Bordeaux to Camping Sylvamar: Labenne-Océan guide
A 5★ Yelloh! Village campground in a pine forest 1.2 km from the ocean: the Sylvamar in Labenne-Océan (Landes), with its volcanic water park and “Dune & Eau” spa, just a stone’s throw from the major surfing beaches, between Hossegor and the Basque Country—and your private door-to-door transfer from Bordeaux, with no need to rent a car.
Sylvamar Campground at a Glance
Sylvamar Campground is a 5-star campground in the Yelloh! Village network, set in a 27-hectare pine forest in Labenne-Océan, on the Côte d'Argent in the Landes region, 1.2 km from the ocean. [2]Its highlights include a spectacular volcano-themed water park (featuring a crater, lava river, and water slides), a “Dune & Eau” spa, and a setting of maritime pines just a stone’s throw from the wide sandy beaches. People come here for the ocean, surfing, and the laid-back Landes lifestyle, nestled between Hossegor and the Basque Country. This guide introduces the campground and, most importantly, the easiest way to get there from Bordeaux: a private door-to-door transfer, without renting a car—a real lifesaver when arriving by plane or train with kids and luggage, for a vacation where all you have to do is relax and enjoy yourself.
Here are the key details to know before you go. Distances are calculated door-to-door from Bordeaux; the price listed is for a private driver reservation at a fixed rate provided in advance, with no unexpected meter charges regardless of traffic or stops along the way. Campground amenities are based on information from its official website—always verify the details of your stay directly with the campground, as its services may vary from season to season.
| Landmark | Details |
|---|---|
| Camping | Sylvamar ★★★★★ (Yelloh! Village), family-friendly |
| Municipality | Labenne-Océan (Landes, 40530) · Côte d'Argent |
| Signature | 27-hectare pine forest · 1.2 km from the ocean · volcanic water park · spa |
| Around | Beach & Surf, Hossegor, Capbreton, Bayonne, and Biarritz |
| Distance from Bordeaux | about 175 km · about 2 hours and 8 minutes by car |
Where is the Sylvamar Campground located?
The Sylvamar Campground is located in Labenne-Océan, in the town of Labenne, in the southern Landes region (40530), on the Atlantic Côte d'Argent, just 1.2 km from the ocean. It is one of the most beautiful spots on the coast: the Côte d’Argent, a long ribbon of sand stretching over 200 kilometers and bordered by one of Western Europe’s largest forests, the Landes Forest. Labenne-Océan, the seaside resort of Labenne, features long stretches of fine sandy beaches, dunes, and maritime pines. Above all, the location is ideal: it sits at the crossroads of the Landes and the Basque Country, between the legendary surf spots of Hossegor and Capbreton to the north, and Bayonne and Biarritz to the south, just a stone’s throw from Spain. A prime location: the ocean is just a few minutes away on foot or by bike, and the entire Basque-Landes coast is within easy reach by bike.
The Silver Coast and the Landes
The campground is in the heart of the Silver Coast, the Atlantic coastline of the Landes and Gironde regions: vast, straight beaches, bordered by dunes and the maritime pine forest planted in the 19th century to stabilize the sand. It's a paradise for swimming, surfing (the waves off the Landes coast are world-renowned) and cycling, with the Vélodyssée that runs along the coast. Labenne is located in the southern part of the Landes region—the liveliest and sunniest stretch of the coastline—just a few kilometers from the Basque Country. Here, you can breathe in the fresh air of the ocean and the pine trees, bathed in a unique light and warmth. The Sylvamar campground, nestled in a pine forest just a stone’s throw from the beach, is ideally located to enjoy both the natural beauty of the Landes region, the expansive beaches, and the cultural riches of the nearby Basque Country.
Labenne and Labenne-Océan
Labenne is a town in the southern part of the Landes department (population approximately 7,200), about fifteen kilometers from Bayonne. It consists of the town center, inland, and its seaside resort, Labenne-Océan, on the waterfront, where the Sylvamar campground is located. Labenne-Océan features about three kilometers of fine sandy beach (the “Plage Centrale,” which is lifeguarded in the summer), dunes, trails, and a vast forest of maritime pines and cork oaks. The resort has retained a family-friendly, nature-oriented atmosphere, far from the concrete: people come here for the beach, surfing, biking, and the tranquility of the Landes region. Just a few minutes away, the Marais d’Orx, a large bird sanctuary, and the Labenne Zoo round out the attractions. Staying at Sylvamar means enjoying this seaside and forest setting while remaining within easy reach of the most beautiful sites along the Basque-Landes coast.
