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Top surfing locations in France

Prepare to ride incredible waves along the French coastline. Explore the top surfing locations in our guide, from Normandy to Corsica.  

Top Surfing Locations in France blog

Discover France’s vibrant surfing culture 

Surfing is an exhilarating activity, whether you’re a professional or just getting started. France is blessed with open beaches attracting Atlantic waves and slower Mediterranean currents, making it a haven for surfing enthusiasts.  

Catch incredible waves along the Silver Coast in the Aquitaine region, or enjoy Corsica’s relaxing atmosphere. Explore our guide to learn everything you need to know about surfing in France, including the best locations and what to pack. 

Top Surfing Locations in France blog

When to go surfing in France 

Autumn is the best time to go surfing in France, between September and October. You can enjoy the warm weather and take advantage of the first winter waves. Spring is ideal, too, as temperatures are still high and the beaches are less crowded than in the summer. 

When to go surfing in France also depends on the waves you’re looking for. There are three types: 

  • Beach breaks – These waves break on a sandy seabed and are perfect for beginners, as you don’t need to paddle a long way before riding them.  

  • Point breaks – These wrap around a point or a headland before running along the coastline. They’re usually long and suitable for experienced surfers. 

  • Reef breaks – These waves break over an area of coral or rocky reef. They’re long and involve a lot of paddling before you can ride them, making them more suitable for professionals.  

Three surfers paddling out

1. Normandy 

Travelling to Normandy? Explore breathtaking natural scenery and historic sites before riding the waves.  

Étretat, Seine-Maritime 

Type: Reef break  Wind direction: South  Experience level: Advanced 

Normandy’s crowning jewel is a popular surf spot. Suitable for experienced surfers, Étretat promises incredible waves.  

Yport, Seine-Maritime 

Type: Point break  Wind direction: Southwest  Experience level: All 

Yport boasts spectacular westerly waves for expert surfers. It’s protected by a huge white limestone cliff, providing the ideal backdrop for adrenaline seekers. The beach has many colourful huts and fishing boats, adding extra charm to this picturesque setting.  

Trouville-sur-Mer, Calvados 

Type: Beach break  Wind direction: South  Experience level: All 

One of Normandy’s most charming spots, Trouville-sur-Mer has many sandbanks on which the waves break. These make it suitable for all experience levels and paddle enthusiasts. If you’re new to surfing, you can attend classes at the local surf school. 

Beach at Yport

2. Brittany 

Home to stunning architecture and natural wonders, Brittany provides the perfect backdrop for experienced and beginner surfers.  

La Torche, Finistère 

Type: Beach break  Wind direction: East  Experience level: All 

The rocky promontory of La Torche is a hotspot among surfers, thanks to its strong wind. The waves are usually flat and frothy, making them ideal for beginners and funboard enthusiasts. You’re guaranteed great fun year-round, whatever the tide.

Pointe de Dinan, Finistère 

Type: Point break  Wind direction: Northwest  Experience level: Intermediate-advanced 

Offering a unique outlook over the sands of Anse de Dinan, the Pointe de Dinan is another popular spot among expert surfers. This exposed reef and point break provides great waves, especially during spring. It’s surfable at all stages of the tide. 

Guidel, Morbihan 

Type: Beach break  Wind direction: Northwest  Experience level: All 

Known as the Ville de Surf (Surf City) among locals, Guidel spans over 15 km. This spot is perfect for all experience levels, with Loc’h Beach popular among beginners and Kaolins Beach a fan-favourite among professionals. The latter promises three-metre-high waves with thrilling tube plunges. 

White sand beach in Brittany

3. The Côte d’Argent (Silver Coast) 

Overlooking the Atlantic, the Côte d’Argent has some of France’s biggest waves and dunes. It hosts two internationally renowned surfing competitions, the Quiksilver Pro France and the Lacanau Pro.   

Lacanau, Gironde 

Type: Beach break  Wind direction: East  Experience level: All 

Boasting a unique surfing culture since 1979, Lacanau spans over nine miles, providing plenty of space for all experience levels. The consistent waves and wind promise fun in abundance all along the coast, with the best rides near Bordeaux. Head to La Plage Centrale or La Norde for strong and punchy breaks.  

