Our vacation accommodation by the Atlantic Ocean
Vacation villages, vacation homes, campsites and hotels
Azureva’s ocean vacation destinations are the Atlantic in all its splendor: thrilling waves, immense beaches where you can run without limit, and that iodized breeze that recharges your batteries for the whole year. From the Basque country to Normandy, we’ve tracked down the best spots where the ocean puts on a show, where the tides punctuate the days and every sunset on the horizon is a free spectacle. Choosing our ocean vacation destinations means opting for an invigorating vacation where nature sets the pace and families get together around the essentials.
Just 500 meters from the sandy beaches, our Vacation Village in Pornichet-Baie de la Baule is the perfect place for a relaxing and lively vacation. A paradise for children, you’ll enjoy swimming, fishing, sailing, and kayaking.
Immerse yourself in Basque culture and surfing at our Anglet Holiday Village, ideally located just 300 m from the beach. Enjoy a wide range of sporting and relaxing activities with your loved ones and discover the region’s must-see attractions.
Stay at our holiday residence in Hossegor and enjoy the treasures of the region. Just a stone’s throw away, the marine lake invites you to relax, go for walks, try paddleboarding and discover oyster farming. Its immense sandy beaches facing the Atlantic will delight lovers of swimming, surfing and relaxation.
Our vacation village in Hendaye is the ideal spot for an unforgettable vacation in the Basque Country. Let yourself be charmed by the panoramic view of the bay, the ocean, the pool, and the entertainment!
The Hôtel du Parc, located in Hossegor, is a real gem on the southern coast of the Landes region. Situated on the shores of Lake Hossegor and 1.5 km from the Atlantic Ocean, it combines the elegance of Basque-Landes architecture with a peaceful setting, perfect for a relaxing stay.
Just 500 meters from the sandy beaches, our Vacation Village in Pornichet-Baie de la Baule is the perfect place for a relaxing and lively vacation. A paradise for children, you’ll enjoy swimming, fishing, sailing, and kayaking.
Immerse yourself in Basque culture and surfing at our Anglet Holiday Village, ideally located just 300 m from the beach. Enjoy a wide range of sporting and relaxing activities with your loved ones and discover the region’s must-see attractions.
Stay at our holiday residence in Hossegor and enjoy the treasures of the region. Just a stone’s throw away, the marine lake invites you to relax, go for walks, try paddleboarding and discover oyster farming. Its immense sandy beaches facing the Atlantic will delight lovers of swimming, surfing and relaxation.
Our vacation village in Hendaye is the ideal spot for an unforgettable vacation in the Basque Country. Let yourself be charmed by the panoramic view of the bay, the ocean, the pool, and the entertainment!
The Hôtel du Parc, located in Hossegor, is a real gem on the southern coast of the Landes region. Situated on the shores of Lake Hossegor and 1.5 km from the Atlantic Ocean, it combines the elegance of Basque-Landes architecture with a peaceful setting, perfect for a relaxing stay.
Ocean vacation destinations: when the Atlantic makes eyes at you
You know that feeling when you open the window and the iodized air gently slaps your face? That moment when you hear the waves doing their thing, more powerful than a washing machine spinning? Welcome to the grand spectacle of ocean vacation destinations! In the Atlantic, it’s not the sea that’s playing coy, it’s the ocean that’s playing hardball and reminding you that when nature gets going, she’s not faking it.
At Azureva, we fell in love with this wild coast a long time ago. For 70 years, we’ve been watching families discover the magic of the ocean: the first hesitant steps in the crashing waves, the kites dancing in the offshore wind, the sand castles fortified against the rising tide… We’re based from Royan to the Landes, where the Atlantic shows all its facets: the flat calm of the foggy morning, the perfect rollers for surfers, the goosebump-inducing winter storms. Every season has its charm, every beach its character, and we know the best spots to ensure that your ocean vacations are engraved in the marble of your memory.
Why go on vacation to the ocean?
