France is not necessarily the first place one might think of if interested in surfing. However, if you've been dreaming of a vacation in France but also want to catch some waves during your holiday downtime then there are some great coastal destinations and beautiful seaside towns that are ideal for days in the surf while also enjoying the natural beauty, rich culture, delicious food, great wine, and more that France has on offer...
Biarritz
Biarritz is, of course, the most famous and beloved surfing destination in France. Located in the beautiful Basque Region, Biarritz is Europe's historic surfing capital. It is a wonderful upscale seaside city that was favoured by Napoleon III, Hemingway, Chanel, and Sinatra, that today hosts countless surf events and festivals throughout the year, including the Roxy Pro in July and the Quiksilver Maider Arosteguy in April, and is home to a variety of excellent surf spots and beaches along the coast. While the city itself boasts famously good restaurants and bars and is full of listed belle époque and art deco architectural gems, amazing food markets, excellent golfing, and chic boutiques, the surf attracts a consistent crowd throughout the whole year. Beginners and those looking to sprinkle a bit of surfing into a fun sun holiday can visit during the summer and more serious surfers can plan trips during the less busy months of spring and autumn. The beach of La Côte des Basques is one of the best beginner and intermediate beaches and good place to learn while south of Biarritz, in Guéthary, more seasoned surfers will find challenging reef breaks and in Belharra you'll find France's big wave spot with some absolute monsters rolling in. Ideal for beginners to pros, casual fans to addicts, just browse our vacation rentals in Biarritz and get planning a trip to this famously beloved French surfing destination.
Biarritz is, of course, the most famous and beloved surfing destination in France. Located in the beautiful Basque Region, Biarritz is Europe's historic surfing capital. It is a wonderful upscale seaside city that was favoured by Napoleon III, Hemingway, Chanel, and Sinatra, that today hosts countless surf events and festivals throughout the year, including the Roxy Pro in July and the Quiksilver Maider Arosteguy in April, and is home to a variety of excellent surf spots and beaches along the coast. While the city itself boasts famously good restaurants and bars and is full of listed belle époque and art deco architectural gems, amazing food markets, excellent golfing, and chic boutiques, the surf attracts a consistent crowd throughout the whole year. Beginners and those looking to sprinkle a bit of surfing into a fun sun holiday can visit during the summer and more serious surfers can plan trips during the less busy months of spring and autumn. The beach of La Côte des Basques is one of the best beginner and intermediate beaches and good place to learn while south of Biarritz, in Guéthary, more seasoned surfers will find challenging reef breaks and in Belharra you'll find France's big wave spot with some absolute monsters rolling in. Ideal for beginners to pros, casual fans to addicts, just browse our vacation rentals in Biarritz and get planning a trip to this famously beloved French surfing destination.
Brittany
The dramatically gorgeous and craggy coast of Brittany is not just a perfectly picturesque place to take in bracing sea breezes and stunning scenery, it is also another great surfing destination in France. Jutting right into the Atlantic, this area boasts some seriously big and exciting ocean swells. If you have found a holiday rental in Brittany and are planning on spending time in the region, there are lots of different surf spots to choose from and, in fact, serious surfing-enthusiasts could readily go on a tour of the region's best surfing destinations. The stretch of coast from Quimper to Quiberon, in particular, boasts the best beaches for surfing in Brittany, long sandy stretches that never get as crowded as those popular spots around Biarritz. La Torche is the most beloved beach for surfers in the area and is one of those vast sandy beaches, around which a cute little village of restaurants and surf shops has grown. Do note, however, that this is an example that can become very busy in summer so you will have to plan trips early in the day or off-season if you're aiming to avoid crowds. If you are planning a summer trip to the area but want to surf whenever and with more space, head to the less well-known Plage du Kérou, which is so huge that it never gets overly busy. Experienced surfers, meanwhile, should head to the beautifully wild Port Blanc, where craggy cliffs surround, a weathered stone arch sits picturesquely against the prettiest sunsets you've ever seen, and excellent waves are common through September and October.
