7 days in the most beautiful surf spots of the Landes

For many people, surfing represents a true way of life with codes, values, and essential practice spots. While the more popular spots are found in Hawaii, Australia, South Africa, or Brazil, France is not left behind. And if there is one region that stands out and attracts an increasing number of surfers, it is indeed Les Landes. With its endless beaches and huge waves, this region is unquestionably the emblem of surfing in France and a meeting point for all enthusiasts of the discipline. We were lucky to go on a road trip in Les Landes for 7 days, in search of the best surf spots. We made this trip by van for more freedom and fewer constraints. Follow us to discover our journey that left us deeply moved!

A region with ideal conditions

Before starting our journey to discover the most beautiful surf spots, we thought it was important to highlight the common assets of all the beaches in this region. The Landes coasts are particularly well indented, and their direct exposure to the Atlantic Ocean guarantees intense swell and high waves. Many of the large beaches are bordered by pine forests. Perfect for resting and enjoying some shade during the heat waves. These ideal conditions attracted renowned surfers seeking new destinations as early as the 1950s. The first surf schools appeared, as well as campsites and hostels intended for aficionados of the discipline. Over a few decades, surfing and its very particular culture have firmly established themselves in the region, and the infrastructures related to this practice are plentiful. While many spots charmed us, we wanted to present the following to you.

Day 1 and 2: Hossegor and Seignosse, the classics

We definitely start with the cream of the crop. These two resorts are among the most famous and popular in the world. They offer beautiful spots that will satisfy both beginners and experienced surfers looking for strong sensations.

Novices can learn the basics on Hossegor's South beach or on the Estagnots beach. This is where most of the surf schools are located. You will clearly not be alone, but we find this rather reassuring when starting out and needing advice. The swell is rather low, and the waves remain manageable. For the more seasoned, it is towards the Culs-Nus, the North beach, or la Gravière that you should go. There, the waves are numerous and particularly imposing. The waves regularly reach 2 meters and sometimes even 5 meters under optimal conditions. There are many other spots, and we will summarize them below, but these particularly charmed us.

Proof that these two resorts stand out is that Hossegor hosts every year the men's and women's world championships: the Quiksilver Pro and the Roxy Pro. The whole region then comes alive and welcomes enthusiasts from all over the world.

But throughout the year, you will find many accommodations for surfers, water sports shops, and clothing stores smelling of salt. The atmosphere is friendly and conducive to meetings and sharing.

To go further, here are the main spots of these two star resorts:

- Hossegor: the North and South beaches, the Centrale, la Gravière, the Point d’Or, the Culs-Nus

- Seignosse: the Estagnots, the Bourdaines, the Penon

Day 3: Capbreton, friendly and lively

Capbreton is unquestionably oriented towards the sea. This resort has a pretty marina, a fishing port (the only one in Les Landes), a daily fish market, and many beaches where surfers can meet in complete relaxation.

The town has several spots, but Santocha and le Prévent stand out if we stick to pure surfing practice. They are quite different despite the common lifeguard post for both beaches. Le Prévent is ideal for families and beginners. The waves are quite moderate but numerous and break just right. Santocha, on the other hand, offers a more dynamic practice with a swell perfectly controlled by the surrounding natural elements. While it is possible to learn the basics on this spot, it is more for moderate to advanced levels. Santocha attracts not only surfers but also many other sliding disciplines like kite surfing. A little tip for the more experienced: the la Piste beach benefits from significant swell to offer fast and more demanding tubes.

The friendly refreshment stands of Capbreton allow you to end your day in a warm and convivial atmosphere.

Day 4: Le Vieux-Boucau, a lively resort all year round

North of Seignosse and Hossegor, Le Vieux-Boucau is much less populated than the three resorts mentioned above, but it remains a pleasant and particularly joyful spot. Rarely, it stays lively all year round, even in winter, when other resorts are only attractive in spring and summer.

The advantage of Le Vieux-Boucau is that it has nice beach breaks, beaches where sandbanks cushion falls. This asset makes it an ideal beach for beginners or those who want to practice this sport safely. Le Vieux-Boucau has very good surf schools to learn and improve. And cherry on the cake, the atmosphere is quite warm, whether you come in summer or in the middle of winter.