The estate, located in a pine forest 1.2 km from the ocean
Sylvamar is a 5-star campground in the Yelloh! Village network, set in a 27-hectare pine forest in Labenne-Océan, 1.2 km from the ocean, featuring a spectacular volcano-themed water park and a “Dune & Eau” spa. A natural setting nestled between pine trees and the ocean, just a stone’s throw from the beach.
A 27-hectare pine forest near the beach
The charm of Sylvamar lies first and foremost in its setting: a beautiful 27-hectare pine forest, 1.2 km from the ocean and the fine-sand beaches (you can reach the beach on foot or by bike). This 5-star campground is a member of the prestigious Yelloh! Village network, it is a large, family-friendly resort that, according to official figures, offers some 413 rental units (mobile homes, cottages, chalets—some with a spa or private pool) and 242 campsites for tents and RVs, all set in a beautifully landscaped setting. It offers all the comforts of a high-end vacation village: a restaurant, bar, grocery store, game room, multi-sport field, bike rentals, and an 800-seat amphitheater for evening entertainment and shows. The campground is open from March 30 to September 27, 2026.[2] A true “camping village,” shaded by pine trees and just a short bike ride from the Atlantic Ocean.
The Volcanic Water Park and Spa
The main attraction at Sylvamar is its volcano-themed water park, billed as a one-of-a-kind attraction in Europe. According to the official website, it is centered around a large, crater-shaped pool measuring 450 m², featuring waterfalls, a central geyser, and surprise eruption jets, extending into a 43-meter “lava river” (featuring rapids and calm pools) and an 80-meter slide with a transparent section, plunging from a height of nine meters. In addition, there are heated pools, a heated indoor wading pool, a lagoon, a counter-current river, and hot tubs. For adults’ relaxation, a full-fledged “Dune & Eau” wellness area spanning approximately 1,200 m² offers a relaxation pool, treatment rooms, and classes (aqua aerobics, yoga, aquabike). We strictly adhere to the officially described facilities and do not use exaggerated claims regarding size. For exact details about your stay, please refer to the campground’s official website.
| Sylvamar | Details (according to the official website) |
|---|---|
| Rankings | 5-star family-friendly campground (Yelloh! Village) |
| Frame | A 27-hectare pine forest, 1.2 km from the ocean (the beach is within walking or biking distance) |
| Water Park | Volcano theme: 450 m² crater, 43 m lava flow, 80 m slide, heated pools, lagoon |
| Well-being | "Dune & Eau" spa ~1,200 m² · 800-seat amphitheater · bike rentals |
| Good to Know | Open March 30–Oct. 27, 2026 · Details & dates: official website |
What is there to do at the campground and in Labenne-Océan?
From the campground, you can enjoy the on-site water park and spa, walk or bike to Labenne-Océan Beach, try your hand at surfing, ride along the coast on the Vélodyssée, go birdwatching at the Marais d’Orx, and explore nearby spots like Hossegor and Capbreton, as well as Bayonne and Biarritz in the Basque Country. Here’s a concrete look at the real, verified activities you can enjoy during a stay in Labenne-Océan: the campground is located in a pine forest just a stone’s throw from the ocean, at the crossroads of the Landes region and the Basque Country. Swimming and surfing in the morning, biking and nature in the afternoon, a trip to the Basque Country the next day: the perfect recipe for a great summer by the Atlantic.
