Last updated on October 28th, 2023 at 03:09 pm
If you are looking for a surf camp in France, you came to the right place. In this post, you will find our top choices for a surf camp in France, where you can learn some new surfing skills and have some fun along the way.
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About France
France is one of the best surf destinations in Europe. It is famous for its world-class beach breaks and massive barrels. Along the French Coastline, there is a wide variety of surf spots of different kinds and for all skill levels. Although most of the famous breaks are centered in the Silver Coast area, in the southwest part of the country, you can find good waves in the north as well.
When choosing a surf camp in France, there are several key factors to consider. For instance, the level of accommodation, transportation, location, and budget are obviously important, but not as much as the experience of the surf guides and their coaching tools. Moreover, your current surf level, your goals, and the kind of people you will meet are also crucial to making the best out of your surf journey.
So let’s get right to it, in detail, these are the most recommended surf camps in France:
A List of the Best Surf Camps in France:
Star Surf Camp Moliets
Star Surf Camp in Moliets-Plage in the Southwest of France provides the perfect combination of surfing and living the good life. This is where you can surf all day, party all night, and make new friends from all over the world.
Star Surf Camp is an international company that operates in Spain as well. The Moliets camp is excellent for solo travelers, students, both small and large groups, and basically anyone who is looking for new excitement in and out of the water.
As for the surf program, it includes 8 days and 7 night’s accommodations, free use of all the facilities, and meals. In addition, you get a 6-session surf course, which includes 5 surf lessons, 1 surf theory, and all the relevant equipment.
For more details about surf camps in Moliets, please click here.
Ujusansa Surf Camp
Ujusansa Surf School is all about collecting memories and having a great time. Regardless of your age, skills, solo traveler, or part of a group, this camp welcomes everybody.
Ujusansa Surfing School has two essential goals- the first is performance, and the second is personal satisfaction. The licensed surf coaches here will adapt to your level regardless of your current skill level. They have a wide range of surfboards to choose from, as well as wetsuits to use throughout your stay at the camp.
Safety is also taken very seriously, and all the instructors have a valid license and lifeguard course. Therefore, you will first learn surfing’s theory and only then spend time in the Atlantic Ocean.
For more details about surf camps in France, please click here.
Southwest Surf House, Hossegor
Hossegor is definitely the surf Capital of France, and it is famous for its punchy beach break and crazy barrels. However, it also has few options for beginners, and therefore, some of the best surf camps in France are found here.
Southwest Surf House is situated right on Les Estagnots beach, one of the most consistent spots in Hossegor. All the local bars and restaurants are within walking distance, or a short bike ride away. The camp offers a relaxed atmosphere, high-level surf guiding, and healthy food. The crew is available 24/7 to attend to all your needs and show you an incredible time.
Southwest Surf House offers beginner lessons in Ecole de Surf Cote Francaise or ESCF, which has more user-friendly waves. However, if you are an advanced surfer, the surf coaches will take you to the best spots in the area to score some epic barrels.
For more details about surf camps in Hossegor, please click here.
Surf&French Capbreton
If you want to improve your surfing and your French skills at the same time, Surf&French is the place to be. Both beginners and advanced surfers will experience an unforgettable time in this immersive surf camp in Capbreton.
In cooperation with a professional language and surf school, you will be introduced to surfing with gentle beginner waves and master your first take-offs. Additionally, in the French course, you will visit the finest patisseries and playfully repeat all the essential vocabulary. Afterward, you can spoil your body with slow yoga and some healthy, delicious food and relax on the beautiful sandy beach.
With the team of Le Bon Mot, you will get to know and love the savoir-vivre in France and experience an extraordinary adventure.
For more details about surf camps in Capbreton, please click here.
Surflife- O’Neill Surf Camp Mimizan
The O’Neill Surf Camp Mimizan was established back in 1991, and it is definitely one of the best surf camps in France.
Mimizan is situated on the French Atlantic Coast with beautiful sandy beaches, high dunes, and a fantastic surf town. The cozy center offers cool surf shops, a bazaar, cocktail bars, and lovely restaurants with various types of food.
Many surfers have surfed their first waves in Mimizan for a good reason. The summer months bring amazing waves for all skill levels, whether you are a complete beginner or a more experienced surfer. The Surflife Family members are surfers themselves, so the surf spirit is definitely guaranteed.
This camp offers a relaxed common area with a lounge, bar, and hammocks, relaxing yoga sessions, cocktail parties, professional surf lessons, beach volleyball, and a variety of surfboards, bodyboards, skimboards, SUP-boards, and skateboards to use.
