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If you’re planning a stay at our Camping La Jaougotte, in the Landes, there are some attractions you absolutely shouldn’t miss!
The Landes, a department in southwestern France, is brimming with all sorts of activities and entertainment.
They’re sure to keep surprising you and have some wonderful surprises in store.
We’re going to introduce you to Course Landaise, the region’s official sport, which features racing cows, thrills, and local traditions deeply rooted in the Landes.

Introducing Course Landaise

Course Landaise is a high-level sport practiced in an arena. It involves provoking a heifer and then skillfully dodging it. The person in charge of this role is called an “écarteur”. They must wait until the last moment before performing their move or aerial acrobatics over the animal, aiming to get as close as possible.
Do not confuse Course Landaise with bullfighting. Traditional Course Landaise events use purebred Spanish heifers, known as “coursières”, whereas bullfighting uses bulls, which are killed at the end of the spectacle.
This typically Gascon sport is mainly found at village festivals in the Landes department, as well as in parts of the Gers.
Beyond being an official sport, it’s a magnificent spectacle that brings together various Landes cattle farms (known as “ganaderias”). These farms are represented in formal races and competitions by forming teams, called “cuadrillas”, distinguished by colors. Each team consists of seven écarteurs, two trainers, a jumper, and a cordier, who guides the cow in the arena.
The thrilling spectacle lasts a little over two hours and is governed by a federation. An official anthem, “La Marche Cazérienne”, has been played at the beginning and end of each Course Landaise since the early 20^th century.

Other Activities Involving Heifers in the Landes

Summer is the ideal time to attend the various ferias organized in the Landes villages. In addition to the traditional races, you can even try certain bull-related activities, open to amateurs. Enjoy a demonstration of jumps and dodges before being let loose among the young heifers. Be warned, you’ll want to dodge them! As for the second part of these events, you’ve surely heard of Interville, the TV show created in 1962. They drew inspiration from Landes activities, particularly “toro-piscine,” “toro-ball,” and ball or ring games for their program. A sense of excitement and fun will captivate both young and old.

If you’re familiar with the Landes, it’s likely for its numerous hiking trails—on foot, by mountain bike, or on horseback—thanks to its forests, lakes, and regional natural park. It might also have brought to mind water sports like surfing or paddleboarding, or perhaps its renowned local produce, including foie gras and duck breast. Or even its significant vineyards, rich culture, charming typical villages, and unique natural sites.
Your stay in the Landes will primarily be filled with a pleasant, joyful, and festive atmosphere. The many festivals organized by the villages will introduce you to a captivating, traditional, and exceptional environment.