Le Grand Air

Le Grand Air is the kind of holiday home you stumble upon by chance—and instantly never want to leave. Tucked away in Lacanau, between the wild lake, soft sandy beaches, and pine forests that smell like summer, this spacious and cheerful wooden lodge—complete with deep green walls and a cozy Canadian cabin vibe—was made for big families, groups of friends, surfers, golfers, or yogis in search of peace of mind.

Built in the 1990s, the house has been given a fresh new lease on life by its current owner, Annelsie. “It was the first house I visited in Lacanau. I didn’t know the town at all, but it ticked every box,” she recalls. And it’s easy to see why: with four living rooms, breathtaking views of a majestic forest, and not a neighbor in sight, the house offers that rare sense of total seclusion—just minutes from both the lake and the ocean.

Step through the front door, and your eye goes straight to the bold yellow-striped armchairs. “I wanted a clean, cheerful décor—with plenty of cozy spots to unwind,” says Annelsie. A regular at the Quinconces flea market, she’s always on the lookout for unique finds, and teamed up with the boutique Cabanes & Châteaux to bring in statement lighting that truly sets the mood.

The rattan mirror in the kitchen? A lucky find from a casual stroll. The furniture? Completely modular—equally ready for a Monday team seminar or a big family gathering by Friday. And don’t miss the mezzanine lounge: ideal for cozy movie nights or a peaceful sunrise yoga session with a view of the pines.

On holiday in Lacanau, life pretty much happens on two wheels. The lake—with its laid-back Canadian feel—is just five minutes away, and it takes only seven to hit those magazine-worthy surf beaches. The area is laced with endless bike paths, and days fly by in a blur of wakeboarding, paddleboarding, kitesurfing, and forest walks. Got kids in tow? Annelsie highly recommends swimming lessons at the Beach House.

Or, you could just lounge by the pool or curl up with a book beneath the pines. “The outdoor space is incredibly relaxing,” says Annelsie. “There are so many different spots to settle in, and the view of the trees brings a real sense of calm.” Feeling peckish? Try local favorites like Sunrise, Les Arcades, or La Trattoria de la Baignoire—personally recommended by your host. For something lighter, grab an iced coffee or enjoy a beachside brunch at Rainbow Café. It’s the perfect post-yoga pick-me-up.