Last updated on November 20th, 2023 at 10:48 am
In this post you will find the best surf spots in France for beginners, where you can learn, practice, and improve your surfing skills.
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About Beginner Surf Beaches in France
France is definitely one of the best surf destinations in Europe. Its West Coast receives consistent swells from the Atlantic Ocean all year long. Although the surf conditions are harsh to handle in winter, the spring, summer, and fall offer some great opportunities for novice surfers.
Almost all the surf spots in France are beach breaks. Over the sandy bottom of the French Coastline, you can find powerful barrels in some beaches and mellower breaks in others. Therefore, regardless of your skill level, France is always an excellent choice for a surf trip.
So, in detail, these are the best surf spots in France for beginners:
La Grande Plage, Biarritz
Biarritz is a trendy holiday destination on the Southern West Coast of France. Thousands of tourists come here every summer to enjoy a sunny beach vacation. Therefore, the town is very tourism-oriented, and you can easily find here hotels, restaurants, and kicking nightlife. On top of that, Biarritz is also one of the best surf spots in France for both beginners and advanced surfers.
La Grande Plage is the main beach of Biarritz and where most of the touristic scene is centered. This is also the main beginner surf beach in the area. The waves in La Grande Plage are soft, and the bottom is sandy, so it is the perfect place for novice surfers to play. For that reason, many surf lessons take place here, and the lineup is packed with newbies on rented surfboards.
For details about surf camps for beginners in France, please click here.
La Cote Des Basques, Biarritz
Still in Biarritz, La Cote Des Basques is situated on the southern side of the port. The shape of this beach creates a beautiful right-hand point break suitable for all skill levels. Actually, here, you can get some of the longest rides in the country. The waves are very slow, mellow, and user-friendly. For that reason, this spot is the most popular among longboarders. Like all the spots around Biarritz, there are many surfers in the water, but due to the length of the wave, it is easier to find a takeoff zone for yourself. Also, if you walk a bit further south, you will find a great beach break with some more powerful waves.
For details about surf camps for beginners in France please click here.
La Sud, Hossegor
Hossegor is probably the best surf spot in France. It is world-famous for its powerful beach break and attracts surfers from all over the globe on their search for the perfect barrel. Moreover, Hossegor hosts the annual Quiksilver Pro Surfing Event. As you realize, the waves here are world-class and definitely not suitable for newbies. However, on the most southern end of town, there is a beach called La Sud, one of France’s best beginner surf beaches. Compared to the other spots in Hossegor, the waves here are much smaller. Due to the harbor wall that blocks most of the swell, novice surfers can practice here without danger.
For details about surf camps for beginners in Hossegor, please click here.
Moliets
Further north of Hossegor, you will find the beach break of Moliets. This long beach strep offers many peaks to choose from and attracts surfers who wish to escape from the crowds of Biarritz and Hossegor. Even though the winter surf here is quite aggressive, the summer and fall are perfect for beginner and intermediate surfers. The river mouth of Moliets creates a beautiful shape for the waves, and therefore, it is longer than a typical beach break. Moreover, there are several surf schools in the area where you can take some lessons.
For details about surf camps for beginners in Moliets, please click here.
Plovan, Brittany
Unlike the previous spots that were mentioned, this one is actually situated in the Brittany area.
area, in the northern part of the French Coastline. This area is colder on the one hand but much less crowded on the other hand. In fact, there are great surf beaches around here for all skill levels. The best surf spot in the Brittany area is definitely La Torche, but it is primarily suitable for intermediate surfers and above. However, Plovan Beach, further north, is an excellent spot for beginners, with mellow waves over a sandy bottom. Penhors, just next to it, is another beginner surf beach offering smaller waves than anywhere else.
For details about surf camps for beginners in France, please click here.
Prepare Your Body for a Surf Trip With Online Surf Training
As a beginner surfing in France, you are going to face several challenges. The waves breaking on your head, the currents, and the unstable surfboard can sometimes be tough to handle. Therefore, to make it easier on yourself, preparing your body and mind for the challenge is crucial. Here is what you can do to ensure you are in perfect shape and ready to face the ocean:
1. Take an online surf course– You can practice specific online surf exercises to work on the relevant muscles and improve your surf fitness. Check out Surf Strength Coach and Surfing Made Simple; both are great online surf programs that can help get you ready for your surf trip to France.
2. Sign up for a surf camp– Why deal with the ocean alone when you can be surrounded by people just like yourself and get advice from professional surf instructors? To find the best beginner surf camps in France, click here.
What Should You Bring for a Beginner Surf Trip to France?
Here is a complete gear list for the perfect beginner surf vacation:
1. Sunscreen– For tropical sun, use no less than EltaMD UV.
2. Surfboard Bag– If you bring your own surfboard, you must have a good bag to protect it. Check out UCEDER, for example, which offers great value for money.
3. Surf Hat– To keep your head in the shade, try O&E Ocean and Earth Surf Hats.
4. Travel Insurance– For the best insurance by World Nomads, please click here.
5. Surf Shorts/Surf Bikinis– Check out Hurley for new shorts and CUPSHE for surf Bikinis.
6. T-shirts and beach wear– Look for the new collection at Hurley.
7. Rash Guard– Protect your body with a good rash guard like BALEAF for men and AXESEA for women.
8. Surfboard Wax– Check out Sticky Bumps on Amazon.
9. Surf Booties– You will need a good pair of surf boots only if you surf over a sharp reef or in really cold water. Check out O’Neill Split Toe Booties.
10. Surfboard Leash– It is always good to have an extra leash just in case. Check out Ho Stevie Surf Leash.
11. Towel/Poncho– If you want a nice poncho, look at SUN CUBE Surf Poncho.
For more gear options and greater selections, look for our surf gear guides.
Conclusion- Final Thought
To sum up, these are the top 5 surf spots in France for beginners. Although most famous breaks are found on the Silver Coast, there are great waves all over the country. You can definitely find wonderful beginner surf beaches in France that offer a comfortable environment for learning and practicing. As you progress and gain more confidence in the water, you can also try your luck in some more challenging waves, which are also here at reach. Luckily, the French Coastline
has something for any skill level, and that is why surfers love it so much.
Before you leave, don’t forget to check out our post about the best surf camps in France, or the one about surf resorts in France.
