An Introduction To Lacanau Surf
- Author | Matt K
- Updated | April 22, 2025
Lacanau surf, located on France’s stunning Atlantic coast, is a top destination known for its consistent waves and relaxed vibe. Ideal for surfers exploring on foot or by bike, Lacanau offers easy access to a variety of surf spots, making it a favorite for wave seekers of all levels.
The main surf break at Lacanau Océan is just a short walk from the town center, providing a mix of wave conditions suitable for both beginners and experienced surfers. A 15-minute walk north brings you to Plage Nord, where more sheltered, beginner-friendly waves offer a perfect spot to learn and practice.
For those looking for a challenge, Plage Sud, located a 20-minute bike ride from the center, delivers more powerful and dynamic waves, attracting intermediate and advanced surfers seeking thrilling rides.
With bike-friendly paths, scenic coastline views, and a laid-back atmosphere, Lacanau surf makes it simple to embrace a car-free surf lifestyle. Whether you’re catching waves at Lacanau Océan, enjoying the gentler breaks at Plage Nord, or taking on the energy of Plage Sud, Lacanau surf town offers the ultimate blend of accessibility and quality surf.
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In This Guide
Best Time To Surf Lacanau
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Peak Lacanau Surf Season | October to March
Suited For Intermediate & Advanced
Lacanau surf is at its best from October to March, when powerful northwest swells bring consistent 3 to 8-foot waves to its famous beach breaks. Known for its shifting sandbanks, Lacanau produces fast, punchy waves that range from hollow barrels to long, open-faced walls. The winter months deliver the most energy, with big, powerful swells challenging even experienced surfers. Lacanau surf during peak season is highly consistent, with multiple peaks along the beach offering different options depending on conditions.
While strong currents & heavy closeouts can make it demanding, the variety of banks means there’s almost always a quality wave to be found. The off-season crowds make this an ideal time for scoring some of the best waves in Lacanau without the summer crowds.
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Shoulder Lacanau Surf Season | April, May & September
Suited For All Skill Levels
Lacanau surf in April, May & September offers smaller but still fun waves in the 2 to 5-foot range. Spring swells can still provide punchy conditions, while late summer sees smaller, more user-friendly surf. This is a great time for intermediate surfers looking to refine their skills, as the waves remain consistent but less powerful than in winter.
The best conditions tend to be in the mornings before the afternoon winds pick up. While Lacanau surf can still produce quality barrels during the shoulder season, the overall vibe is more relaxed, making it an excellent time for those looking to progress in fun, clean conditions.
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Low Lacanau Surf Season | June to August
Suited For Beginners & Intermediate
June to August are the slowest months for Lacanau surf, with wave heights averaging 1 to 3 feet. While not ideal for advanced surfers, the smaller waves provide perfect conditions for beginners & longboarders. The sandbanks still hold shape, offering fun, mellow waves for those learning to surf.
The crowds are at their peak during this time, but Lacanau’s long stretch of coastline means there’s always a spot to find a fun wave. While it’s not the best season for high-performance surfing, Lacanau surf in summer is great for those looking to enjoy the warm water & relaxed sessions.
Lacanau Surf Temperature, What To Wear & Rainfall Guide
Lacanau Surf Temperature:
19–22°C (66–72°F)
What To Wear:
A 2 mm spring suit works well throughout summer. Some days may be warm enough for boardshorts/bikini, but a spring suit will give more flexibility & sun protection.
Rainfall:
Rainfall is light, with around 5–8 rainy days per month. Summer typically sees long dry spells broken by short summer storms.
Lacanau Surf Temperature:
17–21°C (63–71°F)
What To Wear:
A 3/2 mm wetsuit is ideal. The transition from warm to cool water happens fast, so it’s best to suit up early in the season.
Rainfall:
Rainfall rises to 8–12 days monthly. Expect more cloud cover & consistent drizzle by mid-autumn.
Lacanau Surf Temperature:
12–15°C (54–59°F)
What To Wear:
A 4/3 mm wetsuit with boots is essential. Gloves & a hood may be needed during mid-winter, especially for longer sessions.
Rainfall:
This is the rainiest season, with 11–13 rainy days monthly. Persistent rain is common, especially in January & early February.
