Last updated on March 22nd, 2024 at 05:32 pm
If you are looking for the best surf spots in France, you came to the right place. In this surf guide to France, you will find all the information you need for your next surf trip, including travel tips, surf seasons, and the best surf beaches in France.
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About Surfing in France
France is definitely one of the best surf destinations in Europe. It is world-famous as the land of world-class beach breaks and hollow tube rides. Actually, you will find countless surf spots in France, from all different kinds and for all skill level.
If you are a beginner surfing in France, you will find soft and mushy waves at some beaches. However, if you are after the big waves, you will discover punchy beach breaks with massive barrels. For that reason, France hosts the annual Quiksilver Pro Surf Competition, where the world’s best surfers compete in Hossegor, on their journey to the desired world title.
France is the most visited country in the world, with over 80 Million visitors a year. It offers great culture, spectacular food, and kicking nightlife. Moreover, it is probably the most famous surf destination in Europe, together with Portugal. Therefore, surfers from around the world come here to enjoy the excellent beach life and the perfect waves.
Different Surf Areas in France You Should Know About
The French Coastline can be divided into 4 different surf areas. Each one of these areas has its own characteristics. Therefore, when surfing in France, you better focus on one area to surf more and travel less.
The South Coast of the country faces the Mediterranean Sea. Despite being a great tourist area with beautiful sunny beaches, it is not suitable for surfing. Sure, you can get an occasional small swell every now and then, but this is not what you are looking for on a surf trip. Therefore, as a surfer, you better skip this area.
In the Northern part of France, you will find Brittany’s Coast. This area receives the same swells as the UK, and it is rich with empty reef breaks and point breaks. Actually, the further south you go, the bigger the waves are, and even though the water here is way colder than the rest of the country, there is some decent surf around this Coast.
The Coast of Light area stretches from South Brittany down to La Rochelle. This area can pick up some nice swells but doesn’t offer many good surf spots. If you are here, you better head south to where the real deal is- the Silver Coast.
The Silver Coast is the area in the southwest part of the country, and this is where the best surf spots in France are found. This area picks up the most swell and produces epic surf conditions. In fact, it is extremely popular among surfers for its Variety of consistent beach breaks and powerful hollow waves. If you come to surf in France, this is definitely where you want to be to score the best waves.
The Best Surf Spots in France
Divided into the different surf areas, these are the best surf spots in France:
Surf Spots around South Brittany
Baie des Trepasses:
Break type- Beach break.
Skill level- Intermediate.
Description- Due to its location up North, the water here is extremely cold and requires at least a 4/3 wetsuit. The waves here perform best during low tide and produce some nice tube rides.
Treguennec:
Break type- A-frame.
Skill level- All levels.
Description- This is a typical A-frame break suitable for all surf levels. It opens up equally to the right and left and is pretty consistent.
La Torche:
Break type- Beach break.
Skill level- All levels.
Description- This is definitely the best spot in the South Brittany area. In fact, this beach is known as a swell magnet and produces good waves almost 365 days a year. Due to its consistency, it is usually crowded. However, it offers a fantastic break, and you can rely on it even on small days when the other spots are flat.
Surf Spots around the Coast of Light
This area is not so popular as a surf destination. The main reasons for that are the lack of high-quality surf spots and the fabulous Silver Coast just south of it, which draws all the attention. However, this area hosts some nice breaks after all and can be a good solution for those who want to escape the crowds. The best beaches in this area are Pays de la Loire and La Cote Sauvage. Actually, these beaches offer countless peaks to choose from and several surf camps as well.
Surf Spots in France’s Silver Coast
Lacanau:
Break type- Beach break.
Skill level- Advanced.
Description- This 14 KM beach strip in the Gironde area produces hollow barrels at any given tide condition. Although it can get crowded due to its proximity to the city of Bordeaux, there are many different peaks here to choose from. This beach hosts the national “Lacanau Pro” surf competition, and many great surfers tend to hang out here.
Moliets:
Break type- Beach break and river mouth.
Skill level- All levels.
Description- Another beach break with hollow barrels and multiple peaks. Walking on the beach to the river mouth, you will find some beautiful long right-handers. This is one of the most popular surf spots in France, especially if you are going to a surf camp.
Seignosse:
Break type- Beach break.
Skill level- All levels.
Description- This beach offers several world-class breaks a few hundred meters from Hossegor. A soft wave at Les Casernes, long rides at La Penon, strong A-frame at Les Bourdaines, and hollow tubes at Les Estagnots.
Hossegor:
Break type- Beach break.
Skill level- Advanced.
Description- Probably the most famous surf spot in France and the reason many surfers come back every year to surf in France. This is the proud host of the Quiksilver Pro Surfing Event, and it produces unbelievably massive barrels crushing extremely close to shore. Among the different peaks along this 3 KM beach, La Graviere is the main attraction. However, you will find exceptional barrels also at Les Culus Nus, La Sud, and La Nord.
(Read more in our post about surfing in Hossegor)
Capbreton:
Break type- Beach break.
Skill level- Beginner to intermediate.
Description- A bit south of Hossegor, This beach break performs well when the swell is too big at the other spots. Moreover, the ride here is a little more mellow and forgiving. However, don’t get it wrong, you can find some great barrels here, too.
Biarritz:
Break type- Beach break.
Skill level- Beginner to advanced.
Description- Huge numbers of tourists come every year to spend their summers and holidays in Biarritz. In fact, it is the most popular tourist destination on the Atlantic Coast. As for the surf, Biarritz has a lot to offer, too. From beginner’s beach just in front of town to powerful beach breaks at Cote Des Basques and La Milady. Of course, the beaches at Biarritz are always crowded, and yet, the surf is up all year long.
