Pine forest on both sides, sandy tracks and the odd open stretch where the view briefly opens up. That is the landscape of the Landes. There are hardly any hills. You descend a little, you climb a little, and that’s about it.
So it’s a peaceful day, around 17 kilometres that pass almost by themselves. You find your rhythm and your mind starts to wander. Do keep an eye on the waymarks, though, because in the forest every path looks like the last. Mont-de-Marsan announces itself with houses, roundabouts and, eventually, water. After a little over four hours of walking you’re in the town, with the afternoon still ahead of you. Take it easy, the Pyrenees will come soon enough.