Lacanau Surf Temperature:
14–18°C (57–64°F)
What To Wear:
A 3/2 mm full wetsuit is needed early on. By late May, conditions may allow for lighter suits or shorter sessions with less gear.
Rainfall:
Expect around 7–10 rainy days per month. Showers still occur, but they’re often short & interspersed with long sunny periods.
Surf Spots Within 5km or 3 Miles From Lacanau
| Lacanau Surf Spots | Distance from Lacanau | Wave Size | Wave Quality | Skill Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Lacanau Océan |
In town centre |
3-8 foot |
Varied beach breaks |
All levels |
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Plage Nord |
Approx. 1km (0.6mi) north |
2-6 foot |
Gentle beach break |
Beginner to intermediate |
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Plage Sud |
Approx. 3km (1.9mi) south |
4-8 foot |
Powerful sandbar breaks |
Intermediate to advanced |
Further Information To Lacanau Surf Spots
Ideal Conditions:
- Tide: Mid tide
- Wind: East
- Swell Direction: West
- Crowd Factor: High
Lacanau Océan is the epicenter of surfing on France’s Atlantic coast. It offers numerous beach break peaks that come to life with a west swell, light easterly wind, and mid tide. Waves range from mellow to punchy depending on the sandbars, which shift frequently but can form long, rippable walls or occasional barrels.
The central beach is popular among all levels of surfers, with surf schools to the south and more powerful breaks to the north. Despite the heavy crowd, the variety of peaks often allows space to move. In summer, it’s bustling and lively, while shoulder seasons bring better swell and more manageable numbers.
Rating: 4/5
Ideal Conditions:
- Tide: All tides
- Wind: East
- Swell Direction: West & northwest
- Crowd Factor: Moderate
Plage Nord is just north of Lacanau’s main beach and offers more raw power and less crowd pressure. On a solid west-northwest swell, mid to low tide, and easterly winds, it produces quick, hollow beach break waves. It’s best suited for intermediate and advanced surfers due to its speed and dumpy closeouts.
Sandbars here shift frequently, but when well-formed, they deliver some of the best waves in the region. While not ideal for beginners, it offers more room to explore and better shape than the crowded central peaks.
Rating: 4/5
Ideal Conditions:
- Tide: All tides
- Wind: East or southeast
- Swell Direction: West
- Crowd Factor: Moderate to high
Plage Sud sits just below Lacanau’s main beach and is often used by surf schools and beginner surfers due to its softer, more manageable waves. With a west swell and east wind during mid tide, it forms slow, rolling waves ideal for learning.
While not as hollow or powerful as Plage Nord, it has reliable sandbanks and consistent peaks. It’s a go-to for relaxed sessions or smaller swells, and while it does get crowded in summer, the mellow energy makes it ideal for progression and longboarding.
Rating: 3.5/5
Travel Time To Lacanau Surf Spots
| Lacanau Surf Spots | Walking Time | Biking Time | Public Transport |
|---|---|---|---|
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Lacanau Océan |
5 min. |
Not required |
Not required |
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Plage Nord |
Approx. 10 min. |
5-10 min. |
10 min.
(Local Bus)
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Plage Sud |
Approx. 20 min. |
10 min. |
10 min.
(Local Bus)
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Lacanau Surf Lessons & Surf Schools
Lacanau surf schools provide excellent instruction in a laid-back Atlantic setting, offering lessons for every level of surfer. Ocean Ride provides top-quality lessons with skilled instructors, ensuring a safe and fun learning experience.
Tengo Frio Surf School stands out for its personalized coaching, helping surfers of all abilities develop their skills in the waves. Pirate Surfing combines expert instruction with a laid-back atmosphere, making it an ideal choice for families and solo surfers alike.
Surf Guide Lacanau offers a comprehensive surf experience, combining lessons and surf camp packages for those looking to immerse themselves in the surf lifestyle. Cheeky Family also provides a unique surf camp experience, blending professional instruction with a fun and social atmosphere for a memorable surf getaway.
Whether you’re just starting out or pushing to the next level, Lacanau surf schools offer the guidance & support to help you improve.
Lacanau Surf Camp
8-Day Lacanau Surf Camp & Yoga Retreat With Cheeky Family
Lacanau surf camp with Cheeky Family is an all-inclusive experience designed for those who want to surf, stretch, and fully unwind. Set on France’s Atlantic coast, this week-long retreat blends daily surf lessons with energising yoga sessions, delicious meals, and a laid-back communal vibe. It’s the ideal way to immerse yourself in surf culture while recharging by the sea.
