Things to do in Lacana, France

Last updated on June 22, 2026

Set between the Atlantic Ocean, pine forests and a huge freshwater lake, Lacanau has all the ingredients for a classic summer holiday – long sandy beaches, bike rides through the trees, excellent food and a laid-back surf culture that gives the whole place a cool but unpretentious feel.

We first visited as part of a road trip along France’s Atlantic coast, following a surf camp at our beloved Ujusansa in Montalivet. Lacanau is one of the bigger and livelier towns along the coast with plenty to do both on and off the beach, but it still manages to feel relaxed and easy-going.

Whether you’re coming to surf, cycle, swim in the lake or simply soak up the atmosphere from a beachfront terrace, here are my favourite things to do in Lacanau.

What’s Lacanau like?

Lacanau manages to strike that difficult balance between being lively enough to keep you entertained and relaxed enough that you never feel overwhelmed.

It’s best known as one of France’s premier surf destinations, attracting everyone from complete beginners to experienced surfers. But even if you never step on a board, there’s plenty to enjoy. The vast beaches are beautiful, the pine forests are criss-crossed with cycle paths, and the lake provides calmer water for swimming and watersports.

Lacanau has been a holiday destination for years, but it’s only in recent years that it’s started to garner a more hip, surf-chic vibe. It makes for an interesting contrast, with classic ice cream and souvenier shops, alongside cool boutiques and trendy coffee shops.

Long-term visitors lament its low-key past when it far was less busy, but it’s still not nearly as polished and crowded as some of France’s better-known beach destinations, which is definitely part of its charm.

Bridges and Balloons’ favourites

• Cycling through the pine forests on the La Vélodyssée
• Swimming at Lacanau Lake
• Sunset drinks at The Beach House
• Shopping at Oh Les Jolis
• A banana coffee from Ollie’s

Things to do in Lacanau

1. Take a surf lesson

Surfing is what Lacanau is famous for and there are plenty of surf schools to choose from, whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to improve your technique.

Big Mama Surf School is a favourite, and I also like the look of Cheeky Family Lacanau, who run surf retreats that combine accommodation, meals and lessons into one easy package.

Even if surfing isn’t your thing, it’s worth spending some time watching the surfers from the beach. The waves here are impressive and surfing is very much part of the town’s identity.

2. Relax on Lacanau’s beaches

The main beach at Lacanau Océan stretches for miles and is one of the biggest draws to the area. There are lifeguarded sections in summer, plenty of space to spread out and a lively atmosphere without feeling overcrowded.

It’s the sort of beach where you can happily spend an entire day moving between swimming, surfing, reading and hopping into town for refreshment breaks.

8. Visit Lacanau Lake and try some watersports

If you’d like a break from the Atlantic waves, head inland to Lacanau Lake. The calm freshwater is perfect for swimming and watersports, and it’s particularly appealing if the ocean feels a little wild.

Stand-up paddleboarding is especially popular here, but you can also try kayaking, sailing, windsurfing and wingfoiling. There’s also an inflatable water course.

4. Cycle the La Vélodyssée

One of my favourite things about Lacanau is how easy it is to get around by bike.

The famous La Vélodyssée route, which runs the length of western France, passes through Lacanau and makes for a beautiful ride through the pine forests, which also provide much-needed shade in the heat of summer. We loved cycling beneath the trees, occasionally emerging onto stretches of coastline.

Just be aware that some sections are hillier than you might expect, so do check the elevation when planning your route.

5. Explore the pine forests

One of the reasons I love the west coast so much is its abundance of pine forests, which are every bit as appealing as the coastline.

Whether you’re cycling, walking or simply taking a break from the beach, the pine trees create a peaceful backdrop to the whole area. I love the smell too!

6. Browse the surf boutiques

Lacanau has a great collection of independent shops that reflect its surf-town personality.

My favourites were Oh Les Jolis, a beautiful lifestyle boutique, and Bocal Skateshop, which combines surf, skate and streetwear.

Spend some time wandering around the centre of Lacanau Océan and you’ll find plenty of other independent fashion, surf and lifestyle stores that give the town its classic surf-chic feel (although be warned, there are plenty of tacky souveneir shops too!).

7. Watch the sunset from The Beach House

The Beach House has one of the best locations in town, perched right on the seafront with terraces overlooking the beach.

It’s the perfect place for an aperitif while watching an epic Atlantic sunset. Sunset Café is another excellent beachfront option nearby.

