Surfing in France
The shores of France, to the west and north, are washed by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the English Channel.
Athletes have chosen the coast of Aquitaine for surfing , which neighbors the Spanish border ( Pais Vasco ). This land is rich in history, stunning nature, winemaking and fishing traditions, and exquisite cuisine.
The beaches of this region stretch for 240 km. In the departments of Aquitaine—Pyrenees Atlantiques, Landes, and Gironde—the Gulf Stream and nearby Pyrenees create a unique climate where air temperatures are slightly higher than in other regions.
Tourists on one of the magical beaches of Aquitaine
From March to November, the coastline is filled with lovers of beach vacations and water sports.
Aquitaine
There are about 25 surf spots here suitable for riders of all skill levels. The villages and towns along the coast offer excellent accommodation for tourists, with larger cities and the international airport in Biarritz nearby.
Climate Features
France's Climate
The surfing season lasts all year round.
In summer, beginners enjoy small waves, reminiscent of the beaches in Ireland .
In hot weather, incredible sessions on an empty lineup await early risers.
Experienced surfers ride the waves in October–November, when the air temperature is around +13/+15 degrees, as well as in February–March.
The best combination of air temperature and wave height is observed in September–October.
In winter, true ocean waves paired with an air temperature of +8 degrees make surfing a test of skill and endurance.
Starting from April, wave sizes diminish, although excellent barrels can still roll in even during summer.
The water temperature in summer is around +17°C, while in Biarritz Bay it can reach +25°C.
Hendaye
Surf Spots in France
Near the Spanish border, on the shore of an estuary, lies the town of Hendaye, home to a sandy spot of the same name, adorned with small rocks.
The left and right beach breaks, with heights of 1–3 meters, are perfect for riders of all levels.
Surfers often flock here on weekends.
You may encounter nudists on the beach.
The town features 18 hotels with rooms starting at 43 euros, mostly rated 3–4 stars.
There’s plenty of available accommodation that is cheaper than in Biarritz.
Hendaye, France
The town has numerous restaurants, bars, shops, a casino, a spa, and a marina.
You can also enjoy golf and water sports. A train station is located just three kilometers away.
The Most Beautiful Beaches in Spain ->
Saint Jean de Luz
Surfing at sunset
This resort town stretches along the shore of a lagoon.
Inside the lagoon, there are several surf spots on the beaches.
Lafitenia – A beach famed for its skilled local riders as well as its perfect barrels formed by the reef below.
The right-hand waves here can reach heights of up to 4 meters and stretch up to 300 meters in length.
A crowded destination, especially during the prime surfing season from September to December.
A budget accommodation option is the Acotz campsite along the coast.
Camping Acotz, Saint Jean de Luz
Saint Barbe is suitable for experienced surfers : there are rocks to navigate around, but its tall waves—up to 3 meters—provide an excellent opportunity to practice tricks.
Big waves , up to 5 meters, arrive here at the end of September. During the summer, surfing is less challenging.
The beauty of Saint Barbe, France
The La falaise spot on the beach Erromardie, located slightly to the north, is a regional classic with its right-hand wave.
Its challenging bottom and point break make this spot ideal for professional surfing.
Stunning view of La falaise
Saint-Jean-de-Luz is a resort town featuring dozens of hotels and villas with prices starting at 40 euros.
From lush greenery emerges Château d’Urtubie
From the attractions: a beautiful promenade with unusual buildings, the Louis XIV House, the Botanical Garden, the 17th-century Church of St. John the Baptist with a gilded altar and wooden galleries, the Château d’Urtubie castle from the 14th century with preserved antique interiors.
A railway runs through the town.
Geuthary (Guéthary)
Town of Guéthary
The town has several surf spots.
- To the left of the central beach is Avalanche, preferred by professionals and not very crowded.
The left wave during the season reaches 2.5–6 meters. Highlights: reef and plenty of rocks.
- To the right is Geuthary-Parlementia.
You can surf even in summer here. The waves are not too high – from 3 meters but form ideal left and right tubes.
Parlementia, Guéthary
For starters, experts recommend only the left waves: during the season, the high right wave (up to 8 meters in January) carries the risk of crashing onto rocks or reef.
It’s best to connect with the locals, who are abundant here, to get advice on the rocks and hazards.
In spring and autumn, with moderate swells and long waves, many riders with longboards can be seen. Paddling takes about 20 minutes, though some use a boat.
- The next spot to the north is Cenitz, suitable for quite experienced surfers.
You might not be so delighted to find yourself on this beach. Cenitz, France
Features steady left waves, not too big, and is popular with longboarders. Due to the rocks and reef, it’s best to surf during high tide.
Prices here are much lower than in Biarritz. There’s plenty of affordable accommodations, shops, and restaurants, while a highway and railway run through the outskirts.
Bidart
Bidart in France
Traveling 30 minutes north brings you to the village of Bidart on the coast.
Two beach break spots with a long beach are suitable for beginners (just not in winter).
Left and right waves – up to 2.5 meters, sandy bottom with few rocks.
When there’s a good swell, locals (residents) often surf here, especially on weekends.
That very picturesque village - Bidart
The area boasts plenty of hotels offering rooms starting from 44 euros, as well as luxurious villas.
For example, such villas
... with such a stunning view
At the exit from the Biarritz – Bidart highway lies the camping village Le Pavillon Royal.
Enticing amusements at Le Pavillon Royal camping
In summer, it’s teeming with people – affordable and fun living, but parking can be challenging. It’s best to book camping spots in advance.
