-fresh produce opposite the Harbor Master’s Office. They don’t just sell: they advise you on selection and cooking, scale sea bass, gut hake, or fillet sole. The varieties change with the seasons: sea bream and sea bass in the fall and winter, red mullet in the mid-season, and in the summer, hake, anchovies, and shellfish.
Bike Tours on the Vélodyssée
Thanks to the numerous cycle paths crossing the pine forest, cycling is ideal for exploring Capbreton like a local. The Vélodyssée, which connects Norway to Portugal along the Atlantic, passes through here. The stage to Bayonne (approximately 27 km) offers a varied route between forest and coastline. Starting from Capbreton, the trail follows the Boudigau River before crossing Labenne-Plage and then Ondres. For shorter rides, explore the beaches by fat bike or slalom between the blockhouses on La Piste Beach.
Surfing and Water Sports for All Levels
Capbreton has its own surf spots, rivaling the famous neighboring Hossegor. Santocha Beach, with its characteristic blockhouses, attracts surfers and swimmers alike. For beginners, Prévent Beach, slightly sheltered from the swell, offers ideal learning conditions. Schools like Ted Surf School offer lessons, courses, and equipment rentals year-round. Beyond surfing, the port is the starting point for various activities: sea trips, fishing, sailing, and even jet skiing.
Kayaking and paddleboarding on the Boudigau River
For a more relaxed experience, explore the Boudigau River by kayak or paddleboard. This historic canal, built on the former bed of the Adour River after its diversion in 1578, now connects the Marais d’Orx to the port of Capbreton. Renting a kayak (around €5/person for 1.5 hours) or a paddleboard (€12/hour) allows you to observe the flora and fauna that line its banks. The Boudigau River offers a different perspective of Capbreton, far from the hustle and bustle of the ocean, where nature is at its best. A perfect activity even in unpredictable weather in Capbreton.
Nature and relaxation around Capbreton
The surroundings of Capbreton stretch out among unspoiled natural treasures, offering a peaceful escape away from the hustle and bustle of the port and main beaches. These havens of peace are ideal escapes during your stay, whether the weather in Capbreton is mild or unpredictable.
The Marais d’Orx Nature Reserve
A few minutes from Capbreton, the Marais d’Orx is the last large protected wetland on the Aquitaine coast. This major ornithological site covers over 1,000 hectares and is a popular stopover for migratory birds. Accessible free of charge year-round and at any time, the marsh can only be visited on foot – dogs are not allowed to preserve the tranquility of the wildlife.
Two marked trails await you: the Marais Barrage Discovery Trail (6.4 km round trip) and the Marais Burret Trail (6 km round trip). From the four observation points, you can spot northern shovelers, spoonbills, glossy ibises, and storks. Binoculars are available for rent at the reception center, and guided tours are available upon reservation.
The Black Pond and its wooden footbridges
The Black Pond Nature Reserve in Seignosse protects 52 hectares of wetlands accessible via a duckboard trail. This mysterious place is distinguished by its deep waters and muddy bottom, creating a unique atmosphere enhanced by the shade of the surrounding marsh forest.
The easy and accessible walk (1.3 km loop) is entirely on wooden footbridges and offers breathtaking views of the pond from two pontoons. In summer, guided tours are organized on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., and on Wednesdays and Fridays at 9:30 a.m. (reservation required).
Wild beaches between Hossegor and Labenne
Between Capbreton and its neighboring towns, less crowded beaches stretch, nestled among maritime pine and cork oak forests. Labenne beach, in particular, stretches for 3 kilometers and offers two dune walks with exceptional viewpoints: to the north, towards the wild coast and the port of Capbreton, and to the south, towards the bay of the Basque Coast and the Pyrenees.
These natural spaces are home to fragile but essential dune vegetation—marram grass, spurge, sand bindweed, and toadflax—which protects the coastline by slowing down the sand during winter storms. Please follow the designated trails to preserve this unique natural heritage that is the charm of Capbreton holidays.
Practical tips for a successful stay
Making your stay in Capbreton a success requires some practical information to fully enjoy this pearl of the Landes coast. Here are our insider tips to optimize your experience in this unique Landes port.