The ocean isn’t the same. There, I’ve said it! While the Mediterranean is all turquoise water and cicadas, the Atlantic takes you by storm. It’s the big thrill, the XXL version of nature, the permanent spectacle that leaves no one indifferent. You arrive, take a deep breath, and bam, you understand why you’re hooked.
First, let’s talk about the air. Ocean air is pure vitamin! The sea spray that lashes your face is better than a spa treatment (and much cheaper). The iodine-laden air cleanses your congested city lungs, boosts your immune system and gives you the rosy cheeks of a Russian doll… Ocean vacation destinations are a natural rejuvenation cure. We’ve seen parents arrive pale as an aspirin pill and leave with an Australian surfer’s complexion!
And then there’s the ocean, an infinite playground. The waves, what a spectacle! Bodyboarding for the kids, who scream with joy at every roll; surfing for the teens, who go all Kelly Slater; longe-côte for Granny, who does her water gymnastics… There’s a wave for everyone. And when the tide goes out, there’s fishing on foot – a life-size treasure hunt where even Dad becomes a kid again with his landing net.
The Atlantic also has its own unique light. Not the overpowering sun of the South, no. A changing light, golden in the morning, silvery in the afternoon, candy pink at sunset. Amateur photographers go crazy, Instagram stories are endless, and even Uncle Bernard pulls out his phone to immortalize the moment. This light that transforms a simple stroll on the beach into a moment of grace.
Let’s face it, the ocean builds character too! A little wind, waves that push you around, sand that flies… This isn’t a lazy vacation, this is the real thing, the one where you feel alive! Children come back from the beach with red cheeks and wild hair, tired but happy. Parents rediscover the simple pleasure of walking against the wind, building a sand castle that resists the ocean’s onslaught. That’s the magic of our Atlantic Ocean vacation: you don’t just tan, you live!
What's the best time of year to go on an ocean vacation?
So be warned, the Atlantic Ocean isn’t a one-hit wonder in summer! Each season has its own charm, and after 70 years of watching the tides go by, we can give you a season-by-season guide that rocks.
- Atlantic spring is our secret favorite. April-May-June, when nature literally explodes. Pink tamarisk, yellow broom, waving oyats… It’s Monet live! The water is still fresh (an understatement), but the bravest are already soaking up the sun. And when the spring tides come in, it’s THE time of year for shore fishing. Spring vacation destinations on the ocean also mean low prices and beaches all to yourself. It’s bliss!
- Summer on the Atlantic, July-August, is the big show! The water finally reaches humanly acceptable temperatures (around 20-22°C). It’s the season for beach clubs, giant sandcastles, surfing initiations… The night markets are in full swing, the smell of doughnuts mingles with the sea spray, and the terraces are packed. Yes, it’s crowded, but what an atmosphere! Summer ocean vacations are all about collective energy, beach friendships and sunset aperitifs.
- Oceanic autumn, September-October-November, is the season for connoisseurs. The water is at its warmest (thanks to the ocean’s thermal inertia), the beaches are gradually emptying, and the waves… Oh, the autumn waves! Perfect for surfing, majestic to look at. The lights are crazy, and strolls along the beach take on a mystical dimension. This is the season to rediscover the pleasure of walking for hours on end on the sand, picking up shells without fighting anyone, falling asleep lulled by the sound of the waves.
- The Atlantic winter, from December to March, is for the real, the pure, the hard! Storms that rattle the windows, waves that explode on the dykes, the wind that blows your hair back punk-style… It’s spectacular! And then, the invigorating strolls along the deserted beach, followed by a hot chocolate by the fire, are priceless. Winter vacation destinations by the ocean also offer seafood at knock-down prices, pampering restaurants and low-cost rentals. A smart man’s paradise!
Our pro tip? If you’re looking for the perfect combination of mild temperatures + fewer people + great prices, aim for September. If you’re looking for adventure and thrills, winter. For families with young children, June or September. And if you’re looking for total ambiance, go for July-August!
