An Introduction To Hossegor Surf
- Author | Matt K
- Updated | April 21, 2025
Hossegor surf, on France’s southwest coast, is world-renowned for its powerful waves energetic scene. Bike paths and walkable streets lead to the key breaks, making Hossegor perfect for those wandering about car-free. From heavy barrels to mellow rollers, everything is easily within reach from the town center.
The best wave, Plage de la Gravière, is only a 10-minute walk away and serves heavy, barreling waves that appeal to expert surfers from all corners of the globe. Plage des Estagnots is a chill alternative, offering fun waves for intermediates but not overwhelming.
If you are a beginner or prefer an easygoing atmosphere, Plage de la Sud is a 15-minute walk away and has a mellow, friendly wave that suits everybody.
Become part of Hossegor surf life with surf schools, rental shops, cafés, and markets lining the buzz town streets of Hossegor. Whether charging at La Gravière or cruising Estagnots La Sud, Hossegor is one thrill of an experience that can be enjoyed without the use of cars, blessed by the best waves in Europe.
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Video by On The Gliss, originally published on YouTube.
In This Guide
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Best Time To Surf Hossegor
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Peak Hossegor Surf Season | October to March
Suited For Intermediate & Advanced
Hossegor surf is legendary from October to March, with powerful northwest swells creating some of the best beach breaks in the world. La Gravière, known for its heavy, barreling waves, delivers 4 to 10-foot surf that attracts professionals & experienced surfers from around the globe.
This is the season for fast, hollow waves, strong currents, & shifting sandbanks that challenge even the best riders. While conditions can get intense, Hossegor surf remains incredibly consistent, with plenty of breaks along the coast providing options depending on the swell size.
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Shoulder Hossegor Surf Season | April, May & September
Suited For All Skill Levels
Hossegor surf during April, May & September mellows out, offering fun, rippable waves in the 2 to 5-foot range. While the barrels of peak season are less frequent, the beach breaks still produce quality surf for all levels.
La Nord remains a standout for bigger, slower waves, while La Sud & Central Hossegor provide gentler conditions for intermediates. Hossegor surf in the shoulder season is great for those looking to refine their skills while still enjoying powerful, quality waves.
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Low Hossegor Surf Season | June to August
Suited For Beginners & Intermediate
June to August is the least powerful time for Hossegor surf, with waves mostly in the 1 to 3-foot range. While this isn’t the season for heavy barrels, it’s a perfect time for beginners to learn, with gentle waves & warm water making for ideal conditions.
La Sud is one of the best spots for summer surf, offering consistent, playful waves. While crowds peak in July, early morning sessions still provide a chance to enjoy Hossegor surf without the chaos.
Hossegor Surf Temperature, What To Wear & Rainfall Guide
Hossegor Surf Temperature:
19–22°C (66–72°F)
What To Wear:
A 2 mm spring suit is comfortable for most surfers. On hotter days, boardshorts/bikini may be fine for short sessions, but light neoprene helps with endurance & protection.
Rainfall:
Rain is minimal with about 6–9 rainy days each month. Brief showers are possible, usually in the early morning or overnight.
Hossegor Surf Temperature:
17–21°C (63–71°F)
What To Wear:
A 3/2 mm full wetsuit is best for autumn. September still feels mild, but by late October, full suits are necessary for warmth & comfort.
Rainfall:
Rainfall increases steadily from 8 to 12 rainy days monthly. Short storms & grey days become more common later in the season.
Hossegor Surf Temperature:
12–15°C (54–59°F)
What To Wear:
You’ll want a 4/3 mm wetsuit with boots. Add a hood & gloves on windier or colder mornings for better comfort & longer sessions.
Rainfall:
Expect 11–14 rainy days per month. This is the wettest part of the year, with regular storm systems & sustained periods of rain.
Hossegor Surf Temperature:
14–18°C (57–64°F)
What To Wear:
A 3/2 mm wetsuit works well throughout spring. The water warms gradually, so early spring still calls for full gear, while May begins to feel more forgiving.
Rainfall:
Rainfall decreases to about 7–10 days per month. Conditions become more settled, with increasing sunshine & fewer wet days.
