On day three we motored on in the direction of the Landes which takes up a large area in SW France. We passed through vine clad slopes which produce the famous Bordeaux wines before the terrain flattened out and we were in the Landes – a land of pine trees and golden sands skirting the Atlantic. Our next hotel was in Bicarosse Ville a simple two star hotel called the St Hubert which was built in the Landes style with low a roof and small balconies. It bills itself as being a ‘deux pas de la Mer’ –two steps from the sea but we never ventured that far due to the weather.It can rain a lot in this area and the type of buildings reflect the need to protect the buildings from wind and rain sweeping in from the Atlantic. The summers can be hot in July and August but when we were there in September it was raining and difficult to walk out too far without getting soaked in search of a restaurant so we took the car and ended up at a pizzeria which was one of the only eating places open. Very much a feeling of out of season pervaded the town.
We chose to eat at Le Stromboli ( 52 Avenue Republique) which offered a large variety of pizza toppings- fish, meat and vegetarian.The pizzas were cooked to order and the large portions meant that we took some away to eat for our pinic lunch the next day.We had a freezer box in the car which kept them fresh.
Price per pizza €10-18 but one could serve two people.
St Hubert Hotel was a bit Fawlty Towersish as the reception was manned by a guy who was in danger of getting the bookings in a mess as he tried to take one over the phone. Manuel comes to mind well meaning but disorganised. He also had an office with a closed door with a spy hole so that he could see who was coming and going. We called him Manuel’ and what a French accent he had a real Landais with a local twang which for the uninitiated would be hard to follow. The cost for two rooms here was €140 which included the breakfasts at €8 per person.
Comfortable beds but small bathrooms.
Wi-Fi available.
A quiet stop over with its own car park. We could see the car from our balcony which reassured us that it was safe. Only breakfast is available at the hotel and you need a car to search out the eateries which are on the main street of the small town of Biscarosse about 10 minutes from the hotel.
A bit off the beaten track but we like that sort of thing.
