Plage Nord borders the Landes forest and offers views of the ocean. It is located about 3 km from the centre of Messanges and can be reached via Avenue de la Plage. From the car park, a footpath leads over the dune to the beach; the beach can also be reached by bicycle via the cycle path running along this road. In summer, Plage Nord is equipped with facilities and supervised; there is also a restaurant and a surf school on site.
When staying in Messanges, the focus is on the wish to rent a holiday apartment.
Nature
Messanges is criss-crossed by several kilometres of cycle paths and hiking trails. Circular route 16.10 includes a constructed boardwalk, a footbridge over the Courant de Messanges and a constructed wetland forest. Another nature trail is 5 km long, follows the La Prade stream and goes around the Étang de Moïsan; this circular route is well signposted.
The educational trail “Discovering the lost Adour” runs for around 3.5 km around the Étang de Moïsan. On the circular route around the Étang de Moïsan, Landes cattle may possibly be seen from May to October. Information panels beside the enclosure provide information about the history of this native breed of cattle and the nature conservation programme dedicated to it.
The Lou Caminot Tranquillot trail is accessible on foot or by mountain bike. The Étang de Moïsan is the surviving remains of a former, very safe harbour basin that was formed by swirling currents.
Culture and History
Dominique offers a 1.5 km walk that introduces visitors to the history and development of the centre of Messanges. There is also a 3.2 km walk through the centre of Messanges and into the region’s railway history.
The Messanges semaphore is very rarely open for visits. In summer, a small number of visitors are occasionally granted access.
Water Sports
La Centrale is a surf spot in Messanges with a beach break. Messanges Surf School offers surfing lessons for children and adults and rents out surf equipment suited to the respective skill level.
Local Products
The Messanges tourist office shop stocks 100 percent local products made using the region’s craftsmanship and creativity. These include artisan biscuits and chocolate, peanuts, kiwi juices and jams, as well as honey and beekeeping products. The shop also offers pottery and ceramics.