When to go? Capbreton weather and climate
Capbreton’s climate is mild year-round, with average temperatures ranging from 5°C in January to 25°C in August. To fully enjoy outdoor activities, the ideal time is from April to October, with August being particularly pleasant for swimming.
To save money, plan your stay in March, the month when accommodation is statistically the cheapest. Conversely, August represents the peak price, with hotel prices reaching €192 on average. In terms of precipitation, September is the driest month (90mm) while November is the wettest (210mm).
Where to stay? Recommended hotels and campsites
Capbreton offers 31 accommodations, including 14 hotels, 7 campsites, and several guesthouses. To enjoy the sea, the Baya Hotel*** offers 74 air-conditioned rooms with panoramic ocean views. If you prefer to be close to the town center, choose a hotel near the old marina.
Average prices for a double room are around €108 per night. For a family stay, the 5-star Le Vieux Port campsite, located 20 km away, offers a 7,000 m² water park.
Capbreton restaurants: our favorite spots
Among the best restaurants, La Petite Table and Bonamour stand out for their refined French cuisine. For families, O Pote’s and Equinoxe offer children’s menus.
Established restaurants like Monsieur Mouette, located on the marina, offer breathtaking views of the boats. For those on a budget, Equinoxe and Munda-Kfé offer excellent value for money.
Easy to get around on foot or by bike
Capbreton is a small town where everything can be done on foot. With 27km of cycle paths, including 11km of greenways, cycling remains the ideal way to explore the region.
Many rental companies offer different types of bikes: urban, electric, fat bikes, and even baby seats. In summer, remember to reserve your bike in advance. For routes, the Tourist Office provides detailed maps of the cycle paths connecting to the Vélodyssée and crossing Capbreton.
Don’t forget a helmet for children under 12, and equip yourself with lights for safe cycling.
Conclusion
Ultimately, Capbreton is much more than just a seaside destination. This pearl of the Landes offers a unique blend of maritime authenticity, natural wonders, and activities for all tastes. Geological treasures like the Gouf and historical sites like the Estacade bear witness to an extraordinary heritage that we enjoyed exploring.
What certainly sets Capbreton apart from other coastal resorts lies in its well-preserved traditions. Direct fish sales “off the boat” perpetuate centuries-old expertise, while the unspoiled landscapes of the Marais d’Orx and the Étang Noir offer peaceful escapes away from the main beaches.
Whether you’re a water sports enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply looking for an authentic port atmosphere, Capbreton will satisfy your expectations. Moreover, the town is ideal for eco-friendly travel thanks to its numerous cycle paths that allow you to explore the region without a car.
Above all, don’t forget to adapt your stay according to the season: summer to fully enjoy the beaches and swimming, spring and autumn for lower prices and fewer crowds. Finally, whether you choose a hotel with an ocean view or a family campsite, whether you enjoy freshly caught seafood or explore the coastal paths, Capbreton promises you an unforgettable vacation surrounded by the ocean, pine forests, and maritime traditions.
FAQs
Q1. When is the best time to visit Capbreton? The ideal time is from April to October, with pleasant temperatures and particularly pleasant swimming waters in August. For better rates, consider a stay in March.
Q2. What are the must-do activities in Capbreton? Don’t miss a stroll along the Estacade, a visit to the fishing port, buying fresh fish at the market, a bike ride on the Vélodyssée, and discovering the Gouf, a unique underwater canyon.
Q3. Where can you surf in Capbreton? Santocha Beach is ideal for experienced surfers, while Prévent Beach is perfect for beginners. Surf schools offer lessons and equipment rentals year-round.
Q4. What are the accommodation options in Capbreton? Capbreton offers a variety of accommodation options, including hotels with ocean views, family campsites, and guesthouses. Prices vary depending on the season, with an average of €108 per night for a double room.
Q5. How can I get around Capbreton easily? The town is easily explored on foot. For longer journeys, cycling is ideal thanks to the 27 km of cycle paths. Bike rentals are available, including electric models and fat bikes for the beach.