Hossegor, Nouvelle-Aquitaine 

Type: Beach break  Wind direction: East  Experience level: All 

Hossegor promises waves for all abilities. They measure up to 5 metres, gaining power from an offshore submarine canyon. Les Culs Nus and La Sud are beginner-friendly beaches, while La Nord offers challenging waves for expert surfers. 

Soulac-sur-Mer, Gironde 

Type: Beach break  Wind direction: East  Experience level: All 

At the top of the Côte d’Argent and surrounded by the expansive Médoc vineyards, Soulac-sur-Mer is a firm favourite among surfers. Secluded and unspoilt, it’s the ideal spot to perfect your surfing skills or learn how to master incredible tubes. 

Beach with houses overlooking the sea

4. The Basque Coast 

Straddling Spain and France, the Basque Coast boasts glorious stretches of coastline and countryside. Whether you’re ready to put your surfing skills to the test or want to relax in an idyllic setting, this part of France won’t disappoint.  

Anglet, Pyrénées-Atlantiques 

Type: Beach break  Wind direction: East  Experience level: All 

With its 11 Atlantic beaches, Anglet deserves a special mention. Located next door to Biarritz, this area has some of France’s most beautiful beaches, including Les Cavaliers and La Marinella. The former is famous for its exposure to the wind, which creates incredible tubular waves, while the latter is best for beginners and families.  

Biarritz, Pyrénées-Atlantiques 

Type: Beach break  Wind direction: West  Experience level: All  

One of France’s most popular holiday resorts, Biarritz is a haven for surfing enthusiasts. Experienced riders will enjoy the challenging waves at La Grand Plage, overlooking the casino and the Hotel du Palais. If you’re a beginner, head to La Côte des Basques for low tides and easy waves.  

Bidart, Pyrénées-Atlantiques 

Type: Beach break  Wind direction: West  Experience level: All 

Located to the south of Biarritz, Bidart is a picturesque village with a vibrant surfing culture. The 100 Marches Beach is a favourite among beginners thanks to its moderate waves and wind. It’s easily accessible at low and high tide, meaning fun is guaranteed all year round.  

Hills rolling into a beach, France

5. Corsica 

If you’re looking for sandy beaches, turquoise waters and unspoilt swathes of countryside, it doesn’t get much better than Corsica. This French pearl is a surfer’s paradise, with regular winds throughout winter and spring.  

Algajola 

Type: Beach break  Wind direction: Southwest  Experience level: All 

Algajola is the island’s longest wave spot, offering reliable surfing conditions. This beautiful location in the north of Corsica is surrounded by spectacular natural scenery and receives offshore winds from the southwest.  

L’Ostriconi 

Type: Beach break  Wind direction: Southwest  Experience level: All 

L’Ostriconi is located in the north of the island and is another fan favourite. Experienced and beginner surfers can enjoy plenty of short-period ocean waves, the so-called wind swells, cruising over with the Mistral wind. 

Ruppione 

Type: Beach break  Wind direction: East  Experience level: Intermediate-advanced 

This southwestern corner of heaven is the go-to place for expert surfers. The south offers the most reliable conditions, while the north has a dash of underwater reef. Ruppione is home to the island’s best surfing school, Surfing Corsica. 

Rocky landscape and beach, Corsica

Surfing essentials 

Whether you’re an experienced surfer or are just learning to master the waves, your holiday must-haves include the following: 

  • A soft-top surfboard 

  • Leashes and leg ropes 

  • Wax and traction pads 

  • Fins 

  • A wetsuit or rashguard 

  • A towel 

  • High-quality sunscreen 

  • Sunglasses 

Surfer rubbing wax on surfboard

Travelling to France from the UK

Ready for your surfing adventure? Hop aboard our ferries to France and enjoy first-class facilities.  

Our Newhaven to Dieppe, Dover to Calais, and Dover to Dunkirk routes will get you to France quickly and comfortably. Enjoy duty free shopping, fantastic food on board and entertainment for kids. When you sail on board our ferries, you can take your vehicle, pet and as much luggage as you wish. 

If you’re planning a road trip along the French coastline, learn more about the local driving rules in our handy guide. Find the answers to commonly asked questions on our FAQ page