For more details about France’s surf camps, please click here.
Natural Surf Lodge
Natural Surf Lodge is a green surf camp and surf school in Seignosse, South West France. The camp offers several excellent options for holiday rentals by the ocean:
Natural Surf Lodge- accommodation and surf classes in unique surroundings.
Natural Surf School- quality surf lessons for kids, teenagers, adults, solo surfers, or families.
Natural Beach Rental- non-standard apartments or villas to rent, just a 5-minute walk to the surf.
Natural Surf Lodge- eco surf camp for all-inclusive surfing vacations.
Luckily, Natural Surf Lodge is located in front of one of the best surf spots in France. This area is famous worldwide for its magnificent beach breaks and consistent waves.
With over 15 years of experience, Claire, Stephan, and their locally trained surf team will work with you on techniques and environmental knowledge to enjoy the surf safely and have fun. Professional, approachable, and friendly, they welcome you in a wooden surf shack right on Les Casernes’ beach to start a surf course, hire a surfboard, or just chill out in front of the surf.
For more information about surf camps in the French Coastline, please click here.
Progress Outdoor Surf Hostel, Moliets
This cozy outdoor hostel is situated in the vast pine forests of Les Landes, on ‘Camping Les Cigales’ in Moliets-Plage. It operates with a great passion for surfing, skating, yoga, healthy food, and the love of nature. Here, you will find an enthusiastic crew who is always ready to guarantee a wonderful surf vacation. You can either compose your stay yourself or book one of the existing package deals.
Progress is suitable for anyone who wants to surf. Whether you wish to enjoy a week with friends, a romantic weekend with your partner, or a couple of days of family time, in this hostel, everyone is welcome.
For more details about Moliets surf camps and hotels, please click here.
Shifting Sands Surf Camp France
This camp is situated about 2 km from the beach with only sand dunes and the forest around. Hossegor Center, famous for its crazy nightlife scene, is just a short ride away.
Whatever time of year you decide to come here, all amenities are available and included in your surf package:
Bed and Breakfast.
Surfboards and wetsuits- all sizes available.
Shuttle assistance to the best local surf.
Surf guiding and priceless local knowledge.
Bikes, skateboards, and longboards.
Hammocks, loungers, and yoga area.
Laundry – Free use of washing machine.
On top of that, Shifting Sands has a private skate bowl.
For more details about Hossegor surf camps, please click here.
Magnet Surf School
The area of Brittany is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful ones in the country. Although it doesn’t have the same prestige as the Silver Coast, it has its own magic. In Morgat, the weather is always lovely, and the waves are consistent year-round.
The surf program here is very professional. All sessions last about 3 hours, including transport, and all skill levels are accepted. Groups will be formed according to your expectations and your abilities.
The camp will provide you with all the equipment you need. You will start your sessions with a warm-up adapted to the practice of surfing (yoga, games, bodysurfing, etc.). As for surfing, it depends on your skill level. If you are a beginner, you will stay in the foam to integrate the basics of take-off in complete safety. For the experts, however, there is more advanced coaching. Back at the surf camp, there will be an analysis session of the videos taken during the surf. You can also leave your stay in Morgat with photos and videos.
For more information about the best surf camps in France, please click here.
La Dune Surf Camp
Only 2 minutes from the beach, La Dune Surf Camp welcomes you in a charming villa with all possible comforts. It offers a friendly and relaxed atmosphere, and it is one of the most beautiful surf schools in the area. The beach and shops are accessible by bike or on foot, and after your surf session you can get a well-deserved rest in a Zen and green atmosphere.
The camp’s location, in the middle of the Landes Coast, invites you to discover some world-famous beaches such as Hossegor, Biarritz, St Jean de Lu, and more). Whether you are alone, as a couple, as a family, or as a group, La Dune Surf Camp will make sure you leave as a happy surfer.
For more details about camps, retreats, and accommodation options, please click here.
What is the Cost of Surf Camps in France?
When booking a surf camp in France, the cost should be one of the most significant factors to consider. Luckily, in France, you can find various camp packages to suit different budgets, and most of them offer excellent value for your money. Factors like the quality of the accommodation, location, number of days, and seasonality determine the cost of a surf camp. Therefore, depending on your budget, you can customize the package that best suits your needs. In most cases, booking a surf camp in France costs less than booking all services alone. As for the numbers, a one-week package at a surf camp in France costs somewhere between $600 and $1,000.
