Ondres is a town in the Landes, in the New Aquitaine region, 10 km north of Bayonne.
The territory of the vast locality of 15 km² is bordered to the west by the Atlantic Ocean and to the south and east, is partly formed by wetlands (ponds) and forests. At the edge of the Basque country, Ondres was for a long time a rural village exploiting the pines for their resin and their pine cones. The village was also known as a stopover for pilgrims on one of the routes to Santiago de Compostela.
After the Second World War, Ondres, which consists of a town and two hamlets, gradually became a seaside resort with a family character, particularly appreciated by surfers and hikers.
Now with nearly 5,200 inhabitants (against 1,500 in 1945), this is a place to stay or at the very least a stopover of choice near the major Basque cities (Bayonne, Biarritz, Saint-Jean-de- Luz) and other famous resorts on the Aquitaine coast.
Before enjoying its beautiful beach and the green environment of the locality, a visit to Ondres can begin with the discovery of two heritage sites of interest.
The Château de la Roque, first of all, built on a promontory to the south-west of the village, overlooking Lake Garros and the canal that connects it to the Etang du Turc. Composed of an imposing main building flanked by two towers more than 15 m high, it was erected in the 12th century by the Count of Comminges and was remodeled over the centuries. Private property, its proud silhouette is visible from afar.
Next, see Saint-Pierre church, built in 1882 on the road to Bayonne, opposite the old cemetery where the first church, which has become cramped, previously stood. Of noble construction, it was built in coated rubble. Formed of a nave and two side aisles, we note that the bell tower decorated with an arrow surmounts the west portal. Covered with slates, the roof of the nave has long sides, as is often the case in the region.
Then head for the beach, about 3 km away from the village, but connected by a shuttle (in season) which takes a long avenue lined with pines and mimosas.
From the beach, itself 2 km long, you can enjoy a view to the north over the cord of the Landes dunes and to the south over the Basque hills.
Covered with sand, the beach is partly accessible to naturist holidaymakers. Swimming is supervised from mid-June to mid-September. Information on +33 5 59 45 19 19.
Two swimming schools offer group or individual lessons for young people or adults. Contact Water'Happy on +33 6 27 80 83 55 or Swimming ocean on +33 6 47 69 75 80.
Two surf schools are also located: contact Go And Surf on +33 6 10 23 35 50 or Surf Academy on +33 6 81 67 13 75
Apart from water sports and idleness, it is also not far from the beach that a pleasant mini-golf course has been set up, open all year round. Information on +33 6 20 96 93 68.
Local tradition obliges, in the village, the Larrendart complex is available to lovers of squash… and Basque pelota. It is prudent to book on +33 6 65 65 50 61.
For athletes, again, the town has a city-stadium, a bowling alley and a skate park. Information on +33 5 59 45 19 19.
Finally, for a game of tennis, it is advisable to reserve a court on +33 5 59 45 38 20.
The beaches, the dunes, the Landes forest, the wooded areas of the are also a paradise for hikers, on foot, by mountain bike or even on horseback.
Many marked paths and tracks allow you to understand a unique and protected environment (some areas are classified Natura 2000 because of their ecosystem). Awareness panels are also installed to better understand the natural environment of the coast.
For cyclists, several tracks are dedicated along the coast or crossing the Landes forest (Vélodyssée). Maps and information on +33 5 59 45 19 19.
For horseback riding, join the local club on +33 5 59 45 23 70.
Fishing enthusiasts are not left out. They can take advantage of the Atlantic coast or prefer the "inland" ponds, such as that of the Turk and the Anguillère canal. Information on +33 5 59 45 19 19.
Finally, all year round, on a cultural level, quality shows (theater, concerts) are scheduled at the Capranie hall. Information on +33 5 59 45 29 17.
Every Sunday morning, the colorful market showcases the tasty regional products of the region.
In mid-June, nature festival.
The last weekend of June, local festivals with balls, fishing competitions, gourmet events and fireworks.
In July and August, varied entertainment with the program including races of cows landaises, Basque pelota parties, stilt parades and bandas concerts.
November 11, garage sale.
In mid-November, festival of educational cinema.
Zoom Expo | Aquarelle d'une Passionnée
- From 22 may to 5 july 2024
- 1819 avenue du 11 novembre 1918, Office de tourisme
- It was quite by chance that Yvonne tried her hand at watercolor painting one day. She had picked up a friend's equipment by chance and, finding herself alone for a weekend, wanted to give it a try. The result was a fascination with water, pigments and mixtures, sometimes not very happy, but her perseverance was guided by the desire to continue and progress. - She began her apprenticeship with Alain Bisoire, then François Renault, and subsequently focused on training courses. - She took part in numerous competitions and won many prizes. - As can be seen from her work, she is particularly fond of landscapes such as the sea and mountains. - For the time being, she remains faithful to her technique, because she considers that she has not yet reached the end of her discoveries, her pleasure and her communion with this extraordinary adventure that is watercolour.
Exposition "Non au Harcèlement !"
