Managed to wrangle some time off work or study and want to book a surf holiday in France?
Bonne idée!
With heaps of different surf zones, waves for all surfing skills AND unbelievable food and wine (duh!), a surf holiday in France is always a good move.
But should you opt for the charmingly pockmarked coastline of Brittany? Or do you prefer the world-class beachbreaks in the southwest? Because there's more to surfing France than just Biarritz and Hossegor (even though the latter is absolutely tops).
With that in mind, here's a surf guide for France focusing on the best spots for beginners. Don’t forget to check out our beginner surfing tips before you go!
The different surf zones in France - a snapshot
France is blessed with a massive amount of coastline facing the swell-rich Atlantic Ocean. In fact, if you drew a line from the top of Brittany to the French/Spanish border, it would be roughly 900 kilometres as the crow flies.
This doesn't take into account all the headlands, peninsulas and coves in between (or the Mediterranean Sea coast), so the amount of shreddable coastline is actually much higher. There's also a bunch of different types of waves, from pointbreaks and rivermouths to beachbreaks and beyond - perfect if you're keen on catching your first waves!
As for the weather, it varies greatly between the north and south, with the north being much colder in terms of air and water temps in comparison to the south. The surf conditions can also be much wilder. This means you'll need a thicker wetsuit if you plan on surfing in the north. You might even want to consider booties, a hood or gloves in your going in late autumn or winter (read all about wetsuit sizing here)!
Of course, most of the surfing world focuses on our area of Hossegor/Seignosse (and for good reason). From the best surfers in France to wave-hungry international surfers and local rippers, in just a few minutes you can find a number of famous waves.
But the truth is that you can find a variety of different surf spots up and down the coast with the perfect mix of waves for your surfing holidays. Below are the three main surf zones in France for beginners.
North - Brittany
Central - The Coast of Light (Cote de Lumiere)
South - The Silver Coast (Côte d'Argent)
Brittany
If there was an award for the most complex and picturesque coastline in France, Brittany would be the reigning champ.
With a northern, western and southern Atlantic coast, it catches plenty of swell. This means you can almost always find somewhere where it's blowing offshore. From beach breaks to camping grounds and even the odd gold course, it's got everything necessary for epic surfing holidays.
There's even some pretty awesome night life!
Baie des Trépassés
In the north of Brittany and sitting on one of France's most western points is the Baie des Trépassés. Located in the Finistère region, it's one of the coldest places you can surf in the country, so make sure you pack a decent wetsuit when the colder months roll around.
Like other beach breaks in the area, it can be fun, rippable or one giant closeout. The difference between the other spots and this break though is that you'll be laughing all the way to the boulangerie post-session if you catch Baie des Trépassés with an offshore breeze and a decent NNW swell - it really can get epic.
La Torche
As you'll soon discover, the stretch between Quimper and Quiberon is particularly good, with La Torche (approx. 1 hour south of Baie des Trépassés) being the most well-known surf spot.
It's an expansive west-facing beach that has many moods. It could be waist-high and cruisy or double overhead and treacherous. As a beginner, you'll probably lean towards the former, but don't be afraid to book a session with a local surf school if you want to test your skills.
Surfing lessons are always a good idea when you're just starting out. You can then experience the best surf beaches in Brittany with the confidence of a seasoned surf pro!
The Coast of Light (Cote de Lumiere)
The Coast of Light runs from La Rochelle down along the Vendée department. And while it's not as well known as Brittany or other surf zones to the south, it's an untapped gem with lots of other surf camps, surf schools and surf beaches.
It's also generally less crowded than surf zones to the north and south. And it's possible to find amazing waves for your surf level on beautiful kilometre-long beaches. In our modest opinion, it's one of the most understated surfing locations in France and an incredible place for surf holidays (especially if you’re a longboarder).
La Sauzaie
With playful rocky reefs (very rare in France) and charming little beach break waves, La Sauzaie is the place to go if you want to hone your surf skills.
It's a great surf beach for beginners, with waist-high waves and sandbanks. Plus, the fact that it's played host to myriad different world tour-level surf competitions gives credence to its claim as the best surf holiday spot in the Coast of Light area.
La Côte Sauvage
Located practically in between La Palmyre and Tremblade, this impressive stretch of coast boasts more than a few waves all year round.
Beachbreaks are of course the predominant type of break, but you might be surprised to learn there are a couple of semi-secret rock reef setups too. As a beginner, you'll be stoked to discover that the waves are relatively crowd-free and that you can easily find surf instructors to show you the ropes
The Silver Coast (Côte d'Argent)
Ahhh... The Silver Coast!
We call it home, you'll probably call it the best learn-to-surf zone in all of France. Of course, we'll let you be the judge, but there's a reason why so many people take their annual surf trips here.
You've got Lacanau, Mimizan and Hossegor to name a few popular surf spots. But the waves themselves are just the beginning. You won't find better nightlife or surf vibes anywhere else in the country. There are surf classes, yoga sessions and a relaxing atmosphere. And if surf vacations in France are what you're after, the south west is the place to be!
Lacanau
People have been flocking to Lacanau for waves since the 70s. As such, it's got a reputation as being a surf mecca for both visitors and locals alike.
Like the next few surf spots in France, Lacanau is a town built around surfing. Plage Centrale is the main surf spot with a variety of surf options for all levels. Beginners will find plenty of whitewater to practice on, but there's also Plage Nord. The further south you go, the trickier it can be to find a wave. As for sourcing surfboard rentals and surf lessons in Lacanau, there are plenty of surf schools to choose from.
Mimizan
The next best place for your surf holiday in France? Mimizan! This bohemian surf village is perfect for beginners who are just starting out.
With its long, sandy beach and plenty of surf options, it's the ideal place to learn how to surf. You can find easy peelers breaking in crystal clear water during summer or more challenging surf in the spring and autumn months. And while it's getting busier and busier every year, it's still possible to find an empty peak for you and your surf buddies... so long as you're willing to do a bit of beach walking!
Hossegor/Seignosse
If you're wondering where our favourite surf holiday destination in France is, you needn't wonder for too long.
The Hossegor/Seignosse surf scene is definitely where it's at! The nightlife here is worth the trip alone, but the fact that it feels like the epicentre of French surfing while also being incredibly beautiful and surprisingly peaceful is what really makes it so special.
The surf here is great for beginners, with consistent waves and surf houses like ours to help you on your way. The water is warm enough to surf in during the summer months and you're only ever a short walk or pedal from the beach. Let's not forget the amazing surf beaches of Hossegor and Seignosse, both of which offer surfers the perfect waves for a surf holiday in France.
Whether it's our local break of Les Estagnots, the mellow beach break of La Sud or the legendary surf spot of La Gravière, you'll find something for everyone in this surf paradise.
Biarritz
The last beginner surf spot on this list when it comes to surf holidays in France is Biarritz. What can we say about this surf city?
It's the birthplace of surfing in France and one of its most glamorous beachside cities. Most of all though, it's no slouch in the wave department. You've got La Côte des Basques, Les Cavaliers and plenty more surf spots both beyond and in between. There's also the legendary Grande Plage, where you can surf in front of beautiful old buildings and get a taste of old-school surf culture in France.
So that's it! If you're thinking about booking a surf vacation in France, it's important to know where to go.
From Brittany to Biarritz, you'll find surf spots for every skill level and plenty of surf vibes to keep your surf holiday in France an unforgettable one.
In saying that, we really believe that Hossegor is the best surf destination in France. And while we may be somewhat biased, the thousands of happy beginner surfers who have passed through our doors can't be wrong!
Why not come see for yourself? :)