It’s time to grab your surfboard and head to the stunning beaches of France because we’re about to unveil the ultimate list of France’s best surfing spots! From the picturesque shores of Biarritz to the wild waves of Hossegor, we’ll take you on a journey to some of the most incredible surf destinations this beautiful country has to offer. So, whether you’re a seasoned pro or a novice surfer, get ready to ride the waves and experience the thrill of surfing in France’s top spots.
Basque Coast
The Basque Coast is located in the southwestern part of France and is known for its world-class surf breaks. One of the top spots in this area is Hossegor, which is often considered the surfing capital of Europe. With its powerful and consistent waves, Hossegor attracts surfers from all over the world. The infamous La Nord beach in Hossegor is particularly popular among experienced surfers, as it offers some of the best barrels in the region.
Just a short drive from Hossegor is the charming town of Biarritz. This picturesque coastal town is not only known for its elegant architecture and beautiful beaches but also for its excellent surf conditions. The Grande Plage in Biarritz is a surfer’s paradise, with consistent waves that suit all levels of experience. Whether you’re a beginner looking to catch your first wave or an advanced surfer seeking a challenge, Biarritz has something for everyone.
For those looking for a more laid-back surfing experience, the small village of Guethary is a hidden gem along the Basque Coast. The waves here are known for being a bit mellower, making it a great spot for beginners or those who prefer a more relaxed surfing session. The picturesque backdrop of rugged cliffs and charming Basque architecture adds to the appeal of surfing in Guethary.
Mediterranean Coast
The Mediterranean Coast of France may not be as well-known for its surf breaks as the Basque Coast or the Atlantic Coast, but it still offers some great spots for wave enthusiasts. One of the top destinations along this coast is La Ciotat, a charming seaside town that boasts crystal-clear waters and beautiful sandy beaches. The waves here are generally smaller and more manageable, making it a great spot for beginners or those who prefer milder conditions.
Further down the coast is the town of Le Lavandou, which is known for its idyllic scenery and relaxed atmosphere. The beach at Le Lavandou is a popular spot for longboarders, as the waves are often long and gentle, perfect for cruising and hanging ten. The laid-back vibe of Le Lavandou makes it a great place to unwind after a day in the water.
Leucate is another popular surfing destination along the Mediterranean Coast and is known for its consistent waves and strong winds. This makes it a hotspot for windsurfing and kitesurfing as well. The beach at Leucate is wide and sandy, providing plenty of space for surfers to catch waves or spectators to watch the action.
Atlantic Coast
The Atlantic Coast of France is a surfer’s paradise, with numerous world-class surf breaks scattered along its shoreline. One of the top spots is La Torche, located in Brittany. This stretch of coastline offers a variety of waves, ranging from long and mellow to powerful and hollow. The beach at La Torche is known for its consistent surf and pristine conditions, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
Les Cavaliers, located in Anglet near Biarritz, is another popular surf spot along the Atlantic Coast. This beach offers a variety of waves, suitable for surfers of all levels. The picturesque setting, with its golden sands and stunning cliffs, adds to the overall experience of surfing at Les Cavaliers.
La Graviere, located in Hossegor, is renowned for its powerful and fast-breaking waves, making it a playground for experienced surfers. The beach break at La Graviere can produce some epic barrels, attracting both professional surfers and thrill-seekers looking for an adrenaline rush.
Normandy
Normandy may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of surfing in France, but this region has its fair share of great surf spots. One of the most iconic locations is Etretat, known for its stunning cliffs and breathtaking scenery. The waves here can be powerful and challenging, ideal for experienced surfers looking to test their skills.
Jullouville is another hidden gem in Normandy, offering a mix of beach breaks and reef breaks that cater to surfers of all levels. The long sandy beach and picturesque setting make Jullouville a popular destination for both surfing and relaxation.
Lion-sur-Mer, located near the historic city of Caen, is a charming beach town that offers consistent waves and a friendly surfing community. The beach at Lion-sur-Mer is ideal for beginners, with its smaller and gentler waves. It’s also a great place to learn how to surf, as there are several surf schools in the area that offer lessons for all ages and skill levels.
Bretagne
Bretagne, or Brittany, is a region in northwestern France known for its rugged coastline and rich Celtic heritage. It is also home to some fantastic surf spots. La Palue, located in Crozon, offers consistent waves and stunning natural beauty. Surrounded by towering cliffs and untouched landscapes, La Palue is a paradise for nature lovers and surfers alike.
La Torche, although already mentioned in the Atlantic Coast section, is also worth mentioning here as it straddles both regions. As one of the best surf spots in France, La Torche attracts surfers from all over the world. The beach break here offers a variety of waves and is suitable for surfers of all levels.
Santec is another hidden gem along the Bretagne coastline. This quiet beach town offers pristine sandy beaches and consistent surf conditions. The waves at Santec are usually mellow, making it a great spot for beginners or those looking for a more relaxed surfing experience.
