All about the history of Biscarrosse

Located in the southwest of Francein the Landes department, in the Nouvelle AquitaineBiscarrosse is a commune of over fourteen thousand inhabitants. Since the Middle Ages, the town has enjoyed royal protection and an industrial history that has made it a renowned tourist and commercial center. Here’s a look back at the history of Biscarosse, from its origins as the capital of lakes and hydro-aviation.

Biscarrosse in the Middle Ages

On July 2, 1277, Regnault Thibaut, son of the King of England, issued the first legal document attesting to the privileges of the inhabitants of Biscarrosse. This charter was drawn up to put an end to the dispute with Sire de Pommiers, the neighboring lord. Biscarrosse was known as a simple village of resin growers, with a modest castle dating back to the 12th century.

Renovated into a Renaissanceit has seen the passing of many lords, whose names adorn some of the street signs. From 1486 to 1676, the privileges granted to the inhabitants were maintained by French monarchs, including Louis XIV. Biscarrosse’s economic activity remains essentially based on cutting pine trees in the Landes forest, as well as fishing and livestock farming.

An industrial and tourist shift in the 20th century

It was in 1930 that everything changed for Biscarrosse, thanks to the development of aviation. The year was 1929, Pierre-Georges Latécoère. Pierre-Georges Latécoère, an industrialist from Toulouse, obtained land on the shores of Lake Biscarrosse from the town council to set up seaplane assembly workshops. Today, Biscarrosse is a mythical site for seaplanes.

The first flight took place on August 24, 1930, opening a rich industrial epic in the field of aviation. Like Saint Exupéryother aeropostale heroes also flew here. In the aftermath, Air France opened a number of passenger routes from Biscarrosse toNew York or to Rio.

In 1962, the population increased with the installation of the Landes test center, now the Direction Générale de l’Armement (DGA), for missile testing. Military families settled in the village to support the activities of the missile testing center.

Today, tourism takes its place

Today, the center’s activities continue, with tests in the marine environment on the lake commonly known as the “ Latécoère ” lake. Today, this rich historical and industrial heritage makes Biscarrosse a town whose economic activity is driven by summer seaside tourism and commerce.

This commune in the Landes department is now famous for its town, its lakes (Lac de Biscarrosse-Parentis and Lac de Sanguinet). It’s also known for its seascape, with beaches (Navarrosse and Mimizan beaches), dunes and pine trees… Last but not least, it’s a place with a rich historical heritage, where two museums have been built (the Museum of Traditions and the Seaplane Museum).

The dunes of the Arcachon Basin could also be the place to be for your vacation. The best-known dune in the Arcachon basin is the Dune du Pilat, the highest in Europe.

Now you know the essentials about the Biscarrosse lake (Lac de Parentis) and the Cazaux-Sanguinet lake, as well as Biscarrosse’s historic past. Don’t hesitate to take a trip here for an eventful vacation.

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