The 20 best surf spots in France

Are you a surfer and look for a spot where to tame the waves? Here are the best surf spots in France where to practice all year!

France is the world's second maritime space after the United States. In the metropolis, surfers have an extensive coastline of 5,853 kilometres to indulge in their passion. With its sandy or rocky coasts and pleasant climate, France is an ideal destination for surfing. Whether in the Aquitaine region, Brittany or the Mediterranean, there are great surf spots where you can climb to the top of the waves. Of course, the swell is sufficient. With free and free access to French beaches, surfing in France is a guarantee of freedom. In addition, many regions of the Hexagon have a rocky, torn coastline, allowing to take full view of it.

Are you looking for where to surf in France? Follow the guide to find the best surf spots in our country!

New Aquitaine

The Nouvelle-Aquitaine region probably focuses more than 90% of the surf spots in France. The Atlantic coast offers excellent tubes in which to bury, at all levels.

1. Cape Ferret

Located north of the Arcachon basin (Gironde), Cap Ferret offers 25 kilometers of coast and sandy beaches. These are all places to come with his board. The peninsula of Cap Ferret offers its best waves along the Côte d’Argent. Get up the dunes and look for the best sandbank. The Grand Crohot spot is the best known and most frequented of Bordeaux. Looking for other less crowded spots? The Green Truc in summer and the beach of the Horizon in winter are as many places to surf all year round. Be careful, because the current can be important and the crowd large.

2. Hossegor

Located in the Landes, Hossegor is one of the most iconic surf spots in France. There are the biggest stars on the board. The beaches of the North and the Gravière host international competitions. Impressive waves go up there, making this spot a place for surfers.

3. Lacanau-Océan

World-renowned beaches in Lacanau offer several surf spots with changing waves. La Barrière, le Lion, Jah Point, L’Écureuil, la Sud, la Centrale, la Nord, l’Alexandre. These spots can also be very crowded: look for another peak nearby if there are already 4 or 5 surfers on the water.

4. Anglet

On the beaches of Anglet, there are 11 spots along a band of 4.5 kilometres of sand. In the Basque country, surfing is similar to an institution: you love surfing to appreciate the natural beauty of the ocean. The best known is the Petite Chambre d’Amour. The spots at all levels are Marinella, Petite Madrague, the Ocean. On the other hand, intermediaries and confirmations will instead aim at the Club, the Golden Sands, the Corsaries, the Dunes, the Horsemen or the Barre.

5. Guéthary

Along the Basque coast, between Biarritz and Saint-Jean-de-Luz, Guéthary Beach is an iconic surf spot. This is where we will find the biggest waves in France! Many surfers come there, especially during the great winter swells. This is a spot reserved for experienced level surfers. For the wave, powerful, often crashes on a rocky reef.

6. The Basque Coast

Located close to downtown Biarritz , this mythical place is among the unmissable surf spots of France. Surf bucket, Biarritz is wet by affordable waves at all levels. It is one of the most famous beaches on the French Basque coast. She therefore promises to be hyper-fréquentée all year round.

7. The Estagnots

Located on the town of Seignosse, the spot of Estagnots is among the must-sees of the southern Atlantic coast. The Estagnots spot offers tubular waves – barrels, in the jargon – among the longest of the Atlantic coast. Surfers like to get in there. Waves can reach 3 meters. So we don't recommend to beginners.

8. Oléron

L’ island of Oleron , in Charente-Maritime offers several beautiful surf spots. Among these are Vert-Bois, which is an ideal beach to start surfing. In the north of the island, the Huttes, Chassiron and Boulassiers will instead fill the intermediaries and confirmed. In Chassiron for example, you must surf at low tide and walk on the rocks. The current can be important.

La Bretagne

9. The Torch

The upper part of surfing in Brittany, La Torche (Finistère) offers superb waves. This spot stretches on a long sandy beach, with endless waves. The swell is very present. Careful, the current can be important, take good care of the bayons. The site can also be very popular. Stand down on the other side of the tip in case of high affluence.

10. La Mauvaise Grève

Are you looking for a technical surfing spot rich in sensations? La Mauvaise Grève, located in Moguérec on the town of Sibiril, is reserved for intermediaries and confirmed. The waves fade and break on the sand at low tide: it is said to be a beach break . This will satisfy the beginners. But at high tide, the beach is back to the confirmed. At that time, the waves crash on the rocks ( reef break ), which is much more dangerous.

11. The Blanc-Sablons

This surf spot in Conquet (Finistère) is accessible to all. It’s a beach break pleasant where to surf with beautiful waves thanks to the north/north-west swell. The best period is between autumn and spring. Beware of the same: there are rocks hidden in the background in places.

12. Lostmarc’h

Cap on the peninsula of Crozon to find this surf spot. In Morgat, the Lostmarc’h spot is one of the most beautiful in Brittany. The waves sometimes rise up to 3.50 metres high. With a strong swell and strong wind, surfers will be filled. The site is unfortunately very popular in summer.

13. Perros-Guirec

Among the best surf spots in France, we find that of Perros-Guirec. Accessible to all in principle, however, beginners will need to be more cautious. Because currents can be important. At a rising tide, you can gently train with beautiful waves from autumn to spring.

14. The Baie des Trépassés

In Lescoff, on Pointe du Raz (Finistère), the Baie des Trépassés is one of the best surf spots in France. Large rollers die on the sand constantly. The best conditions are met from autumn to spring, by north/north-west wind. This spot is used to intermediaries and confirmed.

La Normandie

Often unknown to the public, the Norman coast offers very beautiful surf sites in France. Strong coefficients of tides, strong swell, large dunes, make the ingredients of a successful surf output.

15. Collignon

The beach of Collignon, in the northeast of Tourlaville (Manche), is ideal for learning surfing. The water plan is calm thanks to the dike, which allows you to rub yourself with low-sized waves. This spot does not fail to attract the beginner residents of Cherbourg.

16. Hatainville

In the north of Barneville-Carteret (Manche), there is a large sandy beach with dunes, typical of the Cotentin. This surf spot would gain to be better known: at dusk, sleeping the sea will make you full of sight. According to tides, waves are more or less powerful, but be careful, the current can be strong.

17. Langrune-sur-Mer

The beach of Langrune-sur-Mer, north of Caen (Calvados), is one of the best surf spots in Normandy. By northeast wind and down tide, waves rise off for your great pleasure. The site is unfamiliar and yet, we still have a foot even 500 metres from the shore.

The Mediterranean coast

On the other side of France, the Mediterranean is renowned for being a sea of oil heated by the sun. Yet, by strong wind, it can be tumultuous. Starting, the beaches become dreamy spots where surfing.

18. Palavas-les-Flots

Close by Montpellier (Hérault), le beach break Palavas-les-Flots is one of the best surf spots in the Mediterranean. The Gulf of Lion brings quality waves, especially in spring and autumn. The beach of the Roquilles, between Palavas and Carnon, is a must.

19. Six-Fours-les-Plages

The beach Bonnegrâce de Six-Fours is an excellent spot where to surf. Especially when the Mistral decides to strike the Var coast. It is a sand band of one kilometre long, with easy waves. Unfortunately, she's very busy.

20. Marseille

And yes! We can surf in the Phocean City, the southern capital! Beginners will be combined, at the Prado beach or at the Red Point during the days of Mistral. At the beach of Verrerie, the waves can reach up to 1.50 meters. Who would have thought that the second city of France also offered its charms to surfers?