10 must-see places on the Atlantic coast
Because ocean vacation destinations also mean exploring the nuggets along this mythical coastline, we’ve put together our best-of list of places worth a visit. From Brittany to the Basque Country, hang on to your hat!
- La Dune du Pilat – Europe’s highest dune, 110 meters of fine sand with a breathtaking view of the Arcachon Basin and the ocean. Climbing to the top is a bit like climbing a mountain of sand, but what a reward! Visit the official Dune du Pilat website to prepare your visit. Tip: go at sunset – it’s magical!
- L’île de Ré – The little queen of the Atlantic islands! White villages with green shutters, salt marshes, immense beaches, bike paths everywhere… A paradise of cycling and fleur de sel ice cream. Contact the Ile de Ré Tourist Office to plan your getaway. Children love to see donkeys in their breeches!
- Biarritz and its Rocher de la Vierge – The imperial seaside resort turned surfing capital. The rock, linked by a footbridge, is THE photo spot. The waves of the Côte des Basques, the fishermen’s port, the aquarium… Tourism Biarritz to find out all about it. The best Espelette chilli ice cream!
- La Palmyre Zoo – One of Europe’s finest zoos, just a stone’s throw from Royan. 1,600 animals, 110 species, surrounded by pine trees. Perfect for a family day out when the kids have had enough of the beach. Zoo de La Palmyre for opening times and prices. Plan for a full day!
- The cliffs of Étretat – Okay, so it’s the English Channel, not the Atlantic, but it’s on the west coast and too beautiful not to mention! These natural arches sculpted by the ocean are a work of art. Étretat Tourisme for cliff walks.
- The Quiberon peninsula – wild coastline on one side, waves exploding on the rocks, family beaches on the other. The best of both worlds! Quiberon Tourist Office to choose your side. Crêpes au caramel au beurre salé – a must!
- Fort Boyard – Visible from the islands of Oléron and Aix, this mythical fort in the middle of the ocean is the stuff of dreams for young and old alike. You can’t visit it, but seeing it from the sea is magical enough. Take a Fort Boyard cruise to get close to the fort by boat.
Bordeaux and its Cité du Vin – Just 45 minutes from the ocean, this sleeping beauty is well worth a visit. The water mirror, the UNESCO-listed old town, and of course the Cité du Vin to understand why Bordeaux is THE reference. The Cité du Vin for an immersive experience. Canelés for dessert, of course!
- Les blockhaus de la plage de Capbreton – These remains of the Atlantic Wall, half-buried in the sand, are history meeting the ocean. Children love to play explorer, parents remember. Capbreton Tourist Office for historical walks.
- Saint-Jean-de-Luz and its bay – The only sheltered bay on the Basque coast, perfect for families with young children. The authentic fishing port, Basque houses, macaroons… Saint-Jean-de-Luz Tourisme to prepare your visit. Grilled bluefin tuna in the harbor, a real treat!
These 10 wonders are just a taste of what the Atlantic has to offer. Every corner of this coast hides its treasures, and at Azureva, we love to give families our tips for exploring beyond the beach!
What should you pack for an ocean vacation?
Packing for the ocean is an art! Between the sun and the rain, the heat wave and the wind, you need to be prepared for anything. Come on, let’s share our Atlantic adventurers’ secrets with you.
Anti-element equipment (because the ocean is fickle):
- The WATERPROOF windbreaker. Not the little fashion K-way, no, the real thing, the one that stands up to sea spray and surprise showers.
- Sunglasses that fit. With a cord. Because wind + glasses = “Daddy, I lost my glasses in the waves!”
- The cap with clip or the bob with cord. The beret is nice, but on the Atlantic, it ends up as a kite.
- Sunscreen factor 50. The wind makes you think it’s not so hot, and bam, the sunburn of your life.
The perfect ocean swimmer’s kit:
- Combi or shorty for the kids. Water at 18°C is “refreshing”, as the saying goes.
- Water shoes. Between the rocks, sea urchins and snappers, your feet will thank you.
- Anti-UV lycra. For extended sessions in the waves without ending up crayfish red.
