The Location. Hossegor is a rare find — a place where lake life and beach life blend seamlessly. Families can start the morning paddleboarding on the calm, swimmable lake just outside the hotel, and be catching waves on the Atlantic coast ten minutes later. Whether your crew is into surfing, sunset picnics on the dunes, or biking around town for croissants, this small, stylish town delivers. It’s a destination that French families adore, and American travelers will be thrilled to discover.
The Staff. The warmth of the staff sets the tone for the entire stay. They greet you by name, check in often (without hovering), and genuinely want to help you make the most of your time — especially if you’re traveling with kids. From pre-arrival planning to spontaneous restaurant suggestions and activity ideas, they’re attentive and family-aware in all the right ways.
The Footprint. This is a boutique hotel in the truest sense — just 25 rooms, all thoughtfully arranged around the lakefront property. That small size gives families a rare sense of freedom and ease. Parents can linger over a leisurely lunch on the terrace while kids play nearby, or enjoy a date-night-worthy dinner knowing the kids can safely walk back from their room if needed. It’s the kind of setup that quietly empowers both independence and connection.
The Room Setup. There’s one clear winner for families: the Junior Suite Lake View. With a true separation between the sleeping area and the living space (plus a pull-out couch and room for a rollaway), this suite gives everyone a little breathing room. The private terrace and garden space let kids spill outside while parents enjoy some peace, and the kitchenette adds flexibility for low-key meals.
The Food and Drink. The onsite restaurant is beautiful, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the lake and a menu that celebrates local, seasonal ingredients. But one of the real joys here is hopping on bikes and heading into town for casual breakfasts or lakefront lunches. The hotel’s seasonal beach shack, just up the coast, is another great option — rosé and seafood for the grown-ups, sand and snacks for the kids. The hotel is also part of the Fonvenille collection, known for its estate wines and olive oils, which adds a layer of quality and care to every bite.
The Balance of Activity and Calm. Even without a kids’ club, this hotel delivers on kid-friendly adventure. You can borrow bikes, stand-up paddleboards, or surfboards, or book lessons for the whole family. The outdoor heated pool has a shallow end and overlooks the lake, creating a relaxing place to unwind after a day of activity. It’s a property that invites play and relaxation in equal measure — and that’s something families deeply appreciate.
Les Hortensias du Lac is located in the laid-back surf town of Hossegor, in France’s southwest corner near the Basque Country. The hotel sits directly on the shores of the Lac Marin — a tranquil, shallow lake perfect for paddleboarding, kayaking, and easy swims with kids. From the lake, it’s just a 10-minute bike ride or drive over the dunes to reach Hossegor’s long stretch of Atlantic beach, where surf lessons, beach cafés, and sunset picnics are all part of daily life.
Though Hossegor is popular among French travelers, it still feels like a hidden gem to most international visitors. Its compact size and easy bike access make it a particularly family-friendly town to explore. And if you’re up for day trips, the cultural riches of Bayonne, Biarritz, and even San Sebastián are all within reach — offering a mix of beach, food, and French-Spanish charm that makes this region so memorable.
Set directly on Hossegor’s calm marine lake, Les Hortensias du Lac feels refreshingly relaxed and easy to navigate. With just 25 rooms, it’s small enough that you’re never far from the pool, restaurant, or your own room — a detail families will quietly appreciate. The low-rise buildings and natural materials give the hotel a clean, airy style that blends well with its lakeside setting. Bikes are available to borrow, and cycling into town or over the dunes quickly becomes part of the daily rhythm.
Guest rooms are spread across a handful of buildings, with a mix of lake views, garden patios, and thoughtful, surf-lodge-inspired design. Rooms feature light oak finishes, neutral textiles, and floor-to-ceiling windows. Some suites have Nordic baths or soaking tubs on the terrace — a lovely bonus for grown-ups — and all rooms include air conditioning, Nespresso machines, and a minibar. While there’s no in-room kitchen, the layout and amenities offer enough flexibility for a short or extended stay.
The hotel’s main restaurant is a showstopper, with glass walls overlooking the lake and a menu that emphasizes seasonal and regional ingredients. The food is elevated but never intimidating — think fresh-caught fish, roasted vegetables, and elegant desserts. Staff are genuinely accommodating, happy to offer early dinners for kids or tweak the menu when needed. During the warmer months, the hotel’s beachfront sister restaurant, the Cabane des Estagnots, is a must-visit — relaxed, delicious, and perfect for watching the sunset with sandy feet.
The heated pool overlooks the lake and has a shallow end, which makes it particularly family-friendly. It’s not enormous, but it’s peaceful and beautifully positioned. Just below the pool is a small garden area where kids can wander while parents lounge nearby. While there’s no playground or formal activity center, the property itself becomes a place for simple play — swimming, exploring, lounging, and biking into town.
For a bit of quiet indulgence, the hotel’s spa uses products from Swedish brand L:A Bruket and includes a sauna, cold plunge, and two treatment rooms. There’s also a small gym with basic equipment and yoga mats for stretching. The spa space is tranquil and not overly large, but it’s thoughtfully designed and makes a great escape during nap time or a slow afternoon.
The hotel team is helpful and proactive when it comes to logistics. They can help arrange babysitting, surf lessons, and restaurant reservations, and they’re quick with recommendations for family-friendly beaches and nearby hikes. Paddleboards are available for guest use, and there’s secure, on-site parking with EV chargers. While there’s no formal concierge desk, the service is warm, personal, and responsive — very much in keeping with the hotel’s boutique feel.
Don’t miss the chance to spend an evening at the Cabane des Estagnots. It’s casual and buzzy, with local wines, ocean views, and enough space for kids to run free while parents soak in the moment.
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Wonderful stay, very pleasant and considerate staff, room with lake view , very relaxing. Excellent breakfast on the terrace. Beautiful dining experience in the restaurant culinary and service activities. Very pleasant lunch at the cabin of the Estagnots in a relaxed atmosphere
SophieL via TripAdvisor
What a lovely stay at your hotel with my family. We loved every moment ! Many thanks to your professional staff and dedication. Breakfast was delicious in an ideal location, in front of the lake. We also enjoyed the beautiful swimming pool and the opportunity to paddle on the lake.
SophieL via TripAdvisor
Want to see more of what France has to offer? Dive into our complete France Collection for more family-friendly hotels in France and must-do activities.