- Labenne-Océan Beach — about 1.2 km away (on foot or by bike): about 3 km of fine sand, dunes, lifeguard-supervised swimming in the summer, and waves renowned among surfers
- Surfing — Labenne, Capbreton, and especially Hossegor (the world-famous La Gravière spot): schools and rentals for all skill levels
- The Vélodyssée—EuroVelo 1—runs along the coast: from Labenne-Océan to Capbreton (~8 km), through a pine forest, on flat, safe terrain
- The Marais d'Orx Nature Reserve — in Labenne: a former polder, ~300 bird species, observation decks, and trails
- The Labenne Zoo—located in a pine forest in Labenne-Océan: more than 350 animals from five continents, perfect for families
- Capbreton and Hossegor — the Capbreton breakwater, the Hossegor lagoon: about 10 minutes north
- Bayonne and Biarritz — the Basque Country, about 15–20 minutes away: Bayonne chocolate and ham, the Rocher de la Vierge in Biarritz
The beach, surfing, and biking
Sylvamar’s greatest asset is having the ocean just minutes away. Labenne-Océan Beach—about three kilometers of fine sand, with lifeguards on duty in the summer—is accessible on foot or by bike from the campground. The waves on the Landes coast are among the most famous in the world: this is the land of surfing, with schools and rentals in Labenne, Capbreton, and especially Hossegor, whose La Gravière spot welcomes the world's elite. To explore the coast in a different way, the Vélodyssée (The French section of EuroVelo 1) winds through the pine forest: from Labenne-Océan to Capbreton, about eight kilometers of flat, safe riding in the shade of the pine trees. The campground rents bikes on-site. Between swimming, a beginner’s surfing session, and a bike ride to the port of Capbreton, you’re already enjoying some wonderful days, set to the rhythm of the ocean and the pine trees.
The Marais d'Orx and the Labenne Zoo
To get some fresh air and explore the natural beauty of the Landes region, here are two nearby outings. The Marais d’Orx National Nature Reserve, located partly in the town of Labenne, is a former polder developed under Napoleon III that has become one of the most beautiful birding sites on the Aquitaine coast: around 300 species of birds stop here during their migrations (greylag geese in winter, spoonbills, and ospreys reintroduced since 2018), which can be observed from the trails and observation decks around the Maison du Marais. In Labenne-Océan itself, the Labenne Zoo, nestled in the pine forest, is home to more than 350 animals from five continents in a shaded setting—a sure bet for families and ideal for a rainy day. Two beautiful nature getaways, just a few minutes from the campground, that complement the beach and surfing.
| Activity | Where / When | Good to Know |
|---|---|---|
| Labenne-Océan Beach | about 1.2 km (on foot/by bike) | ~3 km of sandy beach · lifeguarded in the summer · surfing |
| Surfing | Labenne, Capbreton, Hossegor | Schools & Rentals · La Gravière World-Class Spot |
| Vélodyssée (EuroVelo 1) | along the coast | Labenne-Océan → Capbreton ~8 km · through a pine forest |
| Orx Marshes | Labenne (~10 min) | nature reserve · ~300 species of birds |
| Labenne Zoo | Labenne-Océan | 350+ animals · in a pine forest · family-friendly |
Hossegor, Capbreton, and the Surf Coast
North of Labenne, the Landes coast is home to two hotspots for surfing and beach life—Hossegor and Capbreton—just about ten minutes away. From the beach to the harbor, from the lagoon to the legendary waves, the true spirit of the Landes Atlantic coast awaits just a few minutes from the campground. Here are the area’s must-see attractions, all within a short drive.
Hossegor, the surfing capital
Hossegor, about ten minutes north of Labenne, is one of the world’s premier surfing destinations. Its La Gravière break is home to some of the most powerful and renowned waves on the planet; the town is home to the headquarters of the French Surfing Federation and has long hosted a stop on the world professional circuit (the Quiksilver Pro France), a tradition now carried on by the major Quiksilver Festival, held between Seignosse, Hossegor, and Capbreton. Hossegor is also home to a remarkable marine lake, connected to the ocean and influenced by the tides, lined with beautiful Basque-Landes villas from the 1920s and 1930s — a peaceful setting for family swimming, far from the ocean’s waves. Between La Gravière for surfers and the lake for children, Hossegor offers two complementary sides, just a few minutes from the campground.
Capbreton and its pier
A town near Hossegor, Capbreton is the only one port a recreational marina with direct access to the ocean along the entire Landes coast. You can stroll along the famous barrier made of wood, a pier commissioned by Napoleon III in 1858, topped by a small lighthouse, offering a magnificent view of the ocean. Off the coast of Capbreton lies a spectacular geological phenomenon: the Gouf de Capbreton, an underwater canyon several thousand meters deep that begins just a few hundred meters from the shore—an abyss that follows the course of the Adour River’s ancient bed. Capbreton, with its bustling harbor, market halls, beach, and pier, is a charming, intimate resort town just a few minutes from the campground—perfect for a bike ride from Labenne along the Vélodyssée. Between Hossegor and Capbreton lies the heart of the Landes surf coast.
