Lacanau's beaches with the family
In Lacanau you can choose between two worlds: the calm beaches of a large freshwater lake, and the ocean beaches of the Atlantic. Here's how to choose depending on your children's ages, and the rules to know for a worry-free swim.
The lake or the ocean?
| The lake | The ocean | |
|---|---|---|
| Water | Fresh, no waves or tidal currents | Salt, waves and currents |
| Ideal for | Toddlers, first swims, paddleboarding and kayaking | Children who can swim and teenagers, bodyboarding, surfing |
| Atmosphere | Shade of the pines, picnics | Long sandy beaches, sunsets |
The lake beaches
Lacanau lake, one of the large freshwater lakes of the Médoc coast (about 2,000 hectares), is lined with sandy beaches and pine woods.
- Moutchic beach: lifeguarded in summer and with the Handiplage accessibility label. Sheltered, with water that warms up quickly, it's the family beach par excellence. It's in the Le Moutchic area, where our Maison du Lac is.
- Grande Escoure beach: also lifeguarded in season, with a first-aid post. It's close to the road: keep an eye on the children when arriving and leaving.
On the lake you can also go sailing, paddleboarding and kayaking, easier than at sea for beginners.
The ocean beaches, in Lacanau-Océan
About ten minutes' drive from the lake (around twenty by bike along the cycle paths), Lacanau-Océan has several beaches with lifeguards in season:
- Plage Centrale, in the heart of the resort, near the shops and restaurants.
- Plage Nord, more spread out, towards Carcans.
- Plage Sud, with the Handiplage label and toilets at the top of the dune.
- Plage Super-Sud, wilder, also lifeguarded in summer.
Lifeguards are on duty mainly in July and August; dates and times change every year and may be shorter on beaches further from the centre. Always check the sign at the beach entrance.
Swimming in the ocean with children: the golden rules
- Only on a lifeguarded beach, during lifeguard hours, and within the area marked by the flags (red and yellow) set out by the lifeguards.
- Check the flag colour: green, lifeguarded swimming with no particular danger; yellow, dangerous but lifeguarded swimming; red, no swimming.
- Beware of the "baïnes": these sandy hollows parallel to the beach empty at falling tide, creating a current out to sea. If you get caught, don't swim against the current: let it carry you, signal for help, then swim back in from the side.
- Keep children within arm's reach, even with armbands, and ask the lifeguards for advice when you arrive.
Our tip: mornings at the lake with the little ones, afternoons at the ocean for the older ones, and sunset on Plage Centrale. With children who can't swim yet, the lake remains the most relaxed choice.
Where to stay to enjoy both?
The Le Moutchic area, on the lake side, lets you walk to the lake beach and drive to the ocean in ten minutes. That's where you'll find La Maison du Lac: a family house for 12, 6 bedrooms, private pool from April to October (unfenced: children must be supervised), the lake 50 metres away.
See availability10% off your whole stay when you book directly on this site.
Read also: our guide to family holidays in Lacanau and a week in the Gironde with the family, between Bordeaux and Lacanau.
Frequently asked questions
Which Lacanau beach is best with young children?
The lake beaches, with fresh water and no waves. Moutchic beach, on the lake, is lifeguarded in summer and has the Handiplage accessibility label.
Do the Lacanau-Océan beaches have lifeguards?
Yes, in season (mainly July and August): the Centrale, Nord, Sud and Super-Sud beaches. Dates and times change every year: check the signs at the beach entrance.
What is a "baïne"?
A hollow in the sand, parallel to the beach, that fills at rising tide and empties at falling tide, creating a current out to sea (a rip current). Only swim in the lifeguarded area, between the flags.
Information given as a guide only: check with the Médoc Atlantique tourist office or Lacanau town hall for this year's lifeguard dates and times.