An Introduction To France Surf
-
By
Matt
- Updated | June 30, 2025
The France surf scene is one of Europe’s most iconic. Powerful Atlantic swell, a historic beach culture, world-class waves, and an elegant coastal charm come together to describe its essence. With its golden beaches, ocean-side pine forests, and waves that range from mellow rollers to thumping shore breaks, France surf is a household name among European locals and visiting surfers from far-off lands.
With consistent swell, deep-rooted surf culture, and accessible coastal towns, Frane surf is something special as you chop up clean beach breaks or chase summer surf camps under pine trees.
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Overview: Where To Surf In France
France’s Atlantic coastline has a multitude of surf towns, each with a distinct flavor. Hossegor ranks top, known for producing some of the heaviest, most perfect beach break barrels in the world, often likened to Pipeline.
A stone’s throw away, Capbreton and Anglet have slightly more forgiving setups, offering fun peaks and a mellowing surf vibe. Biarritz is Europe’s birthplace of surfing, home to mellow waves and a lively mix of French culture and surf lifestyle. Ideal for both beginners and experienced surfers.
With reliable sandbar setups and a summer surf-town vibe, Lacanau remains a long-standing favorite in the Gironde. Further up on the Vendée Coast, Les Sables-d’Olonne, a lesser known gem with mellow waves and a slow pace, ideal for longboarders and surf travelers in search of fewer crowds.
French surfing is very much a seasonal affair, peaking in the fall with the North Atlantic in full swing and the sandbanks just right. Summer, however, is warm, packed with surf festivals, and has a growing surf camp culture mostly in easy going towns.
Best France Surf Towns
Anglet | The Everyday Surf Engine Of The Basque Coast
Anglet surf is one of the most consistent in France, with an entire stretch of beach breaks producing waves all year round. The 4 named spots along the coast offer everything from beginner-friendly rollers to punchy peaks that suit shortboarders and progressive surfers.
Less crowded than nearby Biarritz but just as rich in waves, Anglet is the most reliable surf base, together with local surf schools and cafes, and access to daily swell. For anyone exploring France surf in the southwest, Anglet offers wave quality, variety, and ease. Find Out More
Biarritz | The Historic Heart Of France Surf
Biarritz surf was where it all began in France. This stylish coastline town of the Atlantic is home to breaks Cote des Basques and Grand Plage, which cater to beginners, longboarders, and casual surfers. The waves are more gentle than Hossegor’s but are still consistent during summer and spring.
With its iconic architecture and gourmet food and beaches, this is the best place to blend French culture and surf together. It suits those wanting to manage the line-up and the high-end experience. Find Out More
Capbreton | Gateway To France’s Heavier Beach Breaks
Capbreton surf bridges the mellow and the heavy. It offers a mix of beach breaks that lead straight into Hossegor’s power zone. La Piste is the standout, known for fast, barreling waves that suit bold surfers looking for punch and precision.
The town is more low-key than Hossegor, but with similar surf facilities. It’s a great base for all surfers who want access to world-class waves with slightly fewer crowds. France surf travelers chasing barrels often start or end their run in Capbreton. Find Out More
Hossegor | France’s World-Class Barrel Destination
Hossegor surf is Europe’s most famous beach break. It delivers heavy, hollow waves that break just meters from the shore. La Gravière and La Nord produce thick barrels that attract pro surfers and big-wave specialists during fall and the early winter swells.
This surf town was created for performance. Shops, contests, and amazing local talent define the Hossegor scene. For advanced surfers, this is the must spot in France surf, this is where you’ll catch some of the best beach break barrels on the planet. Find Out More
Lacanau | Consistent Waves On The Gironde Coast
Lacanau surf provides surfable waves for all levels in a pretty consistent stretch of sandbars. The beach breaks offer a mix of peaks that work best on mid-tide and small to medium swells. It’s a popular spot for both surf schools and shortboarders.
Just north of Bordeaux is Lacanau, a get busy, active summer scene with good food, plenty of surf energy, and clean-ocean air. It’s ideal for travelers looking to tap into France surf with access, variety, and mellow surroundings. Find Out More
Les Sables-d’Olonne | The Surfable Gem Of Western France
Les Sables-d’Olonne surf is often overlooked but offers several quality beach breaks that turn on during west and northwest swells. The main town beach works well for beginners, while spots like Tanchet provide steeper peaks for advanced surfers.
This seaside town is better known for sailing, but definitely has a growing surf scene. It’s a good option for those looking to combine light surf travel with coastal exploration in central France. Find Out More
Accommodation In France
Trip.com will make planning your France surf trip easier with accommodation booking options. This wide array includes the high-end resorts & budget hostels that are within minutes of the beach. The sooner you make reservations, the more time you’ll have surfing instead of worrying about where to stay.
Surf camps run by Tripaneer are great for surfers who want to develop their skills in France. Usually, these camps offer coaching, nice accommodation, and a lively community.
| Accommodation Type | Description | Price Range (EUR)* | Price Range (USD)* |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Hostels |
Dormitory-style accommodation |
€40 to €50 |
$45 to $55 |
|
Mid-range Hotels/Serviced Apartments |
Studio apartments, motels, or 1-bedroom units |
€80 to €190 |
$90 to $210 |
|
Luxury Stays |
Luxury beachfront resorts or high-end apartments |
€230 to €460+ |
$260 to $500+ |
|
*Rates are per night and subject to change. |
|||
France Surf Camps
France surf camps are highly developed, appealing to any level from raw beginners to seasoned pros seeking slight performance improvement. Biarritz, featuring boutique surf lodges perched by mellow beach breaks, encapsulates the authentic French surf experience.
Capbreton surf camps represent the perfect balance of technical coaching and easy charm, ideal for surfers who want to progress while relaxing.
Lacanau is another top surf camp destination, especially in summer, offering structured programs, yoga, and social stays just steps from the beach. Most surf camps include lessons, gear, meals, and that all important shared experience, so whether you’re going solo or with a small group, you’ll feel right at home.
Use the Tripaneer search tool below to easily browse more France surf camp options.
France Travel Information | 7 Essentials You Need To Know
Travel Insurance For Your France Surf Trip
Unfortunately, I cannot control the tides, nor travel chaos. While going to France for surf, it’s smart to have an insurance safety net in case anything goes wrong. Insurance helps when sickness hits, boards shatter, or your flight doesn’t show.
Without it, you could spend your surf trip on the phone or in a waiting room. With it, you can shift, adapt, and keep the stoke alive. VisitorsCoverage connects surfers with flexible plans that offer real support when it counts.
Exploring France: The Best Sights & Landmarks To Visit
France is full of remarkable experiences, from coastal charm to cultural treasures. Whether you’re exploring the rugged Atlantic shores or venturing inland, there’s plenty to enjoy throughout the country. Below are our 6 recommendations for you to make the most of your time in France.
For even more, check out GetYourGuide and Viator, offering everything from wine tastings and château tours to scenic bike rides and historical city walks, helping you experience the best of France.
Written by Matt
Surfer for nearly 20 years and an environmental scientist for nine, Matt grew up on the Sunshine Coast in Australia and now calls Melbourne home. He’s all about finding surf towns you can reach without a car and writes simple surf guides to help you do the same.