Bayonne, Biarritz, and the Basque Country
Just a quarter of an hour south of Labenne lies the Basque Country and its two gems, Bayonne and Biarritz. This is one of Labenne’s greatest assets: its location at the crossroads of the Landes and the Basque Country, with the ocean on one side and Basque culture on the other. Here are the must-see excursions, all less than thirty minutes from the campground.
Bayonne, a culinary capital
Bayonne, about fifteen kilometers (a quarter of an hour) away, is the capital of the Northern Basque Country, at the confluence of the Adour and Nive rivers. Here, you can stroll through Grand Bayonne and Petit Bayonne, past half-timbered houses with red and green shutters, all the way to Sainte-Marie Cathedral and its cloister, a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Routes of Santiago de Compostela. But Bayonne is above all a city for food lovers: it’s the home of Bayonne ham (PGI since 1998) and chocolate, introduced as early as the 16th century by Portuguese Jewish families fleeing the Inquisition—a tradition that lives on in the neighborhood’s chocolate shops. In the summer, the city comes alive for its famous Bayonne Festival, decked out in white and red. An ideal culinary and cultural getaway, just a quarter of an hour from the campground.
Biarritz and the Rocher de la Vierge
Biarritz, about 20 kilometers away, is the chic resort town of the Basque Country, shaped in the 19th century by Napoleon III and Empress Eugénie. Visitors can admire the Grande Plage, the lighthouse, the Belle Époque villas, and above all the famous Rocher de la Vierge: a rocky islet topped by a statue of the Virgin Mary (consecrated in 1865), connected to the mainland by a metal footbridge dating from 1887 — often mistakenly attributed to Gustave Eiffel, it is in fact the work of the Schryver workshops. Biarritz is also the birthplace of surfing in Europe: it was on the Côte des Basques that the first European surfers took to the waves in the late 1950s. With its beach, rock formation, and Basque atmosphere, Biarritz is well worth a day trip—just twenty minutes from the campground—and serves as the highlight of a stay at the crossroads of the Landes and the Basque Country.
| Website | Where / Distance from Labenne | Must-See |
|---|---|---|
| Capbreton | ~6 km north (~10 min) | port, breakwater built in 1858, underwater cave |
| Hossegor | ~8 km north (~10 min) | surfing (La Gravière), marine lake, Basque-Landes villas |
| Bayonne | ~15 km south (~15 min) | UNESCO-listed cathedral, ham & chocolate, Festivals |
| Biarritz | ~21 km south (~20 min) | Rocher de la Vierge, Grande Plage, surfing |
| Orx Marshes | ~10 min (Labenne) | nature reserve, ~300 species of birds |
The Pine Forest, the Landes, and the Vélodyssée
Beyond the beach and the Basque Country, Labenne also offers the natural beauty of the Landes region: the largest forest in Western Europe, hiking trails, lakes, and a bird sanctuary. It’s the perfect place to relax and get some exercise, whether on foot or by bike, throughout your stay—a different side of the Landes region, just a few minutes from the campground.
The Landes Forest and Cycling
Labenne is nestled in the Landes Forest, one of the largest forests in Western Europe (nearly one million hectares of maritime pines, planted in the 19th century to stabilize and consolidate the sand). It's a huge playground for the bike: The town is crisscrossed by bike paths and the Vélodyssée (EuroVelo 1), one of the most beautiful cycling routes in France, which runs along the Atlantic coast from Brittany to the Basque Country. You’ll cycle in the shade of pine trees, on flat, safe terrain, between the campground, the beach, and nearby towns. The forest is also perfect for walking, running, and foraging. The campground rents bikes on-site, which means you can leave your car behind—or, if you take a shuttle, you won’t need one at all: once you’re there, everything is accessible by bike, whether through the pine forest, the dunes, or along the ocean.
