Lacanau

Travel Guide

A sandy beach with people sunbathing and swimming, surrounded by dunes and a clear blue ocean.
A sunset over the ocean with vibrant pink and purple clouds.
A sandy beach with a wooden fence, a clear blue sky, and a group of people walking along a boardwalk.
A coastal town with a sandy beach, dense residential area, and a backdrop of forested hills.
A person walking along a sandy beach with dunes and ocean in the background.

Split your time between the lake and the ocean in this scenic haven just outside Bordeaux, filled with campgrounds, golf courses and beaches.

With a vast lake and the Bay of Biscay within reach, Lacanau is an enchanting town that is never short of water-based activities. Sandy beaches known for their idyllic surfing conditions drape its western edge, while nature trails run through inland forests. Make the most of the hot, dry summers with the range of outdoor activities available in this picturesque area.

Play a round at UGOLF Lacanau or Golf Bluegreen Lacanau-La Méjanne. Bring the whole family to the Golf and Mini Golf du Baganais, where the crazy golf course is set against a gorgeous backdrop.

Enjoy the spectacular scenery of the Lake Lacanau, a 5,000-acre (2,000-hectare) basin surrounded by dense woodland. Let kids play on the inflatable structures and climbing frames that are set up on the water of Splash Park Lacanau. Choose from water-skiing, windsurfing, pedal boating and other watersports from the clubs overlooking the lake.

Hike along the edge of the water to view it from a variety of angles. Go horse-riding with a school on the northern shore and sleep beneath the stars at the adjacent campground.

For a change of scenery, travel west to the Lacanau-Océan area on the coast. Inspect the fascinating World War II fortifications remaining at Lion Beach. Sunbathe with friends on Sud Beach, which you can access by crossing a large sand dune. Lifeguards patrol the strand, making it popular with families. Head north to Central Beach, which can get fairly lively and busy in the summer.

The city stands just outside the western suburbs of Bordeaux, overlooking the Bay of Biscay. Drive northwest from Bordeaux’s center for about 30 miles (50 kilometers) to arrive here in roughly 1 hour. Make your way around the region for other sites such as Lège-Cap-Ferret, Arès and Saint-Émilion.

Experience the gorgeous lakeside and coastal scenery of Lacanau through watersports, sunbathing and hiking.

Azureva Lacanau

Azureva Lacanau

3 out of 5
Chemin du Vieux Port Lacanau
Book a stay at this beach B&B in Lacanau. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Lake Lacanau and Ardilouse-Lacanau Golf are ...
6.8/10 (104 reviews)
"Very nice location! We enjoyed the nice view and surroundings."

Reviewed on Oct 8, 2026

Azureva Lacanau
Pierre & Vacances Résidence Bleu Marine

Pierre & Vacances Résidence Bleu Marine

3 out of 5
Rue Pasteur Lacanau Gironde
$66 nightly
The price is $76 total per night from Nov 5 to Nov 6
$76 total
Nov 5 - Nov 6
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this beach residence in Lacanau. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Square Elie Souleyreau and Plage ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (160 reviews)
"The entire trip was overshadowed by the fact that I could not get into the property the first night. Luckily I was able to stay with a friend who was staying elsewhere, otherwise I would have had to sleep outside. The check in says from 5pm, it does not say say from 5-6pm. When I get there at 7pm, ..."

Reviewed on Sep 9, 2026

Pierre & Vacances Résidence Bleu Marine
Residence Les Rives du Lac - Vacancéole

Residence Les Rives du Lac - Vacancéole

22 Avenue De La Plage Lacanau Gironde
Book a stay at this spa residence in Lacanau. Enjoy free parking, an outdoor pool, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Ardilouse-Lacanau Golf and Etang ...
Residence Les Rives du Lac - Vacancéole
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Pierre & Vacances Résidence Bleu Marine

Pierre & Vacances Résidence Bleu Marine

3 out of 5
Rue Pasteur Lacanau Gironde
Book a stay at this beach residence in Lacanau. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Square Elie Souleyreau and Plage ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (160 reviews)
"The entire trip was overshadowed by the fact that I could not get into the property the first night. Luckily I was able to stay with a friend who was staying elsewhere, otherwise I would have had to sleep outside. The check in says from 5pm, it does not say say from 5-6pm. When I get there at 7pm, ..."

