Leaving Langon, we cycled through the Les Landes forest which is the largest man-made forest in Western Europe. The area of the forest is estimated to be around 3,900 sq mls, of which nine-tenths is exclusively devoted to a monoculture of maritime pines (Pinus pinaster). I don’t know what they do with all the pine harvested here. It was apparent that there were wide firebreaks every kilometre or so.
The first 1/3 was on cycle paths, the rest was on quiet b-roads which were flat, dead-straight and monotonous.
Emerging from the forest, we entered the town of Mont-de-Marsan. Built on the confluence of two rivers, M-de-M is an attractive town with plenty to see and do. It probably benefits from the French airbase, which is just to the north.
The town certainly makes up for the disappointment of Langon.
Heading on south tomorrow. Should see the mountains soon…