The Marais d'Orx, a bird sanctuary
The Marais d'Orx National Nature Reserve, straddling Labenne and two neighboring municipalities, is one of the area’s natural gems. This former polder, drained during the reign of Napoleon III and later returned to nature, covers approximately 775 hectares of wetlands, designated a nature reserve in 1995 and a Natura 2000 site: it is the last major protected wetland on the Aquitaine coast. A major stopover on major migration routes, it is home to approximately 300 species of birds—including overwintering gray geese, white spoonbills, curlews, and ospreys reintroduced since 2018. From the Maison du Marais, trails and observation decks allow you to explore the area without disturbing the wildlife, year-round. A peaceful and relaxing outing, ideal for families, just a few minutes from the campground—the perfect contrast to the hustle and bustle of the beach.
Why Choose a Private Transfer to Your Campground?
Traveling to Sylvamar from Bordeaux by private transfer means arriving well-rested, without having to rent a car, and directly at the campground entrance with all your luggage. For a family arriving at the Bordeaux airport or train station, this is by far the simplest option—and often the most economical when traveling with several people.
Door-to-door, without renting a car
Labenne does have a train station, but it’s served only by TER trains, is located a few kilometers from Labenne-Océan, and offers no local transportation for the final leg to the campground. Renting a car for the entire duration of your stay—when in Labenne-Océan everything can be done by bike, whether it’s the beach, the pine forest, or the neighboring resorts—makes little sense: it’s expensive, unnecessary once you’re there, and difficult to park in the summer. With a chauffeur service, you’ll be picked up in Bordeaux (Mérignac Airport, Saint-Jean Train Station, or your hotel) and driven directly to the campground entrance, with all your vacation (and beach) luggage, child seats upon request, and a schedule tailored to your flight or train. The trip, which takes about 2 hours and 8 minutes via the A63, becomes a true opportunity to relax: your vacation begins the moment you get in the car, without the fatigue of driving. Once there, the campground rents out bikes—so you won’t need a car.
A fixed price, known in advance
Our transfer from Bordeaux to the Sylvamar campground is billed at a fixed rate, which is provided and confirmed in writing before departure: starting at approximately €340 one way (Mercedes sedan or van seating up to 8 passengers), regardless of traffic conditions, with no unexpected meter charges. For groups—whether with family or friends—the math is simple when compared to renting a car for the entire week, with the added assurance of a professional chauffeur who drops you off right at the campground entrance in Labenne-Océan. Once there, you can call on him on demand for excursions: a day trip to Biarritz, a gourmet getaway to Bayonne, or a surfing session in Hossegor. On the way back, he’ll pick you up at the campground at the agreed-upon time and take you back to Bordeaux, in time for your flight or train. Ideal for families loaded down with beach gear, with the peace of mind that comes from a schedule tailored to your flight—both on the way there and back.
When is the best time to stay at Sylvamar Campground?
The Landes coast is best enjoyed from May through September, and the campground is open from March 30 to September 27, 2026. [2] Thesummer (July–August) is peak season: lifeguarded beaches, surfing, water parks, night markets, and entertainment are in full swing under the southwestern sun—it’s also the busiest time of year, when you’ll need to book early (both your campsite and your transfer), and when the coast gets crowded. The spring (late March–June) and thelate season (September–October) offer the best of the Landes: splendid light, an ocean that’s still pleasant in September, fragrant pine forests, quieter resorts and more affordable rates, and water that’s often suitable for swimming well into October. The campground’s heated pools and the “Dune & Eau” spa let you enjoy the water even when the ocean is cool. No matter the time of year, the combination of the ocean, surfing, the pine forest, and the nearby Basque Country makes Labenne a sure bet, just over two hours from Bordeaux. A week is enough to enjoy it at a leisurely pace. Book early in the summer—the coast is very popular.
Plan Your Stay at Sylvamar
A few practical tips for a relaxing vacation by the ocean, from choosing the right time of year to opting for a bike instead of a car. The key: book early for the summer, and plan ahead for your arrival on a very popular stretch of coastline where people mainly get around by bike.
Make Reservations and Get Organized
During peak season, book early: the campground fills up quickly in July and August, just like the rest of the Landes coast. Be sure to bring swimwear and sunscreen, a wetsuit or swimsuit for surfing, and a bike lock if you’re renting bikes (the campground has them available on-site). To get to the beach, nearby towns, and the trails, opt for a bike: it’s the best way to get around Labenne-Océan. We also serve other campsites along the coast using the same door-to-door service—such as Le Vieux Port campsite in Messanges, a little further north—and many others among all our destinations. Check the campground’s facilities and services (restaurant, spa, activities, opening dates) on the official website, which remains the authoritative source. Finally, the Atlantic Ocean and its currents (rip currents) require caution: swim only in supervised areas, especially with young children.
