Ondres

Before enjoying its beautiful beach and the green environment of the locality, a visit to Ondres can begin with the discovery of two heritage sites of interest.

The Château de la Roque, first of all, built on a promontory to the south-west of the village, overlooking Lake Garros and the canal that connects it to the Etang du Turc. Composed of an imposing main building flanked by two towers more than 15 m high, it was erected in the 12th century by the Count of Comminges and was remodeled over the centuries. Private property, its proud silhouette is visible from afar.

Next, see Saint-Pierre church, built in 1882 on the road to Bayonne, opposite the old cemetery where the first church, which has become cramped, previously stood. Of noble construction, it was built in coated rubble. Formed of a nave and two side aisles, we note that the bell tower decorated with an arrow surmounts the west portal. Covered with slates, the roof of the nave has long sides, as is often the case in the region.

Then head for the beach, about 3 km away from the village, but connected by a shuttle (in season) which takes a long avenue lined with pines and mimosas.

From the beach, itself 2 km long, you can enjoy a view to the north over the cord of the Landes dunes and to the south over the Basque hills.

Covered with sand, the beach is partly accessible to naturist holidaymakers. Swimming is supervised from mid-June to mid-September. Information on +33 5 59 45 19 19.

Two swimming schools offer group or individual lessons for young people or adults. Contact Water'Happy on +33 6 27 80 83 55 or Swimming ocean on +33 6 47 69 75 80.

Two surf schools are also located: contact Go And Surf on +33 6 10 23 35 50 or Surf Academy on +33 6 81 67 13 75

Apart from water sports and idleness, it is also not far from the beach that a pleasant mini-golf course has been set up, open all year round. Information on +33 6 20 96 93 68.

Local tradition obliges, in the village, the Larrendart complex is available to lovers of squash… and Basque pelota. It is prudent to book on +33 6 65 65 50 61.

For athletes, again, the town has a city-stadium, a bowling alley and a skate park. Information on +33 5 59 45 19 19.

Finally, for a game of tennis, it is advisable to reserve a court on +33 5 59 45 38 20.

The beaches, the dunes, the Landes forest, the wooded areas of the are also a paradise for hikers, on foot, by mountain bike or even on horseback.

Many marked paths and tracks allow you to understand a unique and protected environment (some areas are classified Natura 2000 because of their ecosystem). Awareness panels are also installed to better understand the natural environment of the coast.

For cyclists, several tracks are dedicated along the coast or crossing the Landes forest (Vélodyssée). Maps and information on +33 5 59 45 19 19.

For horseback riding, join the local club on +33 5 59 45 23 70.

Fishing enthusiasts are not left out. They can take advantage of the Atlantic coast or prefer the "inland" ponds, such as that of the Turk and the Anguillère canal. Information on +33 5 59 45 19 19.

Finally, all year round, on a cultural level, quality shows (theater, concerts) are scheduled at the Capranie hall. Information on +33 5 59 45 29 17.

Every Sunday morning, the colorful market showcases the tasty regional products of the region.

In mid-June, nature festival.

The last weekend of June, local festivals with balls, fishing competitions, gourmet events and fireworks.

In July and August, varied entertainment with the program including races of cows landaises, Basque pelota parties, stilt parades and bandas concerts.

November 11, garage sale.

In mid-November, festival of educational cinema.

• From 18 march to 30 april 2024
• 1819 avenue du 11 novembre 1918, Office de tourisme
• Trained as a graphic designer, Valentine decided in 2018 to turn to a craft and artistic profession. - Juggling macramé and mandala in her workshop in Saint-Martin-de-Seignanx, quartier neuf, this creative artist is keen to pass on her passion through kits and tutorials. - In between her creations, Valentine likes to give new life to old objects or "spice up" the walls of local authorities or private homes. - For nearly 5 years, skateboards, worn, dented or broken, have found favor in the eyes of this artist, whose mastery of gesture and letting go are her watchwords. - Open Monday to Friday, 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 6pm.

• On 19 april 2024
• 211 Chemin de Tambourin, Ludo bibliothèque Ondres
• After a short talk and discussion, the speaker will guide you through practical exercises, combining movement and color, to initiate the path of change and springtime renewal. - Join us for this revitalizing experience and prepare to welcome renewal with lightness and creativity ! - Designed and presented by LaetitiaKinesio. - For teens and adults only. - Registration required. - RDV at 6pm (duration 2h).

• On 23 april 2024
• 211 Chemin de Tambourin, Ludo bibliothèque
• Screening of 6 short spring films (32 mins) - "In a clearing, among the tall grasses or in the king's orchard, marvelous worlds are hidden : enchanting gardens and abundant forests often reveal magnificent secrets ? Out of sight, insects, birds and even children are living extraordinary adventures ! - For children aged 3 to 5. - Registration required. - RDV from 4.30pm to 5pm.