- From 28 may to 28 june 2024
- 211 chemin de tambourin, Ludo bibliothèque
- Students in a Cm² class at Ondres elementary school tackled the issue of harassment. To understand this phenomenon and how it unfolds, they took part in the 11th edition of the "Non au harcèlement 2023-2024" prize in the "Lutte contre le harcèlement" (Fight against harassment) category. As part of this cross-disciplinary project, the students designed posters for an anti-harassment campaign. - Come and discover them during Ludo-bibliothèque opening hours (10am-6.30pm)
Doudous Lecteurs "Les 4 Saisons"
- On 8 june 2024
- 211 Chemin de Tambourin, Ludo bibliotheque
- A time for parents and children to share stories, nursery rhymes and finger plays… - Registration on 05.59.45.23.59 or by e-mail bibliotheque@ondres.fr - RDV at 10:30 am (duration 1h).
Représentation Théâtral Les Z'Attachants
- On 13 june 2024
- 110 Place Richard Feuillet, Salle Capranie
- Rendezvous Thursday June 13 at8:30 pm at the Salle Capranie in Ondres. - Show by the adult group : "Que la noce commence…" by Didier Bezace - In a small Romanian village, the joy of marriage is spoiled by the death of Stalin. A little story within a big story, resistance fighters and communists, laughter and tears, a promise of emotions. - Admission 10 ? - Further info : 05 59 45 30 06
Représentation Théâtral Les Z'Attachants
- On 15 june 2024
- 110 Place Richard Feuillet, Salle Capranie
- - Children's group show : "Mongol" by Karin Serres - "At school, at recess, they treat me ! And Fabrice says : MONGOL !!!" So Ludo searches the dictionary and mongol is Genghis Khan, the great cat-eyed warrior ! A passion is born… - - Teen Group show : "Alice et autres merveilles" by Fabrice Melquiot - "I like to do a hundred things at once, and then in the hundred and one hundred and two … and then I have secrets like all girls …" a funny, colorful retelling of Alice in Wonderland ! - Admission 10 ? and free for children under 16
Représentation Théâtral Chrysalide
- On 16 june 2024
- 110 Place Richard Feuillet, Salle Capranie
- Show : "Du rififi à l'EHPAD" (Riffle at the EHPAD) - The scene is set at the Ephad Saint Exupéry de Ondres in 2069. Robotics have entered everyday life, but staff and residents haven't lost their sense of intrigue when a couple of residents want to get married. Will the wedding take place ? - Entrance 10 ?
Représentation Théâtral Les Z'Attachants
- On 19 june 2024
- 110 Place Richard Feuillet, Salle Capranie
- Adult group show. - Further information : 05 59 45 30 06
Comédie Musicale Moulin Rouge
- On 21 june 2024
- Place Richard Feuillet, Salle Capranie
- This year, TRAM's Music'all troupe presents "Moulin Rouge", the famous Broadway Jukebox musical ! - On stage, 22 amateur artists will take you through the adventures of this great cabaret : the tragic love story between a penniless young poet (Christian) and a famous Moulin Rouge dancer (Satine). The action takes place in Montmartre at the beginning of the 20th century. - This show is presented in "dinner and a show" format. We'll be serving charcuterie and cheese boards, as well as vegetarian plates. Sit back and enjoy this show full of rhinestones, song and dance. - Tickets at Point Com in Ondres or online.
Stage de Danse Tahitienne
- On 23 june 2024
- 110 Place Richard Feuillet, Salle Capranie
- Tahitian dance workshop - In aid of our Polynesian association Les Poehere, dedicated to children. - For 1h30, she invites you to challenge yourself and reconnect with your femininity, sensuality and inner beauty. - Come and make a stopover in Polynesia, where letting go and listening to your body are her priorities. - Without judgment or competition, it's a small group of women who share a moment of escape, complicity and benevolence. - Atmosphere guaranteed - Public : 13 years and over - Registration : 06 08 37 27 92
Fêtes Locales
- From 28 june to 1 july 2024
- Centre village
- Festivities open at 8pm at the fronton. You'll then be able to enjoy all the activities proposed by the committee : "10 km Chaouches" running race, colored powder release, fishing competition, children's activities, pétanque, scooter race, vintage car parade, bowling competition, zumba, mass, meal, aperitif, concert, musical ball. - Find ALL the details, times and prices on the downloadable Program.
Ondres is part of the Community of Communes of Seignanx, an entity made up of 8 Landes communes, which only a river separates from the Basque Country. Its location is therefore ideal for discovering these 2 departments with Bayonne, Biarritz, Hossegor, Capbreton, Pays d'Orthe... less than 20 km away.
Two-wheelers are king. The slopes of the Seignanx were already favorable to it and here Ondres has been transformed into a stage of choice on the Vélodyssée, the longest marked cycle route in France. Residing at Ondres or passing through this summer, you may have already taken the section between Capbreton and Tarnos: a nature walk of around twenty kilometers which runs through the green pine forests of the coast. You are freewheeling, everything here is conducive to relaxation. The more sporty can take a trip to the Basque Country or go up to the north of the Landes where the routes lead right through the heart of the forest. For lovers of cycle rides, Ondres is an ideal starting point or well-deserved rest on the Vélodyssée. Accessible by train, it is a choice relay point tailor-made to welcome cycle tourists.
The largest European cycle route is expanding its range of services: labeling of reception points, interactive mapping, route sheets, GPS routes, online roadbook management and sharing. From Roscoff to Hendaye via Seignanx, cycling on the longest French cycle route is the promise of an invigorating vacation surrounded by nature.
The town is very well served by public transport (TER train, Bus) which will allow you to get to the surrounding area inexpensively while avoiding traffic jams and acting to protect our planet!