THINGS TO DO & TO SEE IN THE SURROUNDINGS
Les Echasses hotel is an ecolodge implanted in an incredibly rich and preserved territory.
We have privileged relationships with a series of partners in the surroundings. They will help you organize and enjoy the sports and leisure activities of your choice, what you want to see, and to do with special attention for our guests. There are so many opportunities in the southern Aquitaine and the Basque country.
GOLF
Between Hossegor, Seignosse and Moliets, Les Echasses offers a direct access to three golf courses. One is more technical, the second a physical challenge, and the third is totally unique, as it is partially located on the dunes facing the ocean. Their geographic proximity allows for the three of them to be played in three consecutive half days. Les Echasses have built a partnership with the Golf Landes association. We can thus help our clients access the fields, book, or acquire a “golf-pass” that will give you access to 2, 3 or 5 courses in the immediate surroundings at best rates. Come and enjoy world class greens where we will welcome top players from all over the world in 2018, for the Ryder Cup.
Les Echasses also offers the prefect infrastructure for golfers and the golf spirit. This includes deals with surrounding stores, private teaching lessons as well as the hotel facilities themselves (bag and shoe lockers for each room, etc.). Other iconic golf courses from the Basque Country – Ilbaritz, Chiberta, Chantaco, etc. – are within a 45’ by car ride from Les Echasses.
TREKKING
Around Les Echasses, less than an hour by car, you will find some exceptional trekking paths of southern Aquitaine. Short, to enjoy as a family or more challenging for experienced trekkers; these will enable you to discover the green hills of the Pyrenees, the cliffs over ocean in the Basque Country, the endless sandy beaches and the valleys of Chalosse, Bearn or Gers. We will be happy to help you select your itinerary and guide you in your choice of journey.
HORSE RIDING
The Southern Landes and Aquitaine is one of the richest regions in France in terms of horse riding. We have strong links with the Labenne horse riding club founded by Fabienne more than 15 years ago. She has a passion for what she does, she runs it in full harmony with the forest surrounding the club. It is 15 kilometers away from Les Echasses and less than half a mile from the ocean through horse riding tracks. From hourly lessons to long beach rides or more intense full week immersions, she has a wide range of offers that can be adjusted for individuals or groups around various themes: jumping, forest rides, cross country, etc.
BASQUE CULTURE
Incredibly strong, authentic and preserved the Basque culture remains fully alive, far from the folkloric image it once had. Spending time on both sides of the border, observing the relationship between the ocean (where fishing is dangerous) and the mountain (where agriculture is rough) is fascinating. You need to meet these people loyal to their climate both raw and warm. The Basque people have an millennial history, a totally unique language, their own sports. Les Echasses is the perfect spot to start a journey to the Basque Country.
SPAIN
The Spanish border is 35 minutes away from Les Echasses, by car. San Sebastián welcomes one of the world’s most renown jazz festivals every year and hosts ten Michelin-star restaurants. Bilbao has become a cultural hub, and in particular hosts the Guggenheim Museum. The Bardenas have the widest desert area in Europe next to La Rioja which is the third largest wine region on the continent. Both areas are within a two-hour drive from Les Echasses.
SURF
3 world series championship events take place in the Basque Country and the southern Landes, every year. The best surfers on the planet meet here and some iconic champions have made it their home. Mundaka, la chambre d’amour, la gravière, les estagnots are all iconic spots for surfers. Also highly isolated and protected beaches, accessible by foot, will remind you of surfing in California or Australia 50 years ago. Surfing is also part of our culture; it has irrigated our life style, laid-back attitude and behavior, ideal for vacation. It is thus no surprise that the biggest global surf industry players have settled here.
At Les Echasses we can help you organize your surf moments, organize private or group lessons, provide information on the right spots, weather conditions or any advice you may seek.