• On 24 april 2024
• 211 Chemin de Tambourin, Ludo bibliothèque
• Discover and participate in the tale by creating the sounds and voices of the story. - Alternating between manipulating objects and musical instruments, making noises with your body and sound with your voice, you'll create the sounds and ambience of the tale like the films of yesteryear, all together, in small teams. - By Cie La Mouette pas muette. - Adults and children aged 5 and over. - Registration required. - RDV at 10:30 am (duration 1h30).

• On 27 april 2024
• Place Richard Feuillet, Salle Capranie
• Cuarteto Tafi is a subtle blend of the traditional and the contemporary : a meeting of salsa, flamenco, rebetiko, milonga, chacarera and electronic sounds. Argentinian voices mingle with instruments of diverse influences. Cuarteto Tafi pushes the boundaries and shakes up the figures of the genre, proposing its own style. A true hymn to life, to joy, but also, at times, to revolt and anger. - Rendezvous at 8:30pm. Concert duration 1h30. Seating not numbered. - Tickets available online and at the Ondres tourist office.

• On 10 may 2024
• Place Richard Feuillet, Salle Capranie
• An old-fashioned, decrepit radio studio, instruments everywhere. It's the start of the music program : "Voyage aux Pays du Jazz". The presenters look panicked as they turn around : the boss has invited an audience to do the show live. "But that's impossible !" - And yet it's too late… - Here we are, embroiled in a virtuoso explosion of music and clumsiness. We cross the history of jazz between hallucinations and reality, from blues to funk to bebop. - In a symphony of instruments, these passionate misfits will do the impossible in their attempt to please : singing, dancing, playing, giving, all the while making you howl with laughter. - Ages 5 and up. - Pre-sale online or at the box office (single tickets or passes for 4,6 or 8 shows).

• On 8 july 2024
• Avenue de la Plage, Stade de rugby
• A cow in the arena and a valiant, well-dressed fellow, trying to avoid being run into by the cow as closely as possible : by stepping aside or jumping into the air… welcome to the world of traditional local sport : Landes cow racing. - Every summer, the Foyer d'Ondres association puts on a family show full of thrills, jumps, splits and much more ! - Doors open at 8:30pm. Show starts at 9:15pm (duration : 2 hours). Refreshment bar. - pre-sale at the tourist office : Reservations at the box office until 6:00 pm on the day of the show (credit cards and vacation vouchers accepted). Prices include commission.

• On 15 july 2024
• Avenue de la Plage, Stade de rugby
• A cow in the arena and a valiant, well-dressed fellow, trying to avoid being run into by the cow as closely as possible : by stepping aside or jumping into the air… welcome to the world of traditional local sport : Landes cow racing. - Every summer, the Foyer d'Ondres association puts on a family show full of thrills, jumps, splits and much more ! - Doors open at 8:30pm. Show starts at 9:15pm (duration : 2 hours). Refreshment bar. - pre-sale at the tourist office : Reservations at the box office until 6:00 pm on the day of the show (credit cards and vacation vouchers accepted). Prices include commission.

• On 17 july 2024
• Complexe sportif Larrendart, Place Richard Feuillet
• Come and discover the traditional sport of the South-West : Basque pelota ! - During the summer, the Ondres Pelota Club invites you to attend two quality games : bare-handed pelota (45') and chistera (wicker glove-45'). - Meet at 8.45pm at the left wall of the Larrendart sports complex in the town center (games take place indoors). - Seats are reserved, not numbered. Intermission between the two games. - If you arrive a little before 9pm, you'll have the chance to see young pelotaris playing pala, another Basque pelota discipline ! - Free parking on site. Restaurants nearby. - TICKETS - Tickets may be picked up in advance at the Tourist Office counter (credit cards/holiday vouchers accepted) or on site on the evening of the show (cash/checks). - You can buy your tickets online (cb) until 6pm on the day of the show.

Ondres is part of the Community of Communes of Seignanx, an entity made up of 8 Landes communes, which only a river separates from the Basque Country. Its location is therefore ideal for discovering these 2 departments with Bayonne, Biarritz, Hossegor, Capbreton, Pays d'Orthe... less than 20 km away.

Two-wheelers are king. The slopes of the Seignanx were already favorable to it and here Ondres has been transformed into a stage of choice on the Vélodyssée, the longest marked cycle route in France. Residing at Ondres or passing through this summer, you may have already taken the section between Capbreton and Tarnos: a nature walk of around twenty kilometers which runs through the green pine forests of the coast. You are freewheeling, everything here is conducive to relaxation. The more sporty can take a trip to the Basque Country or go up to the north of the Landes where the routes lead right through the heart of the forest. For lovers of cycle rides, Ondres is an ideal starting point or well-deserved rest on the Vélodyssée. Accessible by train, it is a choice relay point tailor-made to welcome cycle tourists.

The largest European cycle route is expanding its range of services: labeling of reception points, interactive mapping, route sheets, GPS routes, online roadbook management and sharing. From Roscoff to Hendaye via Seignanx, cycling on the longest French cycle route is the promise of an invigorating vacation surrounded by nature.

The town is very well served by public transport (TER train, Bus) which will allow you to get to the surrounding area inexpensively while avoiding traffic jams and acting to protect our planet!