The dramatically gorgeous and craggy coast of Brittany is not just a perfectly picturesque place to take in bracing sea breezes and stunning scenery, it is also another great surfing destination in France. Jutting right into the Atlantic, this area boasts some seriously big and exciting ocean swells. If you have found a holiday rental in Brittany and are planning on spending time in the region, there are lots of different surf spots to choose from and, in fact, serious surfing-enthusiasts could readily go on a tour of the region's best surfing destinations. The stretch of coast from Quimper to Quiberon, in particular, boasts the best beaches for surfing in Brittany, long sandy stretches that never get as crowded as those popular spots around Biarritz. La Torche is the most beloved beach for surfers in the area and is one of those vast sandy beaches, around which a cute little village of restaurants and surf shops has grown. Do note, however, that this is an example that can become very busy in summer so you will have to plan trips early in the day or off-season if you're aiming to avoid crowds. If you are planning a summer trip to the area but want to surf whenever and with more space, head to the less well-known Plage du Kérou, which is so huge that it never gets overly busy. Experienced surfers, meanwhile, should head to the beautifully wild Port Blanc, where craggy cliffs surround, a weathered stone arch sits picturesquely against the prettiest sunsets you've ever seen, and excellent waves are common through September and October.
Normandy
Picture the striking beauty of chalky white cliffs and stunning rock formations in the truly magical beauty that is the north of France and come browse our vacation rentals in Normandy. The beaches of Normandy face north, rather than onto the Atlantic and, as such, are in need of big West swell and wind swells to get some good waves going. However, there are lots of pretty dependable surfing spots in this stunning region that is so steeped in natural beauty, history, and culture including at Etretat, Cap Gris-Nez, and Vacotte. Beginners, meanwhile, can head to Hatainville for more suitably calm surfing conditions.
Picture the striking beauty of chalky white cliffs and stunning rock formations in the truly magical beauty that is the north of France and come browse our vacation rentals in Normandy. The beaches of Normandy face north, rather than onto the Atlantic and, as such, are in need of big West swell and wind swells to get some good waves going. However, there are lots of pretty dependable surfing spots in this stunning region that is so steeped in natural beauty, history, and culture including at Etretat, Cap Gris-Nez, and Vacotte. Beginners, meanwhile, can head to Hatainville for more suitably calm surfing conditions.
Capbreton
Another of France's most beloved surfing destinations, frequented by world champions, stars, and enthusiasts alike in the surfing community, Capbreton offers decent waves all year round. However, the majority of surfers would most likely recommend visits in September, October, and November for the most consistent swell, smaller crowds, and water that remains relatively warm. Those looking for even warmer water and weather may prefer to come in May and June and beginners should aim for July and August when all the surf schools are fully operational and the waves are friendlier than other times of the year. December to March brings big, barrelling waves and require strong paddling arms. With sandy golden beaches, the Pyrenees as a backdrop, and hot summers, this is a particularly picturesque stretch of coast and there are lots of great beaches to choose from including the famous and challenging La Piste, the consistent and globally-recognised Anglet, the atmospheric Santocha with its backdrop of WWII bunkers and rocky shore (be careful coming in!), and Le Miramar. Have a look at our holiday rentals in Capbreton and come explore these favourites among experts in the know for yourself.
So, whether you're just starting out or you're an expert, you're interested in spending every waking hour in the surf or you want to sprinkle some surfing into your trip, a vacation in France is perfect for a surfing trip!
Another of France's most beloved surfing destinations, frequented by world champions, stars, and enthusiasts alike in the surfing community, Capbreton offers decent waves all year round. However, the majority of surfers would most likely recommend visits in September, October, and November for the most consistent swell, smaller crowds, and water that remains relatively warm. Those looking for even warmer water and weather may prefer to come in May and June and beginners should aim for July and August when all the surf schools are fully operational and the waves are friendlier than other times of the year. December to March brings big, barrelling waves and require strong paddling arms. With sandy golden beaches, the Pyrenees as a backdrop, and hot summers, this is a particularly picturesque stretch of coast and there are lots of great beaches to choose from including the famous and challenging La Piste, the consistent and globally-recognised Anglet, the atmospheric Santocha with its backdrop of WWII bunkers and rocky shore (be careful coming in!), and Le Miramar. Have a look at our holiday rentals in Capbreton and come explore these favourites among experts in the know for yourself.
So, whether you're just starting out or you're an expert, you're interested in spending every waking hour in the surf or you want to sprinkle some surfing into your trip, a vacation in France is perfect for a surfing trip!
