Landaises

Landaises is the feminine plural demonym for women from the Landes, a department in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region of southwestern France. The corresponding masculine form is Landais. The term is often used to denote regional identity associated with the Landes culture, landscape, and heritage.

Geography and population

The Landes department covers a large inland area and a long Atlantic coastline along the Côte d’Argent. It is home to the Landes forest, one of Europe’s largest man-made forests, created in the 19th century to stabilize shifting sands. The prefecture is Mont-de-Marsan; Dax and Bayonne are other major towns; the department has about 400,000 inhabitants.

History and landscape

The Landes was created in 1790 during the French Revolution, drawing from historic Gascony and Guyenne territories. The landscape is named after the Landes forest; the coast features long sandy beaches and dune systems.

Culture and dress

Landaises are associated with Gascon heritage; traditional costumes include the coiffe landaise, a distinctive lace headdress worn in festivals and ceremonies; regional music and dances accompany folk events; the cuisine draws on duck, garlic, and wine of Gascony.

Economy and tourism

The economy includes forestry, agriculture, and tourism; surfing towns such as Hossegor, Seignosse, Capbreton along the coast are popular; inland towns attract spa visitors to Dax; the region hosts nature parks such as the Parc naturel régional des Landes de Gascogne.