Day 5: Les Messanges for calm and tranquility

Les Messanges will delight lovers of wide open spaces and freedom. Depending on the time of day and the season, you can feel completely alone in the world there. A bit like the beach belongs to you. This beach, like the resort, is the quietest in the area, many surfers preferring to go to Le Vieux-Boucau or further south towards Hossegor and its overflowing energy.

The beach is overlooked by a pretty dune and hosts a small surf school much appreciated by families, the Messanges Surf School. The waves are not as high as in Hossegor, for example, but they are just as pleasant to surf and slightly safer. You don’t come to Les Messanges to try new records but to enjoy yourself lightly and without really forcing.

Day 6: Mimizan, land of champions

We continue further north, skirting the sea on one side and huge pine forests on the other. The road leads us to Mimizan, a town we had heard about and were eager to visit. With three beautiful beaches, Mimizan is an ideal spot for any self-respecting surfer. The resort is split in two by the Courant estuary, and the 10 kilometers of beach extend on both sides. The North, South, and Garluche beaches enthusiastically welcome surfers of all levels. These beaches are rather stripped of external elements and directly exposed to the ocean. They have safe beach breaks, making them perfectly suited for beginners or surfers who want to have fun. The waves are hollow and fast.

For the more adventurous, it is possible to move away from these supervised beaches and look for wilder and more demanding spots on your own.

Mimizan has seen many surfing champions grow up, such as Nicolas Capdeville or Vincent Duvignac, to name just a few. Enough to encourage local youth to try the adventure!

Mimizan has 6 surf schools for young and old, beginners and advanced.

Day 7: Biscarrosse, a worldwide reputation

We end our Landes stay in the charming town of Biscarrosse. Located very close to the Arcachon Basin and the Dune of Pilat, Biscarrosse is one of the largest towns in Les Landes. It attracts many visitors every year, and a large number of surfers choose this spot for a great sporty holiday.

Biscarrosse has 4 kilometers of fine sandy beaches, pleasant in summer as well as in winter. The central part is rather intended for families or beginners who want to safely learn the basics of this sport. The wind is not too strong there, and the waves reach 1m or even 1.5m. However, be careful, at high tide, these waves can grow and create a fairly complicated bar to cross for novices. The South beach and its more dynamic swell are ideal for experienced surfers looking for a good dose of adrenaline. The waves are livelier and more enveloping. Biscarrosse regularly organizes major surfing competitions where the greatest champions compete against the Landes waves.

There are several surf schools, all excellent. And to beautifully conclude your surf session, the town has many restaurants, refreshment stands, and breweries with a rather cool and relaxed atmosphere.

The best surf spot?

We have presented what we consider the best surf spots in Les Landes. Some have a reputation that has widely exceeded our borders, others are calmer and wilder. It is therefore up to each person to form their own opinion according to their expectations and preferences. Choose a safe spot if you are a beginner and a more swelly one if you want to chain waves. And if you are lucky enough to be there for several days or weeks, we can only encourage you to try several. The many campsites in the region allow you to travel freely and on a moderate budget. Many have specific areas for vans and other light vehicles, often linked to surf culture. Perfect for traveling without constraints and without a set itinerary! If you do not want to change location, several hostels and youth hostels offer all-inclusive stays, surf lessons included. But once again, we can only encourage you to explore these beautiful Landes coasts and their many surf spots at your own pace and mood. We made this trip from south to north, but nothing prevents you from doing it from north to south, starting from Biscarrosse to reach Hossegor.

Conclusion

Les Landes represent a true paradise for surfers. The immense beaches, direct exposure to the Atlantic Ocean, and the dynamism of the tides make this region particularly attractive for aficionados of the discipline. The ideal climatic conditions, quite windy and very sunny, do not spoil the spectacle and favor lively and fast waves. And what to say about the very special surf culture that has managed to establish itself throughout the region. The shops, refreshment stands, and hostels dedicated to surfers and the surfing world have blended into the landscape and offer a very friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Everyone will find their place there, whether beginner or more advanced. That is the spirit of surfing: sharing, transmission, friendliness, positivity. And this spirit is certainly found everywhere in Les Landes!