- A minimum of two swimsuits per person. One to dry (in theory), one to wear.
The Atlantic beach survival kit:
- The windproof parasol or, better still, the beach tent with sardines. We’ve all heard of parasols that blow away…
- The beach windbreaker (those canvas screens). Game changer for picnics!
- Microfiber towels. They dry fast, even in the ocean humidity.
- Waterproof bag for phone and papers. Surprise waves happen.
- The rigid cooler. An ocean vacation without a beach picnic is like a hamburger without fries.
The Atlantic wardrobe:
- Layers! T-shirt, sweater, fleece… In the morning, you’re freezing, at noon you’re sweltering, in the evening you’re freezing again.
- Jeans or long pants for evenings out. Even in August, the ocean is cool at night.
Closed-toe shoes in addition to flip-flops. For rocky outings and cool evenings.
- The hoodie, your best friend. Windproof in the morning, UV-resistant at lunchtime, cool in the evening.
- Anti-UV swimwear for children. We avoid ocean vacation destinations with lobster children.
The clever little extras of the experience:
- Talcum powder. To remove sand that sticks everywhere. Revolutionary!
- XXL freezer bags for wet suits.
- Binoculars. For watching surfers, boats and, if you’re lucky, dolphins.
- Sheet detergent. Because sand + salt + sunscreen = compulsory washing.
- Beach games that resist the wind. Weighted beach rackets, heavy Frisbee…
- The thermos. For morning coffee overlooking the ocean or evening hot chocolate.
We’ve taken care of everything in our accommodation (sheets, blankets, the essentials), but as for the rest, well, now you know! You’ve got to earn your way to the ocean, but if you’re well equipped, you’re in for a treat!
Book early to enjoy the best ocean vacation destinations at the best price
Want to know something? Ocean vacation destinations are like the best waves: those who are there at the right time win everything. And the right time to book is NOW! Well, not right now, finish reading first, but you get the idea.
Let’s talk cash: booking early means saving big. Like really big. Early booking rates on our Atlantic villages are up to 25% off. That’s the difference between eating moules-frites every night or alternating with sandwiches. We’ve done the math: a family of 4 booking in December for August can save the equivalent of a week’s bike hire + ice cream for the whole stay + the last night’s restaurant. Not bad, eh?
Perfect timing for the smart holidaymaker:
- October-November: you start to dream, you compare, you hesitate (but not for too long).
- December-January: JACKPOT! The best offers are pouring in, availability is at an all-time high
- February-March: more good deals, especially for the June and September ocean vacations
- April-May: July-August looks like it’s going to be a mess, but there’s still plenty to be found.
- June: this is Russian roulette. Maybe a cancellation, maybe nothing
But beyond the pennies (which are important, we agree), booking early means above all securing THE spot. You know, the one with the ocean view terrace, the one near the kids’ club but not too close to the evening entertainment, the one where friends can come over… All this is for those who plan ahead. The others take what’s left over. And what’s left in July on the Atlantic coast is often far from the beach with a view of the parking lot.
The hidden benefits of early booking :
- Time to prepare: buy wetsuits in the right size, book surf lessons, plan visits
- Rising excitement: the countdown on the calendar, children crossing out the days
- Zero stress: everything taken care of, just need to pack!
- The best slots in the kids’ club (yes, you can book them too)
- The possibility of staggering payment (we offer facilities, we’re not monsters)
And then, a little secret between us: we pamper the families who book early. They’re our very own VIPs! They often get the best seats at the evening show, and sneak previews of special events… And of course, they’ve been putting their trust in us for months, and we’re happy to oblige!
We’ve seen so many families arrive in June, desperate to find something in August… “Sold out” we have to tell them. The look on their faces! Whereas those who booked in January arrive relaxed, smiling, with their booking confirmation proudly in their hands. It’s the start of the vacation season.
Our ultimate tip: program a “Book Ocean Holidays” alert for early November. This is THE time when next year’s rates come out and anything is possible. You’ll thank us when you’re sipping your planteur in front of the Atlantic sunset, saying to yourself “I’m so glad I booked early!
