While we could just list 14 food-related reasons and 1 surf-related reason why surfing in France is the best, we're going to hold back.
Yes, the food can prompt any mortal to tear up their return flight ticket and never leave the country, but France offers so much more when it comes to surfing here. So with that in mind, we spoke with present and past guests about what they love most about surfing in France.
Here's what they came up with!
1. You can surf sans wetsuit in summer
Yes, unlike Portugal or parts of Spain, it's possible to surf in France during the summer (and early autumn) months without the extra rubber!
That means no wriggling into a tight wetsuit, no waiting for it to dry and no worrying about tan lines. The water temps in the southwest of France, for example, can go over 20°C in summer, so depending on how fresh the wind is, you might be able to go surfing all summer long without a wetsuit… while your mates in other parts of Europe are wriggling into their soggy steamers.
2. The beaches are mind-blowingly beautiful
From La Grand Plage in Biarritz to La Palue Plage in Brittany, you can expect beautiful, golden sand beaches that stretch on for kilometres and look like they come straight off the pages of a magazine.
Not bad, right? But wait... there's more. Most of these beaches on the Atlantic Coast have great surf. This means that you can enjoy the view and the waves at the same time.
Win-win!
3. France is home to heaps of epic surf towns
If you’ve visited Hossegor before then you know this is true.
Nobody understands how to create a fun and inviting surf town vibe like the French. It's one of the reasons why Hossegor is home to so many surfers and travellers. And why people keep coming back. It's impossible to have a bad time in famous French surf towns.
That is, unless the swell doesn't cooperate. Even then though, you can still enjoy the food, the beach and all of the other awesome activities on offer. Bridge jumping and amazing nightlife? Sign us up.
4. Surfing in France is for all skill levels
Just because heaps of pros say that France is one of their favourite surf spots doesn't mean you won't have fun too.
France has plenty of beginner-friendly spots and lots of surf schools where you can learn the ropes or brush up on your skills. Plus, there are always other spots for intermediate and advanced surfers if you're looking to test yourself against bigger waves.
This is perfect for couples or groups who visit France and all surf at different skill levels. You can book a trip and rest assured that there's something for everyone!
5. You can surf a wide variety of waves
Speaking of, did you know that surfing in France is about more than just riding perfect beachbreak waves?
France also has pointbreaks, rivermouths and little reefs. In saying that, it's definitely well-known for its beachbreaks, which are waves that break over sand. They're generally less gnarly than waves that break over rocks or reef.
This allows beginners to get the hang of surfing without tackling huge or scary waves.
Perfect!
6. You're guaranteed to make new friends
France, and especially surf towns like Hossegor, are a veritable melting pot of countries and cultures.
You could literally run into people from the other side of the world. And because you're all united in your love for French waves (and boulangeries), it's easy to make conversation! This can lead to friendships that last a lifetime and we see it happen time and time again.
People come to book with us as solo travellers, only to leave having made heaps of new mates.
7. You can fly direct to the best surf zone in France
Hate slogging it out on multi-day trips to reach great waves? Good news, surf buddy!
When it comes to surfing in France (specifically the southwest), you can simply book a flight to Biarritz airport. It's located less than 30 minutes from the most famous surf spots in Hossegor, like La Graviere and La Nord. And because it's a small regional airport, it never gets too hectic.
Flights can be purchased via flight aggregator platforms such as Google Flights or Skyscanner. We can also pick you up from the airport and drop you off for added convenience.
8. The bakeries
Yes, it's true that one of the main reasons to visit France for surfing is to sample their delectable bakeries.
They're a sight to behold and they’ve added a few extra holes to belts from all over the world - yikes! The plus side is that with all the surfing you'll be doing, you won't have to worry about packing on the pounds.
So if a croissant, pain au chocolat or a freshly baked baguette are calling your name, don't hesitate to answer! You're gonna need to fuel yourself for all that shredding.
9. The temperatures in summer are perfect
Ahhh... summer in France. The sun rises early over the landscape. And the days are long and warm and filled with endless opportunities for fun.
During summer the temperatures in the southwest of France sit around the mid to high 20s, making it ideal for lazy days playing volleyball or football on the beach in between surf sessions... or simply sitting down for a chilled beer or wine after a few choice waves with new friends.
It really is the best time to book for beginners.
10. The swell is super consistent
While the aforementioned summer season doesn't often lend itself to pro-level waves, surfing in France can still be incredibly fun.
With small wind swells whipped up by gentle afternoon westerlies, foamie afficianados will still find plenty of rippable days. As for the more grizzled surfers amongst you, autumn and winter tend to pump along the French coast.
No matter which time of the year you chose to come though, you can bet your last Euro that you'll score some fun days so long as you know where to go.
11. France is where Europeans first learned to surf
Ok, so we admit that the first surfers ever in Europe were filmed riding waves in Portgual. But when it comes to the spreading and sharing of surfing to the masses, you can thank the US for that.
It was their troops who introduced surfing to France in the early-1900s. Famous American film director Peter Viertel then further stoked the fire when he imported the first surfboards to Biarritz after seeing how good the waves were while on a shoot.
He even started Europe's first surf club - the Waikiki Surf Club in Biarritz. The more you know, right?
12. You can watch pro surfers shred perfect waves
From Hossegor to Lacanau and beyond, our waves in France have attracted some of the biggest names in surfing for decades.
And depending on where you go and when, you could once find yourself watching legends like Kelly Slater, Carissa Moore or Gabriel Medina as they go surfing in France's more famous surf events.
13. You can even surf in the Mediterranean
Did you know that it's possible to surf on the Mediterranean coast of France? It's true!
During the stormier months, such as between December and March, waves can be whipped up in the Mediterranean Sea and break on beaches such as Gruissan, Narbonne Plage and Tamaris.
Just keep in mind that the waves here are more unpredictable and less powerful than Atlantic Ocean waves. This can make it tricky to predict when it will be good. If in doubt, stick to the more well-known west coast surfing destinations such as Biarritz, Lacanau and Hossegor.
14. You needn't bring your own equipment
Thinking about booking a surf trip to the southwest of France? Good news.
You don't need to buy a brand-new surfboard or a wetsuit. You don't even need to hire them. If you book a stay with Southwest Surf House, you can use the gear provided with your package for free.
Stay in a beach house, get lessons if required and use top-of-the-line wetties and boards. By doing this you can save yourself hundreds of dollars on purchasing brand-new equipment. And you still get to go surfing in France!
15. There's always a place for you to stay
Last but not least, one of the best reasons to surf in France is that you always have a place to stay.
Our surf house is located in the quiet neighbourhood of Seignosse only a short 5-minute stroll to the beach. Our beds are comfy, there's always coffee on the boil and you can fill the day doing anything you want!
Surfing is of course the most popular choice, but yoga and movie nights also feature heavily in our schedule. So come for a few days, bring your friends and make some memories you'll never forget!
Come surfing in France with us :)