Transportation, both to and from
For the transfer, everything is arranged in advance: please provide your flight or train schedule, the number of passengers and pieces of luggage, and whether you need child seats. On the way there, the driver will be waiting for you at the airport, at the Saint-Jean train station, or at your hotel in Bordeaux and will take you directly to the entrance of the campground in Labenne-Océan. On the return trip, the driver will pick you up at the campground at the agreed-upon time and take you back to Bordeaux, allowing plenty of time for your flight or train (be aware that the A63 is often heavy with traffic on summer Saturdays). The fixed-price quote is confirmed in writing before departure. This is especially valuable when returning from vacation, when you’re tired, loaded down with luggage, and traveling with children: rather than returning a rental car and rushing to catch a schedule, you can simply let yourself be driven, in one go, from the Landes coast to Bordeaux.
Getting to the campground from Bordeaux
The Sylvamar Campground is about 175 km from Bordeaux, or about a 2-hour and 8-minute drive. The fastest route takes the A63 south toward Bayonne, with an exit toward Labenne. Labenne has a train station, but it is served only by TER trains and is located a few kilometers from Labenne-Océan, with no local transportation to the campground.
| Route | Distance | Duration | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bordeaux → campground (Labenne-Océan) | ~175 km | ~2:08 | Starting at ~340 € for a chauffeured transfer |
| Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport → campground | ~175 km | ~2:08 | pickup at the terminal |
| Campground → Labenne-Océan Beach | ~1.2 km | on foot or by bike | sand, dunes, surfing |
| Camping → Biarritz | ~21 km | ~20 min | Basque Country, Rocher de la Vierge |
By car, the route follows the A63 southbound (toward Bayonne/Spain), with an exit for Labenne; allow about 2 hours and 8 minutes, depending on traffic (longer on a summer Saturday, as the coast is very busy). By train, you can reach Labenne Station from Bordeaux-Saint-Jean (on the Bordeaux–Hendaye line, served by TER trains), but the station is a few kilometers from Labenne-Océan, with no local transportation available: you’ll still need to cover the final stretch by car. That’s the whole point of a private transfer: with door-to-door service, it eliminates the need for transfers and drops you off right at the entrance to the Sylvamar campground, just a stone’s throw from the beach.
Whether you’re heading out on vacation, need a ride coordinated with your flight or train, or are planning a car-free getaway by the ocean, booking an executive car service guarantees a comfortable and punctual ride—book a driver from Bordeaux to Sylvamar Campground or explore all our destinations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Sylvamar Campground located?
The Sylvamar Campground is located in Labenne-Océan, in the town of Labenne, in the southern Landes region (40530), on the Atlantic Côte d'Argent, just 1.2 km from the ocean. It is a 5-star campground in the Yelloh! Village network, spread out across a 27-hectare pine forest, just a few minutes’ walk or bike ride from the wide sandy beaches. Its location is ideal, at the crossroads of the Landes and the Basque Country: between the surf spots of Hossegor and Capbreton to the north, and Bayonne and Biarritz to the south. From Bordeaux, it’s about 175 km and a 2-hour, 8-minute drive. For families arriving by plane or train in Bordeaux, a private door-to-door transfer is the simplest option: you’ll be dropped off right at the campground entrance, with all your luggage.
How much does a transfer from Bordeaux to the Sylvamar campground cost?
We offer a fixed-price transfer from Bordeaux to the Sylvamar Campground (Labenne-Océan), starting at approximately €340 one way (about 175 km, approximately 2 hours and 8 minutes via the A63), in a Mercedes sedan or a van seating up to 8 passengers, with a professional chauffeur. The trip is direct, door-to-door: we’ll pick you up at the airport, Saint-Jean train station, or your hotel in Bordeaux, and drop you off right at the campground entrance—just a stone’s throw from the beach—with all your vacation luggage. The fixed-price quote is provided and confirmed in writing before departure, with no unexpected meter charges. For groups, this is often more cost-effective than renting a car for the entire stay—and much more relaxing, especially on a coast where everything is done by bike.
Is the Sylvamar Campground close to the beach?