What’s Included
This 8-day Lacanau surf camp includes 7 nights of accommodation at the Cheeky Family Hostel, complete with vibrant communal areas, outdoor terraces, hammocks, & a fully accessible setup.
You’ll receive 6 surf lessons (each 2 hours long), 3 rejuvenating yoga sessions led by a certified instructor, & full access to all required surf equipment including wetsuits & boards. The food is just as much a part of the experience: enjoy 7 continental breakfasts & 12 freshly prepared meals.
With flexible surf lesson times tailored to ocean conditions & expert local instructors guiding you in the water, you’ll make real progress while enjoying a laid-back beach lifestyle. Find Out More
Discover your ideal surf camp below—compare options across France and around the world!
Lacanau Surfboard Hire
Lacanau surfboard hire options are convenient & well-stocked, giving surfers of all levels access to quality gear right near the beach. From beginner boards to advanced shapes, you’ll find everything you need for a great session.
Ocean Ride offers a range of surfboards for hire, catering to all skill levels and wave conditions. Tengo Frio Surf School provides convenient board rental services, ensuring you have everything you need to hit the water.
Pirate Surfing also offers reliable surfboard rentals, giving you access to quality gear for your Lacanau surf adventure. With a variety of rental shops & an excellent range of boards, Lacanau surfboard hire services make getting in the water easy.
Lacanau Surf Report & Surf Cam
While you’re enjoying your time, staying updated on Lacanau surf conditions is key to making the most of your sessions. Websites like Surf-Forecast and Surfline provide detailed weather and Lacanau surf reports, including swell size, wind direction, and tide times, to help you plan your day.
For those wanting a real-time view of the waves, Surfline offers live surf cameras at many popular breaks. However, access to these cameras requires a paid subscription. Despite the cost, Surfline’s cameras can be a valuable tool for surfers who want to check conditions before heading out. With these resources, you’ll always be in the know about the best times to hit the water.
How To Get To Lacanau Surf
- Bordeaux–Mérignac Airport (BOD) To Lacanau
Distance: 55km (34mi)
To reach Lacanau surf, the most convenient route is to fly into Bordeaux Airport (BOD) & then take a local bus to your destination. Below is a guide with estimated costs & various transportation options to help you choose the best way to get to Lacanau based on your preferences & budget.
Public Transport | Cheapest Option
- Time: 2-2.5 hrs.
- Cost: Approx. $12-20 USD per person
Details:
Take the Lianes 1+ airport shuttle from Bordeaux Airport to Gare Saint-Jean (the main train station). From there, transfer to a TransGironde (Bus 702 or 703) toward Lacanau-Océan. Buses run regularly but can fill up during summer months, so plan accordingly.
Though not the fastest option, this is a reliable and budget-friendly route with scenic views along the way.
Shuttle Service
- Time: 1-1.5 hrs.
- Cost: Approx. $35-$60USD per person
Details:
Private transfer companies based in Bordeaux offer shuttles to Lacanau, often with surf-friendly amenities. Some services are on-demand, while others run scheduled pickups.
Ideal for solo travelers or small groups looking for convenience without the price of a full taxi.
Accommodation In Lacanau
| Accommodation Type | Description | Price Range (EUR)* | Price Range (USD)* |
|---|---|---|---|
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Hostels |
Dormitory-style accommodation |
N/A |
N/A |
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Mid-range Hotels/Serviced Apartments |
Studio apartments, motels, or 1-bedroom units |
€80 to €150 |
$90 to $160 |
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Luxury Stays |
Luxury beachfront resorts or high-end apartments |
€220 to €500+ |
$240 to $540+ |
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*Rates are per night and subject to change. |
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Find Your Perfect Stay
When planning your stay at Lacanau, Tripaneer should be your first stop, offering a seamless booking experience for surf camps and unique local adventures that truly capture the spirit of the coast. Tripaneer’s curated options ensure you start your journey with the best blend of excitement and comfort.
For those interested in a wider array of accommodation, Booking.com presents a range of luxurious beachfront properties and cozy apartments just steps away from the sand, while Hostelworld caters to budget-conscious travellers with its selection of affordable hostels and social surf lodges.
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