8. Tanchet, Les Sables-d'Olonne
7. La Grande Plage d'Hendaye
6. Vert-Bois, Oléron
5. La Côte Sauvage de Quiberon
4. Le Lion, Lacanau-Océan
3. La Torche, Plomeur
2. La Nord, Hossegor
1. La Côte des Basques de Biarritz
8. Tanchet, Les Sables-d'Olonne
We kick off this list with Les Sables-d'Olonne, the surfing capital of the Vendée! Specifically, head to Tanchet Beach at the southern tip of the bay. Away from crowds and swimmers, Tanchet is an ideal surf spot for beginners, offering gentle rollers courtesy of the Atlantic. The bay’s shape softens powerful swells—perfect for family surfing, alternating between longboards for adults and bodyboards for kids or newbies.
7. La Grande Plage d'Hendaye
Another great learner’s spot: La Grande Plage d'Hendaye. While the Basque Coast is famed for its waves, its southern end offers a peaceful 3.5km stretch of white sand—the longest beach in the French Basque Country. You’ll love the calm waters and surf activities here, even in peak summer! Hendaye also boasts quirky charm and stunning views, from the Corniche cliffs to the Spanish port of Hondarribia beneath Mount Jaizkibel, which plunges into the Atlantic.
6. Vert-Bois, Oléron
Facing La Rochelle, the Île d'Oléron is known for its laid-back landscapes, salt marshes, and sweeping views of the Rochefort coast. But few realise it hides surf spots locals fiercely protect! Oléron’s strength is its versatility: whether facing the bay or open ocean, you’ll find waves of varying power with the tides—ideal for steady progress during surf lessons. Don’t miss Vert-Bois Beach, where easterly winds create clean breaks offshore.
5. La Côte Sauvage de Quiberon
Fifth place goes to the Quiberon peninsula—hello, Brittany! Its jagged coastline always delivers perfect longboard waves, regardless of tide or wind. At the southern tip, the Côte Sauvage offers consistent, powerful swells (great for all levels) and panoramic views of Quiberon Bay. A dreamy escape for those seeking raw beauty and solitude away from touristy spots: check out our lessons and board rentals!
4. Le Lion, Lacanau-Océan
Next, Gironde—home to endless white sands and technical waves. At the unguarded Le Lion Beach, swimmers are rare, and dunes stretch for miles. Here, you’ll witness the untamed power of the Atlantic, barrelling in relentless sets. Since 1979, Lacanau-Océan has hosted the Caraïbos Lacanau Pro competition, drawing top surfers to its versatile breaks.
3. La Torche, Plomeur
The bronze medal goes to La Torche in southern Finistère. Framing a white-sand bay, it’s Brittany’s hotspot for kitesurfing, bodyboarding, and longboarding. Locals adore La Torche for its reliable waves (beginner-friendly) and heavier sets for pros. The showstopper? A rocky spur jutting into the sea! Plomeur truly offers something for everyone—without sacrificing drama.
2. La Nord, Hossegor
Runner-up is Hossegor, Europe’s surf capital. Right in town, La Nord is the most legendary beach in the southern Landes. A competition hub and home to surfing pioneers, Hossegor also hosts the French Surfing Federation. Its breaks attract top pros—now it’s your turn! Surfing Hossegor means tackling the Bay of Biscay’s raw power, as thrilling as it is humbling.
1. La Côte des Basques de Biarritz
Who better to crown this list than the birthplace of French surfing? Welcome to Biarritz—the “Queen of Beaches” and favoured resort of royalty. This is one of the Basque Country’s must-surf spots! Longboarders, shortboarders, and bodyboarders all gather at Côte des Basques, a narrow strip of sand beneath cliffs that vanish at high tide, leaving you face-to-face with the ocean. Biarritz’s waves are ideal for experienced surfers chasing adrenaline-pumping barrels: come test your skills!