The village has shops and beachfront restaurants.
Biarritz
Surfing resort of France
A popular balneological resort and the hub of European surfing – a city with a population of 25,000.
It has practically merged with neighboring towns Anglet and Bayonne.
For any type of vacation, it has everything: boutiques, casinos, restaurants, beach bars, galleries, luxury hotels, campsites, and rental stations.
The popularity of the resort is reflected in its prices: they are above average. Hotels – starting from 55 euros.
Biarritz in all its glory
In summer, the streets are bustling, with tourists strolling, shopping, and heading to parties and discos. Many come with children.
"Голубая дорога" в Биаррице
Thousands of people watch the fiery sunset in the evenings and head to restaurants with a sea view for dinner.
In mid-July, there’s a festival featuring concerts, exhibitions, and a longboard championship.
In September–November, there are fewer tourists, but the waves grow larger.
The unique shape of the bay in the Gulf of Biscay causes continuous year-round swells.
At all the spots in Biarritz – beach breaks with left and right waves suitable for everyone.
In summer and on weekends, the waves are packed with surfers. Numerous surf schools are in operation.
- La Grande Plage – a massive city beach that’s always packed in summer. Waves up to 3 meters, more suitable for longboarding.
Grande Plage, Biarritz
- Cote des Basque – a spot with gentle waves, also ideal for longboarding; it’s quieter on weekdays.
Cote des Basques beach, France
Attractions: the Russian Orthodox Cathedral of Alexander Nevsky, the Hôtel du Palais (a former villa of Empress Eugenie), the statue of the Virgin Mary on a rock, Eiffel’s bridge construction, and the Museum of the Sea.
The famous Hôtel du Palais
From a height of 44 meters, you get an unmatched panorama of the city and the bay. Other activities include: tennis, golf, quad biking, and rafting.
The town of “Bayonne” is a 40-minute drive away. Its authentic architecture, the Basque Cultural Museum, the Chocolate Museum, and the Mediatheque building shaped like an ark are of interest.
Colorful Streets of Bayonne
The international airport in Biarritz is located 4 km from the town, and the train station is just 3 km away.
The high-speed TGV train reaches the distance from Bayonne to Paris in 5.5 hours.
Labenne and Capbreton
Surfer Girl
The beaches near the village of Labenne, located 20 km to the north, are long and sandy.
Large and powerful waves, similar to those in England , break close to the shore, making this spot suitable for experienced surfers.
On the coast, you’ll find budget-friendly accommodation options such as Board ’n Breakfast and Camping Village Sylvamar with mobile homes.
Activities like tennis, cycling, and fishing are also available. The village, with its population of 3,000, offers some great shops.
Camping Village Sylvamar
The town of Capbreton boasts eight sandy beaches with varying conditions for surfing.
Incredible waves await professionals at the renowned spots VVF, Santosha, La Piste, Prevent.
Watching the experts surf often turns into a spectacular performance for onlookers.
Beginners are better off heading to beaches like La Centrale, La Sud, L’Estacade.
On the Shores of L’Estacade
Capbreton is also a hub for surfing competitions and is home to the Capbreton Surf Club.
In the historic fishing port, you’ll find half-timbered houses, the church of Saint Nicholas, a marina, and a long wooden pier.
Church of Saint Nicholas, Capbreton
Capbreton hosts seven festivals and celebrations every year. Hotels are in high demand, with prices starting at 40 euros.
Soorts-Hossegor
Group Surfing
Next along the coast is the town of Soorts-Hossegor (Hossegor) with a nearby lake.
A cult spot for surfers, the town is infused with the spirit of water sports : it is home to the offices of global surf brands, surf shops with an impressive selection , themed restaurants, and workshops where shapers craft surfboards.
The town is also famous for its coffee shops and bakeries; there’s even a casino, a cinema, and a few supermarkets.
One of the Beachside Restaurants in Hossegor
Thanks to the remarkable and stable waves, the Rip Curl Pro (WQS) is held here in August, followed by a stage of the World Women’s Surfing Championship (ASP) in September, and then the men’s championship.
These are unique events where you can freely watch the top-10 extreme athletes compete from the shore, join training sessions nearby, and even take photos!
Hossegor's Main Beach
On the Le Penon beach, famous athletes in colorful branded suits perform complex surfing techniques, followed by a breathtaking show of stunts!
Spectators turn into a small town with stands, tents, and flags. At sunset, crowds fill the streets, a musical group performs on the square, and cafés serve crepes and paella.
During the Easter holidays, Hossegor hosts a massive sale of surfing wetsuits.
Surrounding the town are several teen camps and surf schools with accommodation options, much like those in Algarve or Peniche in Portugal. A week-long package including lessons and lodging starts at 590 euros.
A Quaint Hotel in Hossegor
Camping accommodations around Hossegor cost from 25 euros, while hotels in the town start at 30 euros.
Helpful Tips
Useful Tips for Surfers
Book hotels on the French coast in advance, as demand is high.A dinner at a seaside restaurant costs around 25 euros for two.
Cooking your own meals with products purchased at markets or stores can save money; the further from the center, the lower the prices.
Inquire about beach specifics: in France, many beaches are frequented by nudists.
Due to potentially strong coastal currents, be cautious and always keep an eye on children.
To reach Biarritz, you can travel by car or take a train or flight with a connection, for instance, in Paris.
The Ocean will energize you, fill you with incredible emotions, and overcoming your fears will boost your confidence and create unforgettable moments of triumph!