What is the Advantage of Surf Camps in France?
Going on a surf trip to the world-class beach breaks of France is a fantastic experience. There is no greater excitement than leaving everyday life and dedicating a week or two to ride waves. However, planning a surf trip can be quite a hassle, especially when you lack local knowledge. Tasks like booking hotels, finding restaurants, and knowing which surf spots to go to can be pretty annoying.
This is precisely where a surf camp in France comes into play. By booking a surf camp, you remove the unpleasant part from the equation and focus only on the fun part. So, while the camp handles logistics like transportation, accommodation, meals, equipment, and surf lessons, you can relax and enjoy your precious time. In addition, surf camps in France provide an excellent opportunity to meet other surfers from around the world.
Are Surf Camps in France Suitable for Beginners?
As mentioned, there are countless surf spots along the French Coastline with waves that suit all skill levels. For example, the waves in spots like Hossegor and Guethary can be very challenging, but in spots like Biarritz and Capbreton, you will find more mellow waves and an excellent environment for surfing lessons. Therefore, any surfer can enjoy a surf vacation in France. Moreover, the instructors in all the surf camps in France know exactly where to take their students to keep them safe and help them practice in waves that suit their skills.
What Time of Year is Best for a Surf Camp in France?
Although you can surf in France year-round, there are 4 different surf seasons:
1. The Summer, between June and August, is when the weather is warm and the waves are small. Therefore, it is the best time for beginners.
2. Autumn, in September and October, is the best surf season, with consistent swells and perfect conditions.
3. The Winter, between November and March, is cold and gray. Although these months are great for big-wave surfers, it is not recommended for the average surfer.
4. The Spring, In April and May, offers fantastic surf conditions. However, keep in mind that the water at this time of year is freezing.
Which Location in France is Best for a Surf Camp?
Although there are many wonderful surf beaches in France, these are the most recommended ones for a surf camp:
1. Hossegor- This is the most famous beach break in France, with fantastic barrels crushing right on the shore. Although most of the breaks here are challenging, there are beginner breaks too.
2. Biarritz- This is a popular tourist destination, with not only great waves but also shops, restaurants, and kicking nightlife.
3. Moliets- Here, you will find both a beach break and a river mouth break.
How to Book a Surf Camp in France?
Once you choose a surf camp in France, booking it is easy, as everything is available online. The main question, though, is what type of surf camp you are looking for. These are the two main options:
1. If you are a beginner or an intermediate surfer looking for surf lessons or a coaching program, the best website to book your surf camp is www.booksurfcamps.com. This is where you can get the most reliable information about surf programs, weekly schedules, and general guidance.
2. If you are an experienced surfer and only need a place to stay close to the waves, you can find great deals at www.booking.com.
Both websites are user-friendly and reliable, so you can feel comfortable using them for booking your surf camp in France.
Essential Things to Check Before Booking a Surf Camp in France
Before choosing your preferred surf camp in France, it is crucial to understand exactly what the camp provides, so check the following to avoid misunderstandings:
1. What is the student-to-instructor ratio during the surf sessions? The smaller the group is, the more personal attention you will get from the coach. Therefore, look for a ratio of 5 to 1 or less.
2. Are surfboard rentals provided by the camp, or should you bring your own surfboard? Also, can you use the camp’s gear for practice on your own?
3. Are airport transfers included, or should you get there alone? What about transfers to different beaches during your stay?
4. Is the package all-inclusive, or should you pay for meals? If it is an all-inclusive, which meals are included and which are not?
5. How many surf sessions are included in the package each day? Is there a precise schedule?
6. What type of accommodations will you be staying at? Is it a private room or a dorm? How many people will you be sharing the room with?
7. Does the coaching program suit your skill level? Is there a separation between beginners and advanced surfers during the sessions?
8. Which qualifications do the surf coaches have? Are they certified? Remember, your safety is above everything.
9. Which coaching tools will be used during the surf sessions? Is there a theoretical part? Video analysis? Enough practice time?
10. Are there any additional services you should know about, or does the initial price of the camp cover everything?
Conclusion- Final Thought
To sum up, these are the top surf camps in France. Honestly, it doesn’t really matter which one of them you choose, as they are all great and offer pretty much the same thing. What is most important, however, is your attitude toward the experience. Come with an open mind and ready to learn, practice, and make the best of it. You can improve your surfing skills drastically, meet new friends, and simply enjoy the adventure.
Before you go, don’t forget to check out our post about the best beginner surf beaches in France, or the one about surf resorts in France.
