landes

Landes is a department in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region of southwestern France. It is named after the Forêt des Landes, a vast pine forest that covers much of the interior. The prefecture is Mont-de-Marsan, with Dax as a major town. Landes borders the Atlantic Ocean to the west and the departments of Gironde to the north and Pyrénées-Atlantiques to the south. It forms part of the historic province of Gascony.

Geography and environment are defined by the pine forest and a long Atlantic coastline. The Forêt des Landes is one of Europe’s largest man-made forests, established in the 19th century to stabilize dunes and provide timber. The coast, along the Côte d’Argent, features popular surf and resort towns such as Capbreton, Hossegor, Seignosse, Mimizan and Biscarrosse. Inland, the department contains lakes and wetlands, including Étang d’Arjuzanx, Étang de Cazaux et de Sanguinet and other sites that support wildlife and recreation. The Parc naturel régional des Landes de Gascogne protects portions of the forest and its biodiversity.

Economy is historically rooted in forestry, timber and related industries, with agriculture (notably maize) playing a regional role. Tourism is a major activity on the coast and around natural sites, drawing visitors for surfing, beaches and outdoor recreation. The Landes also preserves Gascon cultural influences, reflected in local traditions and cuisine.

Demographics and administration: Landes is home to several towns and a population of roughly a few hundred thousand people. Inhabitants are called Landais (men) and Landaises (women). The department is governed under the French system of regional and departmental administration, within the broader framework of Nouvelle-Aquitaine.