Guide to Landes & Property for Sale in Department 42

The Landes department is a picturesque region located in southwestern France, occupying the southern half of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region. This department has a rich historical past, having been one of the original 83 departments created during the French Revolution in 1790. The Landes was formed from parts of the Guyenne and Gascony provinces. The Landes department is bordered by the departments of Gironde, Lot-et-Garonne, Gers, and Pyrénées-Atlantiques, as well as the Atlantic Ocean to the west. With an area of over 9000 km², the Landes is the second-largest department in metropolitan France, after Gironde.

Sheep Farming in the 19th Century

During the first half of the 19th century, large parts of the department were covered with poorly drained heathland, locally known as "Lande." The vegetation covered rich soil and was regularly burned off, providing excellent pasturage for sheep. Sheep farming was the primary economic activity in the Landes during this period, with estimates suggesting that between 900,000 and 1,000,000 sheep lived in this area. Sheep farming was a unique practice in the Landes, with shepherds moving around on stilts to tend to their flocks and cover long distances. These stilts were an essential tool for shepherds to navigate the swampy terrain and provide them with a distinct way of life.

Transformation of the Landscape

However, during the second half of the 19th century, the local economy and landscape underwent a significant transformation. Large pine plantations were systematically developed, leading to the departure of most of the sheep from the Landes. The development of these plantations transformed the region into a thriving centre for forestry and wood production, providing an alternative source of livelihood for the locals.

A Tourist Haven

Despite these changes, the Landes remains a popular tourist destination, thanks to its stunning natural beauty and unique cultural heritage. The department is particularly famous for its Côte d'Argent beach, which is Europe's longest and attracts many surfers to Mimizan and Hossegor every year. The Landes also boasts several other attractions, including picturesque market villages, historic landmarks, museums and local gastronomic specialities.

Key Information about Landes

• Main City/Prefecture: Mont-de-Marsan
• Nearest Airport: Biarritz Pays Basque Airport or Bordeaux
• Population: Around 415,000 (as of the latest census)  
• Area: 9,243 sq. kilometres and 3,569 sq. miles
• Landmark: Dune du Pilat (shared with Gironde), the tallest sand dune in Europe with amazing views of the Ocean.
• Number of Tourists/Year: +/-3.5 million, visiting its beaches, vast pine forests and outdoor activities (surfing and cycling).

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