8. Start your day at Ollie Lacanau

Billy quickly became one of my favourite places in town. Part café, part hangout, it perfectly captures Lacanau’s cool but relaxed atmosphere.

The coffee is excellent, but don’t leave without trying the banana coffee, which we often recreate at home. They also serve hot dogs, including a veggie option, making it a good stop at any time of day.

10. Play golf among the pine forests

Lacanau is well known among golfers and has several courses set within the pine forests surrounding the town.

The standout is Golf de l’Ardilouse, an 18-hole course designed by John Harris that winds through the woodland just outside Lacanau Océan. Even non-golfers can appreciate the beautiful setting beneath the pines.

There are also shorter courses and practice facilities nearby, making Lacanau a good destination for golfers of all levels. If you’re travelling with a mixed group, it’s easy to combine a morning on the course with an afternoon at the beach.

11. Visit the weekly market

One of the best ways to get a feel for a French beach town is to wander its market.

In summer, Lacanau’s market fills with stalls selling local produce, cheeses, charcuterie, seafood, clothing and crafts. It’s a lovely place to pick up picnic supplies before heading to the beach or lake. And don’t miss the clothing stalls, which sell surprisingly high-quality products that you’ll often find in more expensive UK boutiques.

Arrive early if you can, especially in peak season when it gets busy.

11. Explore nearby Carcans-Maubuisson

Just north of Lacanau is Carcans-Maubuisson, another lovely corner of the Médoc Atlantique region.

Like Lacanau, it combines Atlantic beaches with a large freshwater lake, but it quieter than Lacanau. The lakeside village of Maubuisson is particularly charming and makes a relaxed day trip.

12. Take a day trip to Arcachon and the Dune du Pilat

One of my favourite places on France’s Atlantic coast, Arcachon, is around an hour’s drive from Lacanau and well worth the journey.

The highlight is the Dune du Pilat, Europe’s tallest sand dune, where sweeping views stretch across the Atlantic, forests and Arcachon Bay. Climbing to the top fun, but running down is the best bit!

Afterwards, spend some time exploring Arcachon’s pretty seafront, beaches and villas. See more on Archachon in my West Coast France road trip itinerary.

13. Visit Bordeaux for the day

Bordeaux is only around an hour away from Lacanau and is one of the most beautiful cities in France. Spend the day exploring its elegant architecture, browsing independent boutiques, visiting the Cité du Vin or enjoying a long lunch on a sunny terrace.

If you have time, I’d recommend staying a night or two in Bordeaux as part of a wider Atlantic coast itinerary. See my full Bordeau guide.

Where to eat in Lacanau

Here are a few of our favourite places to eat and drink in Lacanau.

• Billy – We loved Billy for its hip style and excellent coffee. Don’t miss the banana coffee. They also do excellent hot dogs, including a vegetarian option.
• Amavi – Amavi combines beautiful interiors with a lively atmosphere and some of the best pizzas in town. The heart-shaped kids pizzas are a particularly charming touch (our kids loved them!).
• The Beach House – With its oceanfront setting and terraces overlooking the beach, The Beach House is one of the best places in Lacanau for sunset drinks and sea views.
• Sunset Café – Another excellent beachfront option, ideal for drinks while watching the surfers and the waves roll in.
• Gelato Familia – My favourite place in town for ice cream.

Where to stay in Lacanau

Airotel Océan

We stayed at Airotel Océan, a large campsite among the pine forest within walking distance of both the beach and town.

It has an impressive indoor and outdoor water park with slides, a wave pool and lazy river. There aren’t any huge thrill slides, but what’s there is fun for all ages. The newly renovated playground is excellent too.

We chose it primarily because we knew the kids would love the water park, which they absolutely did.

Camping Le Tedey

Camping Le Tedey sits beside the lake and has some beautiful glamping accommodation alongside traditional camping pitches. It reminds me of Huttopia, and is a great option if you prefer a more nature-focused setting.

Hotel La Baignoire

Hotel La Baignoire is firmly on my wish list for a future visit. Its stylish surf-luxe aesthetic feels perfectly suited to Lacanau and it’s one of the most design-led places to stay in town.

Getting around Lacanau

Lacanau is easy to explore without relying heavily on a car.

Bikes are by far the best way to get around and there are cycle paths linking the beaches, forests and lake.

The town centre is compact and walkable, while having a car makes it easier to explore the wider Médoc Atlantique region, including nearby Carcans, Montalivet and Bordeaux.