Surf Spots Within 5km or 3 Miles From Hossegor
| Hossegor Surf Spots | Distance from Hossegor | Wave Size | Wave Quality | Skill Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Plage de la Gravière |
Approx. 1km (0.6mi) south |
4-10 foot |
Powerful, barrelling beach break |
Intermediate to advanced |
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Plage des Estagnots |
Approx. 2km (1.2mi) north |
3-6 foot |
Mellow beach break |
Beginner to intermediate |
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Plage de la Sud |
Approx. 1km (0.6mi) south |
3-5 foot |
Gentle beach break |
Beginner to intermediate |
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Plage de la Piste |
Approx. 5km (3.1mi) south |
4-8 foot |
Long rides with powerful breaks |
Intermediate to advanced |
Further Information To Hossegor Surf Spots
Ideal Conditions:
- Tide: Mid to high tide
- Wind: East
- Swell Direction: West or northwest
- Crowd Factor: High
Plage de la Gravière is Hossegor’s most legendary surf spot, home to heavy, barreling beach break waves that break close to shore. On a solid west-northwest swell paired with easterly winds and mid to high tide, it transforms into a hollow tube machine. Waves here are thick, fast, and unforgiving, suited for experienced surfers who can handle heavy drops and shallow sandbanks.
Though the lineup can get very crowded, especially in autumn, the quality of the barrels keeps it a must-surf location. It regularly hosts world-class contests and delivers conditions comparable to heavier reef breaks, minus the reef. When Gravière is on, it’s one of the best beach breaks in Europe.
Rating: 5/5
Ideal Conditions:
- Tide: Mid tide
- Wind: East
- Swell Direction: West & northwest
- Crowd Factor: High
Plage des Estagnots sits at the northern edge of Hossegor and consistently produces excellent peaks over shifting sandbars. It thrives on a west-northwest swell and east wind, with mid tide delivering the cleanest shape. The waves offer hollow lefts and rights that appeal to advanced surfers, but softer sections also provide opportunities for intermediates.
Though often overshadowed by La Gravière, Estagnots is no less powerful and benefits from having several peaks that spread out the crowd. It’s a favorite among local surfers and pros for training sessions and spontaneous tube hunts. Fast and punchy with room to roam, it’s a high-performance beach break with real bite.
Rating: 4.5/5
Ideal Conditions:
- Tide: Mid tide
- Wind: East
- Swell Direction: West
- Crowd Factor: Moderate to high
Plage de la Sud is Hossegor’s mellowest and most accessible surf spot, making it ideal for beginners and longboarders. With a west swell and light easterly winds at mid tide, the beach break forms forgiving peaks and slower rides. It rarely barrels, but that’s part of the charm, perfect for learning or cruising on a longboard.
While it does get crowded with surf schools and novice surfers, the vibe here is friendly and laid-back. Located close to town and well-patrolled, it’s a great introduction to surfing in Hossegor. On smaller swells, it’s the go-to when heavier breaks are too demanding.
Rating: 4/5
Ideal Conditions:
- Tide: Mid to low tide
- Wind: East
- Swell Direction: West or northwest
- Crowd Factor: Moderate
Plage de la Piste, technically located in Capbreton but within walking distance from southern Hossegor, is a versatile beach break that offers everything from fun walls to fast, barreling waves. It works best on a west-northwest swell with east winds and mid to low tide. Less crowded than La Gravière or Estagnots, it’s a favorite for those wanting consistent quality without the elbow-to-elbow vibe.
When the banks align, La Piste offers deep tubes and playful shoulders, making it suitable for experienced surfers and ambitious intermediates. The wave tends to hold size better than other nearby breaks, giving it added versatility.
Rating: 4.5/5
Travel Time To Hossegor Surf Spots
| Hossegor Surf Spots | Walking Time | Biking Time | Public Transport |
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La Gravière |
5-10 min. |
5 min. |
Not required |
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Plage des Estagnots |
Approx. 45 min. |
Approx. 10 min. |
15 min.
(Local Bus)
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Plage de la Sud |
Approx. 15 min. |
5-10 min. |
10 min.
(Local Bus) |
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Plage de la Piste |
Approx. 60 min. |
15 min. |
10 min.
(Local Bus)
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Accommodation In Hossegor
To truly enjoy your visit to France for surfing, start with Trip.com when it comes to accommodation. From high-end resorts to budget-friendly accommodations, they have something for every price range right up against the beach. Early reservation reduces last-minute hassle & gives your energy to sink into surfing.
If you want to really dive into the surf lifestyle in France, Tripaneer offers complete surf camps with brilliant coaching & community-focused experiences. For everybody’s learning and adventure, these retreats offer beginner lessons through very advanced coaching level studies for your ideal Hossegor surf trip.
| 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 |
€90 to €190 |
$100 to $200 |
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Luxury Stays |
Luxury beachfront resorts or high-end apartments |
€250 to €500+ |
$270 to $550+ |
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*Rates are per night and subject to change. |
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Hossegor Surf Lessons & Surf Schools
Hossegor surf schools are among the best in Europe, offering high-level coaching & a variety of lesson options right on some of the continent’s most famous beach breaks. Surf Trip provides professional instruction tailored to all skill levels, helping you build confidence and enjoy the waves.