Southern Landes
The Southern Landes region is located along the southwestern coast of France and is renowned for its world-class surf breaks. One of the top spots in this region is Les Estagnots, located near Hossegor. This beach break offers powerful and fast waves, making it a favorite among experienced surfers. The beach at Les Estagnots is surrounded by dunes and pine forests, adding to the natural beauty of the area.
La Sud, also located in Hossegor, is a popular surf spot that caters to surfers of all levels. The waves here are generally more forgiving, making it a great spot for beginners or those looking to improve their skills. The beach at La Sud is also known for its lively atmosphere, with beach bars and cafes lining the shore.
La Nord, also in Hossegor, is famous for its challenging and powerful waves. It is considered one of the best beach breaks in Europe and can provide world-class surf conditions when the conditions align. This spot is not for the faint of heart and is best left to experienced surfers who can handle the heavy waves.
Aquitanie
The Aquitanie region is located in southwestern France and is home to some fantastic surf spots along its Atlantic Coast. Lacanau is one of the most popular surf destinations in this area, attracting surfers from all over Europe. With its long sandy beaches and consistent surf, Lacanau offers something for everyone, from beginners to advanced surfers.
Carcares is another gem along the Aquitanie Coast, offering a mix of beach breaks and reef breaks that provide a variety of waves for surfers of all levels. The beach at Carcares is known for its powerful and hollow waves, ideal for experienced surfers looking for a challenge.
Biscarosse is a hidden gem in the Aquitanie region, offering beautiful beaches and consistent surf conditions. The waves here are usually mellow, making it a great spot for beginners or those looking for a more relaxed surfing experience. The untouched natural beauty of Biscarosse adds to the overall appeal of surfing in this area.
Reunion Island
Reunion Island is a French overseas territory located in the Indian Ocean, east of Madagascar. It is known for its stunning landscapes, diverse culture, and incredible surf breaks. Saint Leu is one of the most famous surfing spots on the island, with its powerful reef break producing consistent waves year-round. This spot is popular among experienced surfers looking for a challenging and thrilling session.
Boucan Canot, located on the western coast of Reunion Island, is another top surf spot. The beach break at Boucan Canot offers a range of waves suitable for surfers of all levels. The crystal-clear waters and breathtaking scenery make it a must-visit destination for surfers and beach lovers alike.
Etang-Salé is a small town located on the southwestern coast of Reunion Island and offers some fantastic surf conditions. The beach break at Etang-Salé offers consistent waves that cater to surfers of all levels. The laid-back atmosphere and natural beauty of the area make it a great place to unwind and catch some waves.
Corsica
Corsica, a stunning Mediterranean island located off the southern coast of France, is known for its rugged mountains, crystal-clear waters, and beautiful beaches. It’s also home to some great surf spots. Capo di Feno, located near Ajaccio, offers consistent and powerful waves that are perfect for experienced surfers. The beach at Capo di Feno is surrounded by cliffs and untouched nature, creating a magical setting for a surfing session.
Porto Pollo, located on the western coast of Corsica, is a popular surf spot that offers a range of waves suitable for surfers of all levels. From beach breaks to point breaks, Porto Pollo has it all. The picturesque setting and laid-back atmosphere make it a favorite among surfers and beachgoers.
Santa Giulia, located on the southern coast of Corsica, is not only known for its stunning turquoise waters and white sandy beaches but also for its excellent surf conditions. The beach break at Santa Giulia offers consistent and manageable waves, making it a great spot for beginners or those who prefer milder conditions.
Guadeloupe
Guadeloupe is an archipelago located in the Caribbean Sea and is known for its pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and vibrant culture. It is also home to some excellent surf spots. La Pointe des Chateaux, located on the eastern tip of Guadeloupe, offers powerful reef breaks that produce consistent waves. This spot is popular among experienced surfers looking for a challenge.
Plage de la Caravelle, located on Grande-Terre, is another top surf spot in Guadeloupe. The beach break here offers a variety of waves that cater to surfers of all levels. The beautiful sandy beach and warm Caribbean waters make it a paradise for surfers and beach lovers.
Le Moule, located on Grande-Terre, is a charming town that offers some fantastic surf conditions. The beach break at Le Moule provides consistent waves that suit all levels of experience. The laid-back atmosphere and friendly locals make it a great place to relax and enjoy the surf.
In conclusion, France offers a wide range of surf spots for all types of surfers, from beginners to professionals. Whether you prefer mellow beach breaks or powerful reef breaks, you can find it all along the Basque Coast, Mediterranean Coast, Atlantic Coast, Normandy, Bretagne, Southern Landes, Aquitanie, Reunion Island, Corsica, and Guadeloupe. With its stunning landscapes, beautiful beaches, and consistent surf conditions, France truly deserves its reputation as one of the best surfing destinations in the world. So grab your board and get ready to catch some epic waves in the land of baguettes, berets, and barrels!