Reviewed on Sep 9, 2026

Pierre & Vacances Résidence Bleu Marine
Residence Les Rives du Lac - Vacancéole

Residence Les Rives du Lac - Vacancéole

22 Avenue De La Plage Lacanau Gironde
Book a stay at this spa residence in Lacanau. Enjoy free parking, an outdoor pool, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Ardilouse-Lacanau Golf and Etang ...
Residence Les Rives du Lac - Vacancéole
Confortable and bright villa, for 6 people, with pool and WiFi.

Confortable and bright villa, for 6 people, with pool and WiFi.

Lacanau Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Stay at this vacation home in Lacanau. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Golf and Mini Golf UCPA Baganais and Ardilouse-Lacanau ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (71 reviews)
"Hébergement conforme à l'annonce. Tout était parfait."

Reviewed on Aug 25, 2026

Confortable and bright villa, for 6 people, with pool and WiFi.
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular Lacanau attractions

Frequently asked questions

Is Lacanau worth visiting?
Lacanau is worth visiting for its beautiful Sud Beach and the Ardilouse-Lacanau Golf course, offering activities for beach lovers and golfers. Travelers can also enjoy diverse European and Italian dining, with many options to explore local and international flavors.
When is the best time to visit Lacanau?
The best time to visit Lacanau is from June through August, when it's most popular with travelers. For fewer crowds and better value, the quieter months of October through December are a good option, offering a more relaxed experience as the weather becomes cooler.
What is Lacanau known for?
Lacanau, known as 'La Canau', is a city in France known for its beautiful Sud Beach and the challenging Ardilouse-Lacanau Golf course. Travelers can also enjoy water activities on Lake Lacanau and experience its European food culture.
What is a good itinerary length for Lacanau?
A good itinerary length for Lacanau is two to three days to enjoy Sud Beach, explore Lake Lacanau, or try a surf and electric bike exploration. For a more relaxed trip, consider four to five days, allowing time for a round at Ardilouse-Lacanau Golf or a relaxing Lacanau Lake catamaran sailing trip. See Lacanau Activities.
What are the top things to do in and around Lacanau?
Lacanau offers travelers a mix of beautiful beaches, lake activities, and outdoor adventures:


How do I plan a trip to Lacanau?
To plan your trip to Lacanau, search for places to stay on Expedia. Book flights, rental cars, and activities like surf and electric bike exploration or a relaxing lake catamaran trip well in advance. For outdoor plans, always consider indoor backups for weather flexibility.
What cuisines can you find in Lacanau?
In Lacanau, travelers can find French and Mediterranean cuisine, with classic dishes like croissants, coq au vin, and crêpes. You'll also discover Italian, Middle Eastern, and Latin American flavors. Seafood is widely available, and there are local coffee shops to enjoy.
Can I book a refundable hotel in Lacanau?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in Lacanau by entering your dates and using the refundable or fully refundable filter. Always check the hotel's cancellation policy before you book, since terms can vary by hotel, and visit Expedia help center for further details.
Why book a trip to Lacanau with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your Lacanau trip with travel tools, flexible search options, and bookable trip components all in one place. You can organize your plans in one account and use Expedia to help build a trip that fits your budget and travel style. Find out more about how by visiting Expedia's Trip Planner page.
Should I stay in a hotel or vacation rental in Lacanau?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in Lacanau can be a good fit for convenience, on-site amenities, and shorter stays, while vacation rentals may offer more space, privacy, and home-style amenities for longer trips, families, or groups. With Expedia, you can compare both options side by side, read traveler reviews, and filter by amenities to find the right fit for your trip.
How can I manage my Lacanau trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your Lacanau trip, you can manage it through your Expedia account or the Expedia app. You can view your itinerary, access booking details, make eligible changes, and check for updates in My Trips. The Expedia app can also help you stay organized while you travel.
What if I need help during my Lacanau trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your Lacanau trip. If your plans change or something unexpected happens, you can review your booking in My Trips and use Expedia help center channels for help with eligible changes, cancellations, or travel issues.
How can Expedia help me plan my first trip to Lacanau?
If it's your first trip to Lacanau, Expedia can help you plan by bringing together stays, flights, activities, traveler reviews, and trip-planning tools in one place. With Expedia's Trip Planner you can compare options, read reviews from other travelers, and build an itinerary that matches your interests and budget.
How can I save on my Lacanau hotel booking with Expedia?
Join One Key™ for free to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices on select hotels. You can also earn and use OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings on Expedia. Booking in advance is usually another great way to save on your Lacanau hotel.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

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