Yes: The campground is 1.2 km from the ocean and the wide, fine-sand beaches of Labenne-Océan, which are easily accessible on foot or by bike (the campground rents bikes on-site). Labenne-Océan’s beach, known as “Plage Centrale,” stretches for about three kilometers of sand, bordered by dunes and pine trees; it is lifeguarded in the summer and renowned among surfers for its waves. We stick to the official distance of 1.2 km, rather than the unconfirmed “900 m” listed by some aggregators. For swimming right at the campground, Sylvamar features a large, heated water park with a volcano theme (crater, lava river, slides) and a spa. Between the ocean beach and the water park, there’s no shortage of water.
Does Sylvamar Campground have a water park?
Yes, and that's its main attraction. According to the official website, the water park is themed around a volcano: a large, crater-shaped pool covering 450 m² (with waterfalls, a central geyser, and surprise eruption jets), a 43-meter “lava river,” an 80-meter-long slide with a transparent section that plunges from a height of 9 meters, heated pools, a heated indoor wading pool, a lagoon, a counter-current river, and hot tubs. There is also a “Dune & Eau” wellness area covering approximately 1,200 m² (relaxation pool, treatments, aqua aerobics). We are strictly limiting ourselves to the facilities officially described, without making any exaggerated claims about their size. For exact details on the facilities and opening dates, please refer to the campground’s official website.
What is there to do at the Sylvamar Campground and in Labenne-Océan?
Plenty to do, between the ocean, nature, and the Basque Country. On-site: the volcanic water park and spa. 1.2 km away: Labenne-Océan Beach (swimming, surfing). Nearby: surfing in Labenne, Capbreton, and Hossegor (the world-famous La Gravière spot), the Vélodyssée bike trail through the pine forest, the Marais d’Orx Nature Reserve (birds), and the Labenne Zoo. To the north: Capbreton and its breakwater, Hossegor and its marine lake (~10 min). To the south, the Basque Country: Bayonne (~15 min, chocolate and ham) and Biarritz (~20 min, Rocher de la Vierge, surfing). Enough to fill a week without ever having to drive very far—much of it by bike or on foot from the campground.
Is it possible to surf near the Sylvamar campground?
Yes, that’s actually one of Labenne’s biggest draws: the Landes coast is one of the world’s top surfing destinations. Labenne-Océan Beach, 1.2 km from the campground, offers great waves and surf schools for beginners. About ten minutes north, Capbreton and especially Hossegor are home to the most famous spots—La Gravière in Hossegor boasts some of the most powerful waves on the planet, and the town has long hosted a stop on the professional world tour. There are plenty of surf schools and equipment rentals for all skill levels, from beginner lessons for kids to expert-level surfing. A little further south, Biarritz is the historic birthplace of surfing in Europe. Staying at Sylvamar puts you right in the heart of the surf coast, just minutes from the best spots.
How far is it from Bordeaux to the Sylvamar campground?
About 175 km by road, or about 2 hours and 8 minutes. The fastest route takes the A63 south (toward Bayonne/Spain), with an exit toward Labenne. With a private chauffeur, the fare is fixed and provided in advance, starting at approximately €340 one way (sedan or van, door-to-door price). Labenne does have a train station on the Bordeaux–Hendaye line, but it is served only by TER trains (not TGVs, which pass through without stopping); it is located a few kilometers from Labenne-Océan and has no local transportation to the campground. For a family arriving by plane or train in Bordeaux, a private door-to-door transfer eliminates the need for any transfers and drops you off right at the campground entrance, just a stone’s throw from the beach.
Is Sylvamar Campground family-friendly?
Yes, it’s a family-friendly 5-star campground in the Yelloh! Village network, designed for vacations with children. The themed water park (crater, lava river, slides, heated wading pool), the spa, the 800-seat amphitheater for entertainment, bike rentals, and the proximity to the beach make it an ideal base. The region is perfect for families: a supervised beach in the summer, surfing for all skill levels, the Labenne Zoo, the Orx Marshes and their birds, and day trips to Capbreton, Hossegor, Bayonne, and Biarritz. For your arrival, a private transfer from Bordeaux makes everything easy: you travel together with your beach gear and, upon request, child seats—no need to drive or worry about parking. For detailed information on facilities and activities, please visit the campground’s official website.
How can I get to the Sylvamar campground without a car?
