The Ultimate Basque Country Surf Guide

Dubbed the “French California,” the Basque Country is a region that spans Northern Spain and Southwestern France, teeming with world-class surf destinations and untamed natural beauty. Whether you're chasing heavy, critical barrels or cruising on glassy peelers, this region offers something for every level of surfer.

Waves in the Basque Country

The Basque Country boasts a 125-mile coastline on the Atlantic, where you’ll find surf destinations ranging from beach breaks, point breaks, and reef setups, paired with rolling green hills and rugged coastlines.

While beach breaks like Anglet and Hossegor can offer punchy, short rides, reefs such as Guéthary and Lafitenia produce longer, more powerful waves when the conditions align. October through April is prime time to see these iconic breaks at their full potential, while in the summer, mellow conditions make for good beginner-level sessions.

Basque Country Surf-Culture

Coastal towns along France and Spain are known for welcoming visitors and being relatively friendly in the water, so you should have no trouble surfing alongside locals, as long as you follow surf etiquette and remain respectful!

Popular breaks become tourist-heavy in the summer months, where the waves mellow out and welcome longboarders and beginners.

Iconic surf competitions like the Quicksilver Pro France in Hossegor and the Anglet Pro are key highlights of the surfing calendar.

Gear Needed to Surf

From the heavy barrels of Hossegor to the cruisy longboard waves of Biarritz, the French Basque coast offers something for every style of surfer.

Board choice comes down to personal preference and the day's conditions—whether you’re chasing fast shore breaks or mellow peelers. In summer, water temperatures average around 68°F (20°C), so a 3/2mm wetsuit is usually ideal.

During the region’s mild winters, temps drop to about 55°F (13°C), calling for a warmer 4/3mm or 5/4mm wetsuit to stay comfortable in the lineup.

Top Surf Locations in the French Basque Country

Biarritz (Côte des Basques)

Biarritz is considered the birthplace of European surfing, and this charming town is an unmissable stop when exploring the Basque Country.

The variety of waves caters to both shortboarders and longboarders alike. Côte des Basques is known for its consistent, soft-breaking waves, making it super beginner- and longboard-friendly.

La Grande Plage offers more powerful waves that can hollow out and form clean barrels when conditions line up. Le Miramar, a reef break suited for more advanced surfers, produces steep and fast waves that work best during mid-to-high tide.

When the waves are flat, stroll Biarritz’s beachside walking trails, enjoy a five-star meal, or shop the town’s many boutiques and surf shacks.

Hendaye

If you're a first-time surfer looking to receive a lesson from the friendly locals, Hendaye is a quaint surf village that is known as the best place in France to learn how to surf.

Its mellow crumbling waves make learning to surf easy, and there is no shortage of surf rentals and lessons available on the coast. Definitely stop here for a relaxing surf session.

Anglet

Anglet borders Biarritz to the north, offering a variety of surf breaks that cater to all levels. For a fun, mellow wave, La Marinella and Cavaliers Beach are vibrant spots, perfect for beginners and intermediate surfers.

If you’re after a more thrilling ride, with steeper and faster waves, head to Plage du Club de Surf or Plage de la Madrague—both spots require more experience. For a slightly more relaxed vibe but still with plenty of excitement, Chambre d’Amour Beach offers gentler waves that require commitment and skill.

This beach becomes even more lively each summer, as it serves as a stop on the WSL Qualifying Series, drawing talented surfers from around the world.

Hossegor (Nearby, Landes Region)

Next on our tour of Basque Country’s best surfing is Hossegor—an iconic surf town known for its critical, hollow barrels and timeless beachside charm. Whether you're chasing mellow or menacing waves, Hossegor delivers.

La Sud, sheltered by the harbor, offers more forgiving, relaxed conditions ideal for newer surfers. For those seeking speed and adrenaline, La Piste serves up fast, punchy rides. And then there’s La Gravière—a world-class break often compared to Hawaii’s Pipeline, drawing elite surfers from around the globe.

With a diverse range of breaks packed into one stretch of coast, Hossegor has a wave for every kind of surfer.

What To Do in the Basque Country When the Waves Are Flat

Basque Country’s waves are just the start of the region’s allure. With a culture deeply rooted in the land and sea, visitors can indulge in the foods of the Basque region, featuring fresh seafood, pintxos (Basque tapas), and local wines.

Locals embrace a lifestyle shaped by tradition, community, and a deep respect for nature.

Take a walk down the winding coastal paths of Biarritz, explore the lively markets in towns like Saint-Jean-de-Luz, or tour the historic Old Quarters filled with artisan shops and cafés. Hike the green hills that frame the coastline, visit a cider house in the countryside, or unwind in a seaside spa. When the waves are flat, Basque Country still delivers endless charm and adventure.

Conclusion: Surfing the French Basque Country

The next time you’re itching for a European getaway or need to score a sick barrel to deem it a good vacation, Basque Country offers world-class surfing that is sure to appease all levels.