Surf Adventure offers personalized lessons with expert instructors, ensuring a safe and fun learning experience for beginners and advanced surfers alike. Vive Le Surf combines passionate coaching with a friendly atmosphere, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to improve their skills.
Chipiron Surf School delivers high-quality lessons in a relaxed and supportive environment, perfect for families and individuals. Hossegor Surf Center provides a comprehensive surf education, offering group and private sessions designed to help you progress quickly.
With experienced instructors & programs tailored to every ability, Hossegor surf schools provide the perfect setting to build your skills.
Hossegor Surf Camp
Hossegor does not currently have a surf camp, but just a few minutes away is Capbreton with Le Bon Mot Tours | Language Travel, which offers a beautiful alternative. This amazing experience mixes excellent coaching for surfing with full immersion in learning French. It shares a multidimensional and culturally enriching way to spend time in southwestern France.
In case you’re travelling up or down the coast, make sure you also take a look at Biarritz and Lacanau, both have great surf camp facilities with different flavors and varieties of waves, as well as unique surfing scenes. Click on each town name to learn more about it and find the surf experience that fits your style.
Hossegor Surfboard Hire
Hossegor surfboard hire services are plentiful & well-equipped, offering a wide range of boards suited to the town’s powerful & varied waves.
Surf Trip offers a wide range of surfboards for hire, catering to all skill levels and conditions. Surf Adventure provides reliable board rental services, ensuring you have the right equipment for Hossegor’s dynamic waves.
Chipiron Surf School and Hossegor Surf Center also offer convenient surfboard rentals, giving you easy access to the gear you need for an epic day on the water.
No matter your style or experience level, Hossegor surfboard hire shops make it easy to find the right board. With top-quality gear just steps from the beach, you’ll be ready to paddle out & enjoy one of Europe’s most iconic surf destinations.
Hossegor Surf Report & Surf Cam
Hossegor gets consistent waves, but one must be plugged into the right tools. Surf-Forecast forecasts, while Surfline cam network displays Hossegor surf live. Its premium option gives real-time views that help avoid wasted sessions.
And do not forget your Yesim eSIM or Drimsim eSIM, which gets you online right after landing. No stops, no SIM changes. From tide charts to wave uploads, you’ll have it all down to a couple of taps. Surfing France with this tech stack makes for a smarter & smoother ride.
How To Get To Hossegor Surf
- Biarritz Airport (BIQ) To Hossegor
Distance: 30km (19mi)
Getting to Hossegor surf from Biarritz Airport (BIQ) is quick & straightforward. A taxi or rideshare takes about 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can opt for the bus, which runs frequently & offers a budget-friendly option.
Public Transport
Approx. 2-2.5 hrs.
Details:
Start by taking the Txik Txak bus from the airport to Bayonne. From Bayonne’s main station, switch to a bus run by RDTL or XL’R heading toward Hossegor. Connections are available throughout the day, though services are less frequent on weekends or holidays.
While this route requires patience and some planning, it’s a scenic and cost-effective way to reach Hossegor.
Shuttle Service
Approx. 50-70 mins.
Details:
Pre-booked shuttles are widely available and frequently used by surfers. Services may be direct or include a short stop in Capbreton.
Pre-book your shuttle with HolidayTaxis or Welcome Pickups so you can head straight to the beach once you land. This hassle-free service minimizes waiting times & lets you relax right away.
France Travel Information | 7 Essentials You Need To Know
When you have the essential information sorted out, surfing the Atlantic coastline in France is as chill as the waves. The Euro is the currency used in France, and many ATMs are around. Healthcare is reliable here, and you will find pharmacies everywhere. EU citizens are allowed to use the public healthcare, while the others are advised to travel with insurance.
We’ve put together the 7 essentials you’ll want to know on our France surf page, from safety and connectivity to visa rules.
Travel Insurance For Your Hossegor Surf Trip
It could quickly complicate your plans for surfing in Hossegor to lose surfing gear, get injured, or cancel trips. VisitorsCoverage has comprehensive travel insurance suitable for these and many other emergencies, including evacuation and medical emergencies.
The objective of getting the right insurance is that the trip to surf in France remains uninterrupted even in case of unforeseen events.
Discover Hossegor: What To Do When The Waves Are Flat
When the waves go flat in Hossegor, there’s still plenty to keep you stoked. From cultural outings to coastal adventures, the area offers a wide range of activities beyond the surf. Browse Viator for curated French tours and unforgettable local experiences.
Here are three top recommendations to help you make the most of your downtime in Hossegor.