That’s precisely the advantage of a private transfer. Labenne has a train station (on the Bordeaux–Hendaye line, TER), but it’s a few kilometers from Labenne-Océan and there’s no local transportation: there’s still one final leg of the journey to the campground. And renting a car for the entire duration of a stay makes little sense in Labenne-Océan, where everything is accessible by bike—the beach, the pine forest, and the neighboring resorts. With a chauffeured transfer, you’re picked up in Bordeaux (airport, Saint-Jean train station, or hotel) and driven directly to the campground entrance, with all your luggage, in one go. On-site, the campground rents bikes, and you can book the driver on demand for day trips (Biarritz, Bayonne, a surfing session in Hossegor). Upon your return, he’ll pick you up at the campground. It’s the simplest and most relaxing option, especially for families.
What is there to see around Labenne, in the Basque Country?
Labenne is ideally located at the crossroads of the Landes and the Basque Country. To the south, just a quarter of an hour away, Bayonne—the capital of the Northern Basque Country—charms visitors with its half-timbered houses, Sainte-Marie Cathedral (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), its ham (PGI), its chocolate, and its famous summer festivals. About twenty minutes away, Biarritz—a chic resort shaped by Napoleon III—offers its Grande Plage, its lighthouse, its Belle Époque villas, and the famous Rocher de la Vierge (connected to the mainland by a footbridge built in 1887). To the north, Capbreton and its breakwater, as well as Hossegor and its marine lake—both prime surfing spots—are about ten minutes away. And let’s not forget the natural attractions: the Marais d’Orx and its birds, the Landes Forest, and the Vélodyssée bike path. An executive car service can take you to each of these sites, so you don’t have to worry about parking.
When is the best time to stay at Sylvamar Campground?
The Landes coast is best enjoyed from May through September, and the campground is open from March 30 to September 27, 2026. Summer (July–August) is peak season: lifeguard-patrolled beaches, surfing, a water park, night markets, and entertainment, all under the southwestern sun—it’s also the busiest time of year, so be sure to book early. Spring (late March–June) and late season (September–October) offer the best of the Landes: beautiful light, an ocean that’s still pleasant in September, fragrant pine forests, quieter resorts, and more affordable rates. The heated pools and the “Dune & Eau” spa let you enjoy the water even when the ocean is cool. No matter the season, the combination of the ocean, surfing, the pine forest, and the nearby Basque Country makes Labenne a sure bet, just over two hours from Bordeaux. Be sure to book early in the summer—the coast is very popular.
Further Reading
- Another seaside campground in the Landes region: see the guide to Le Vieux Port Campground (Messanges)
- The City of Chocolate and Ham: See the Bayonne Guide (cathedral, festivals, city walls)
- Surfing and the chic Basque Country: see the Biarritz Guide (Rocher de la Vierge, beaches)
- A 5-star campground in the Périgord forest: see the Saint Avit Loisirs Guide (Saint-Avit-de-Vialard)
- Plan your trip: Book a private driver from Bordeaux to Sylvamar Campground, or explore all our destinations
Sources and References
- Camping Sylvamar — Official Website (Yelloh! Village) — 5★, Labenne-Océan, 27-hectare pine forest, 1.2 km from the ocean, volcanic water park, Dune & Eau spa
- Yelloh! Village — Sylvamar — 5★, 413 rental units + 242 campsites, 1,200 m² spa, 800-seat amphitheater, open March 30–Sept. 27, 2026
- Wikipedia — Labenne — Landes 40530, population ~7,200, Labenne-Océan (~3 km of beach), pine forest, ~15 km from Bayonne, TER train station
- Marais d'Orx Nature Reserve — former polder, ~775 ha, ~300 bird species, Natura 2000, ospreys reintroduced since 2018
- The Vélodyssée (EuroVelo 1) — Atlantic cycling route along the Landes coast, Labenne-Océan → Capbreton ~8 km
- Wikipedia — Hossegor — a world-renowned surfing destination (La Gravière), a marine lake, French Surfing Federation
Article updated in July 2026.
Heading to the Landes Coast
Direct transfer from Bordeaux (~2 hours 8 minutes) to your campground in Labenne-Océan—from the airport, train station, or hotel to the campground entrance, just steps from the beach, with luggage included. Fixed, written quote—no unexpected meter charges.