Why book an ocean vacation with Azureva?
Okay, promo time, but let’s do it in style! Why choose Azureva for your ocean vacation destinations? Because we weren’t born of the last tide, and after 70 years of looking the Atlantic in the eye, we’ve learned a few things that others are still looking for.
We’re true children of the ocean. Our villages on the Atlantic coast are not random settlements. Royan is our historic HQ, where it all began. We know every beach, every fishing spot, every mushroom patch (but that’s a secret). We know where to see the most beautiful sunsets, where the waves are perfect to start surfing, where to find the best oysters in the area. This local knowledge is in our DNA. When you arrive, it’s not Google Maps that advises you, it’s Josiane at reception who grew up here!
Our villages are the ocean without the hassle. We’ve chosen prime locations: close enough to the beach to walk there (or almost), far enough away to avoid sand in your bed. Our accommodations are designed with the ocean in mind: a place to dry your combis, a terrace for aperitifs facing the sunset, and a place to store your boards and kites. We didn’t put marble everywhere, we put what’s really needed for a successful ocean vacation.
The Azureva atmosphere is our signature. You know, that indefinable thing that makes kids cry on departure day and parents already book for next year? That’s what it’s all about! A blend of laid-back surf spirit and old-fashioned family hospitality. The counselors who know everyone’s first name after two days, the aperitifs where everyone mingles, the parties where you can have a good laugh without getting into too much trouble… No fuss, no impersonal all-inclusive club wristbands. Just people who love vacations and want to share them.
Flexi-totality is our trademark. Full board for those who want zero constraints, half board for explorers, single rental for independents… We adapt! Change your mind along the way? We’ll find a solution. Kids want to eat earlier? We’ll work it out. Want a picnic for the beach day? We prepare it. After 70 years, we know that rigid vacations are a thing of the past. The ocean has taught us flexibility!
The kids’ club that rocks. Because vacation destinations on the ocean with bored kids are hell! Our entertainers aren’t babysitters, they’re magicians. Kite-building, treasure hunts on the beach, introduction to surfing, discovery of marine life… Kids beg to go back, and parents can FINALLY take a breather. And we accept kids as young as 3 months. Yes, 3 months! Because we know that young parents need a vacation too.
Unbeatable value for money. We’re not going to lie to you, we don’t have a spa with hot stones imported from Tibet. But we do have the essentials: clean, comfortable accommodations, killer entertainment, privileged access to the ocean, and above all, that unique atmosphere that makes for
vacation really does taste like a vacation. Your budget goes to what counts: memories, not the superfluous.
And us, quite simply. We love what we do. We really do. When you see a family building their first sandcastle together, a teenager getting up at 6am to go surfing, grandparents rediscovering the ocean with their grandchildren… That’s why we get up in the morning. Azureva’s ocean vacation destinations aren’t just about a room with an Atlantic view. It’s about joining a big family who understand that the best vacations are the ones you share.
In short, for your next vacation in an ocean destination
Is the ocean calling you? Do you long for wide-open spaces, waves that massage your feet, and walks with your hair blowing in the wind? An ocean vacation destination is all about new-found freedom, suspended moments when time stretches out like salted butter toffee. It’s watching your children discover the power of nature, and rediscovering for yourself what it means to be alive.
At Azureva, we’re waiting for you with our toes-in-the-sand villages, our 70 years of know-how, and this simple but essential promise: ocean vacations that truly taste of adventure and shared happiness. The kind where you say to yourself every evening, “What a day!”, the kind where children tan their hearts as well as their skin, the kind you can still talk about years later.
The Atlantic has prepared its finest waves for you, your courage in the face of the fresh wind is just waiting to be tested, and we’ve already got the mulled wine ready for when you return from the beach. All that’s left for you to do is choose your ocean destination and book (early, you get the idea!).
Because you can’t tame the ocean, you have to live it. And at Azureva, we know how to live it to the full!