(Read more in our post about surfing in Biarritz).
Lafitenia:
Break type- Point break.
Skill level- Intermediate.
Description- Unlike the beach breaks around, this one is actually a right-hand point break. It offers a long ride over a rocky bottom, and performs best during low and medium tide.
Guethary:
Break type- Big wave spot.
Skill level- Advanced.
Description- This old fishing town in the Southern part of the country is where the big wave surfers hang out. During the winter, the huge swells break over the reef, and only professionals can paddle out.
Belharra:
Break type- Big wave spot.
Skill level- Advanced.
Description- This is another big wave spot. Unfortunately, it doesn’t break often, but when a big swell hits, it is the perfect spot for tow-in surfing.
Hendaye:
Break type- Beach break.
Skill level- Beginner to intermediate.
Description- Located at the Southern end of France, close to the Spanish border, this beach is protected from winds and currents. Therefore, it can be a great solution to the big and windy days.
If you are new to surfing and looking for beginner waves, check out our post about the best beginner surf beaches in France.
Surf Seasons in France
In general, you can surf in France all year long. Its diverse coastline is well exposed to the Atlantic swells, and some beaches always produce surfable waves. However, the surf conditions change between different seasons, so you better know exactly how it works so you can score the best waves.
The winter in France lasts from November to March. During these months, the swell is huge and consistent, but it comes with strong onshore winds and freezing water, about 10-15°C (50-52°F). Honestly, winter is just too hardcore, and unless you are a big wave surfer, it is hard to have fun with such conditions.
The spring lasts from April till June. During these months, the surf conditions are excellent. In fact, the swell is around 3-6 feet, the wind blows offshore, and the waves are clean and glassy. However, the only downside is that the water is still freezing. Therefore, if you choose to surf France during this time, you will definitely need at least a 4/3 wetsuit.
The French summer shows up during July and August. Actually, this is the time of year when the sun shines all day long, and a huge mass of tourists visit the country. Add to that the 66 Million French people who also take their vacation, and you got yourself the most crowded beaches you can imagine. Moreover, the summer swell is small and primarily suitable for beginners. In fact, it can range only between 1 to 3 feet, and the waves hardly exceed the chest height.
Autumn in France lasts between September and October. During this time of year, the water temp is the warmest you can get (yes, more than in summer). More importantly, the surf conditions are absolutely perfect. With consistent and decent-sized swells, offshore winds, and clean, glassy waves, autumn is the absolute best time to surf in France.
Surf Camps in France
If you are a beginner making his first steps in the surfing world, the best way to explore the surf beaches of France is at a surf camp. So, these are the most recommended surf camps in France:
1. Star Surf Camp Moliets– Star Surf Camp is an international company that also operates in Spain. The Moliets camp is excellent for solo travelers, students, both small and large groups, and anyone looking for new excitement in and out of the water.
For more details about surf camps in Moliets, please click here.
2. Southwest Surf House, Hossegor– 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.
3. 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.
For more details about surf camps in Capbreton, please click here.
Surf Hotels in France
When coming to surf in France, you want to stay as close as possible to the best breaks. So, these are some of the most recommended surf hotels in the country:
1. Hôtel de La Plage, Hossegor– Located on La Place des Landais, the Hotel de la Plage faces the central beach in Hossegor, an ocean-front town considered one of the best surfing locales in the world.
2. Hôtel Le Windsor Biarritz– Fully renovated in 2021, the environmentally-friendly Hôtel Le Windsor Biarritz is located on the beachfront in the heart of Biarritz. It offers modern accommodation with sea views and free Wi-Fi access. Room service and concierge service are provided.
3. Résidence Odalys Bleu Ocean, Moliets– Résidence Odalys Bleu Ocean is situated in the middle of a golf course in Moliets. It sits at the forest’s edge, 350 meters from the beach and 200 m from the nearest shops.
For more surf hotels in France, check out our post about the best surf resorts in France, or simply look for deals on Booking.com.
What Skill Level is Required to Surf in France
With such an enormous coastline facing the Atlantic Ocean, there are many surf spots in France, so surfers of all levels can find breaks that suit their skills. For instance, beginners can surf mellow waves in spots like Capbreton and Biarritz. Intermediate surfers, though, will find more challenging waves in spots like Lafitenia and Moliets. And finally, if you are an advanced surfer, you can ride Massive barrels at Hossegor.
Which Place in France is Best to Stay At
On a surf trip, it is best to focus on one area to spend more time surfing and less traveling. However, there are many great surf beaches in France, and sometimes it can be hard to choose where to stay. So, considering the waves and the general atmosphere of the place, these are the most recommended locations to stay at:
1. Hossegor– This is the country’s surf capital, and definitely the best surf spot in France. If you want to get barreled, this is the place to be.
2. Moliets– This town offers several great options if you plan to take surf lessons or coaching.
3. Biarritz– This is a perfect place for those who want to surf all day and party all night.
France- Travel Information
Language– French.
Population– about 67 million.
Currency– Euro.
Calling code– +33.
Time zone– GMT +1/+2.
Pros– incredible beach breaks.
Cons– cold water, expensive travel.
Conclusion- Final Thought
To sum up, when surfing in France, you can choose between many different beach breaks. If you want to get barreled, this is the right place for you, as the waves are hollow, powerful, and highly consistent. If you come here during spring or fall, you will have the time of your life.
We hope you enjoyed reading this surf guide about the best surf spots in France. Have a great surf trip!
