Labenne City Map Poster

About Labenne

Labenne is a small town in the Landes department of southwestern France. It lies on the Atlantic coast, between Biarritz and Saint-Jean-de-Luz. The town has many beaches, including one that is nudist. Labenne was founded by fishermen who came from England to fish for cod during the Middle Ages; they named it after their home port of La Benne (or La Vena) in Cornwall, United Kingdom.[1] Today fishing remains an important part of its economy but tourism also plays a major role with many people coming to enjoy its fine sandy beaches and clear waters which are ideal for swimming and snorkelling as well as surfing at nearby Hossegor or Capbreton further south along this stretch of coastline.[2][3] The name "La Benne" comes from Cornish language: la vy ny ben = "the good harbour".