Landes

The Landes department is in southwestern France, in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, along the Atlantic coast, and its capital is the small town of Mont-de-Marsan. This department contains Europe's largest man-made pine forest (the Landes de Gascogne forest), and its long sandy beaches are a popular destination for surfers. Its economy combines forestry and wood industries, agriculture (corn, ducks for foie gras) and summer coastal tourism. The cost of living in this department is moderate and calm, and its mild oceanic climate, combined with vast forest and coastal nature, makes it attractive for a quiet life and water sports.

Mont-de-Marsan, Dax, Biscarrosse

• IUT des Pays de l'Adour – site de Mont-de-Marsan (UPPA)
• Université de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour (UPPA)

The towns of Landes are relatively small and calm. In terms of urban crime, they generally have lower levels than metropolises. During tourist seasons (especially near the coast and during festivals), there is more crowding, and as always, you should keep an eye on your bag and personal belongings.

Public transport in Mont-de-Marsan is based on local buses, and the Mont-de-Marsan train station connects the city to Bordeaux via a TER line. Dax also has a train station and a local bus network. For traveling between towns (especially to the coast), having a car or using intercity trains/buses is common.