As well as being a surfers paradise, Lacanau is also a golfers paradise, with three golf courses in the beautiful setting of the forest close to the sea and to the lake.
The town consists of several locations: Lacanau Ville located 10km inland, le Moutchic, Carreyre, La Grande Escoure and Talaris around the lake, and Lacanau Océan at the beach front.
Lacanau Ville is the original part of the town, that’s where the main infrastructure is located - shops, restaurants, bars and nightclubs.
History & Culture in Lacanau
The tourist industry in Lacanau began back in 1903 when Pierre Ortal created the beach resort of Lacanau-Ocean. Most of the tourist activities were water based even then, concentrating on the lake and the ocean.
The historic villas that were built at this time can still be seen today and it's worth taking a walk around town to discover them - the architecture is very typical of beach resorts of that period, 'architecture balnéaire'.
Over time, the wind and ocean currents have gradually created a wall of sand dunes, behind which streams and rivers have allowed the formation of lakes and freshwater ponds.
Carcans Plage Beach, Carcans
Located 14.8 km away
Backed by the small town of Carcans Océan, this white sand beach on the western Atlantic coast is a popular surf spot.
La Plage Le Porge Oceane Beach, Le Porge
Located 14.9 km away
Le Porge beach is also known for its large waves and strong undertow, even if the rescuers are not far away, you must remain cautious as you would for many of the ocean beaches.
Hourtin Lakeside Beach, Hourtin
Located 22.9 km away
A protected natural reserve with wild marshes, sand dunes and pine forests, this huge body of water is perfect for outdoor activities such as sailing, swimming, water skiing, windsurfing, canoeing, fishing, kite surfing, paddle boarding, or walking and biking along the trails and cycle paths that line the shores of the lake.
Plage Oceane du Grand Crohot Beach
Located 23.8 km away
Beach Grand Crohot Lege is accessible by walkways throughout the year, and is supervised by lifeguards from mid June to mid September.
Hourtin Plage Beach, Hourtin
Located 28.1 km away
Just 12km away from the town of Hourtin, the beach of Hourtin Plage sits on the Atlantic ocean and offers a wide range of watersports for all levels.
Events in Lacanau
There are plenty of sporting events on throughout the year in Lacanau, including the famous Lacanau Pro surfing competition that draws some of the biggest names in surfing.
There are also a few music and carnival type festivals on through the summer months, so keep an eye on our events calendar for what's going on.
Things to do in Lacanau
The obvious activities around town are of course water based, here you will find numerous surf schools and kite surfing lessons, but in additon to these you can also find around 150km of cycle pathways and many hiking trails that link the entire Medoc-Ocean area.
And not forgetting the golfers! The three courses offer easy access and a variety that every golfer will enjoy!
Situated in Lacanau-Océan, this restaurant offers a selection of French dishes combined with exotic influences from Africa and Asia. Their cuisine is served in a relaxed atmosphere induced by its Balinese decor.
Close to city centre this villa is located 600 metres from the beach and shopping area and 3 km from the golf.
Lacanau Ocean Villa, Lacanau
Large and pleasant independent villa of 160m2 situated in the pine forest(enclosed garden) 800 metres from the beach, 1 km from shopping, 2.5 km from the golf and 5 km from the lake.
Lacanau Ocean Villa, Lacanau
Nice villa for 10 persons located 4.5 km from the beach and 4 km from the shopping street.
This apartment is located in the Residence Ortal in Lacanau-Ocean centre, directly on the beach with sea view from the balcony.
Lacanau Ocean Villa, Lacanau
Large and pleasant independent villa of 160m2 situated in the pine forest(enclosed garden) 800 metres from the beach, 1 km from shopping, 2.5 km from the golf and 5 km from the lake.
Lacanau Ocean Villa, Lacanau
Close to city centre this villa is located 600 metres from the beach and shopping area and 3 km from the golf.
Lacanau Ocean Villa, Lacanau
Nice villa for 10 persons located 4.5 km from the beach and 4 km from the shopping street.
Les Maisons de l'Ocean Ref.01372M Apartment, Lacanau
Located in south of Lacanau-Ocean this apartment with nice sea view, terrace and garden furnitures is close to the beach and shops.
Residence Les Oyats Ref.02366 Apartment, Lacanau
This apartment is located in Residence Les Oyats with lift on the 1st floor, 100 metres from the beach and 50 metres from the shopping area.
Hotel du Porge, located between the Bassin d'Arcachon, Cap-Ferret on one side and the ocean on the other, ensures you a relaxing time in a large green space with a heated pool, spa, playground for children and a summer terrace.
La Varangue, Lacanau
Located in Lacanau
In an exotic colonial decor, you will experience a peaceful quietness of our tropical garden in which swimming pool, SPA and ponds blend together harmoniously offering myriads of little footbridges to explore its beauty.
