1. 1. The emergence of surfing in France 

Surfing was introduced to France in the 1950s, when American surfers started coming to the Basque coast. The first French surfers followed soon after, with the Bonnec brothers, Joël de Rosnay, Gérard Decoster, Michel Barland and Georges Hennebutte among the first to take up the sport in France.

In the 1960s, surfing became increasingly popular in France, with the opening of several surf schools on the Basque coast. However, the sport remained marginal and associated with a highly controversial punk culture localized in south-west France. 

During the 1970s, surfing gradually spread, with the opening of several surfing competitions, including the Championnat de France de Surf. French surfers such as Jean-Pierre Stark, René Jaubert, Pierre Agnes, Didier Piter and Tom Curren enjoyed great success on the world surfing circuit, contributing to the image of surfing as a "sport" in its own right, and not just a counter-cultural movement. 

During the 1980s and 1990s, surfing continued to develop in France, with more and more competitions and surf schools opening along the Atlantic coast. France became a favorite spot for professional surfers from all over the world, with famous waves such as La Gravière, La Nord, Parlementia etc. Today, surfing is a popular and well-established sport in France, with many surfers of all ages and levels practicing the sport on the French coast. Surfing competitions are still popular in France, with events such as the Quiksilver Pro France attracting professional surfers and surf fans from all over the world. 

1. 1. 2. 2. Surf spots in France for beginners/all levels  

1. 1. 1. 1. In the southwest :

It's easy to get started in the south-west, even if the different spots are known to be dangerous because of the violence of the waves and the strong currents. There are spots for all levels and all types of boards: 

Hendaye: 

Hendaye's 3.5 km-long beach is ideal for beginner surfers, as waves are generally moderate. Thanks to its flat surface, the swell is attenuated, offering optimal conditions for surfing, unless the swell is too small (less than 1 meter and a period of 6-7 seconds). The best waves are found in the middle of the bay, near the Casino, and the bigger the waves, the more you can surf them on the sides. This spot is also used as a fallback for surfers when the other spots are impassable due to large waves.

 

Bidart beach: 

The Uhabia surf spot in Bidart is known for its excellent surfing conditions, with quality waves on both the right and left sides of the northern section, rolling over a mix of sand and rocks, offering great wave-making opportunities. To the south, there's also a hollow right close to the shore, offering promising barrel sections. However, beware of the reef, which is uncovered at low tide. If conditions are favorable, chances are you won't be the only surfer in the water. 

La Milady, biarritz beach: 

It's a must-see destination for local surfers looking for powerful, short waves. To wake up the sandbanks, you need a certain swell height, whether it's the Left of Channing near the rock or the right of the middle, which is more or less aligned with the Roche Plate offshore. Surfers can also head for the beach in front of the Hôtel du Palais. Even in stormy weather, the spot remains surfable, especially at mid-tide. 

The Basque Coast: 

The Côte des Basques is one of Biarritz's most emblematic locations, as it was here that surfing was introduced to France and Europe. Since the 1980s, numerous national and international competitions have been held here. Offering a breathtaking view of the mountains, the beach is ideal for learning to surf as the waves are easy for beginners, especially to the north near Villa Belza where the waves are softer and slower for longer boards. To the south, the "Mousse" and "100 Steps" spots offer more consistent, powerful waves for experienced surfers. Although this is Biarritz's largest beachbreak, it's advisable to surf at low or mid-tide, as getting out of the water is difficult at high tide due to the waves breaking on the rocks. A must for surfers. 

La grande plage (Biarritz): 

Grande Plage is considered the main beach for Biarritz surfers looking for powerful, short waves. To be able to surf, there needs to be enough swell to move the sandbanks, whether on the Gauche du Channing (next to the rock) or the droite du milieu (more or less aligned with the Roche Plate further out to sea). It's also possible to surf in front of the Hôtel du Palais. In the event of a storm, the spot is still surfable, especially at medium tide.  

La plage de l'océan (Anglet): 

Anglet's Plage de l'Océan is located in a relatively unspoilt setting. To the right of the beach, near the first-aid post, is an old blockhouse dating from the last war. During the summer season, the beach is supervised to ensure the safety of bathers. 

La piste (capbreton): 

Capbreton boasts a picturesque seafront with seafood restaurants, a casino, the Estacade breakwater, charming villas and a series of beaches interrupted by breakwaters that filter the swell. As a result, it has become a fallback spot when surf conditions are unsurfable to the north. This means that crowds are inevitable when it's the only working spot. Occasionally, a nice right can break along the rocky spur. 

La centrale (capbreton) : 

Capbreton boasts a picturesque seafront with seafood restaurants, a casino, the Estacade breakwater, charming villas and a series of beaches interrupted by breakwaters that filter the swell and make it a fallback spot when surf conditions are unsurfable to the north. This means it's usually very busy when it's the only surf spot that works. 

Les bourdaines (Seignosse): 

The Penon beach stretches for several kilometers in both directions, offering several surfing spots, particularly to the south with the Bourdaines and Estagnots beaches. Surfing is possible at both high and low tide, and depending on the swell, these spots are accessible to all levels, which means they're very popular in summer when conditions are right for good sessions! The waves are nice and powerful, but you need to be careful as the current can sometimes be strong. 

Soustons:  

This spot offers a peaceful atmosphere and has a parking lot located behind the dunes. A five-minute walk takes you to the top of the dune, offering a beautiful view of the Landes forest. All along the beach, there are multiple peaks offering waves for both goofy and regular surfers. 

Messanges : 

There's a good left/right wave just opposite the Vieux Port campsite on the south beach. There are also other spots further north for surfing. The left works particularly well at low tide. 

Moliets beaches : 

Checking surf conditions at Moliets can be difficult, as the main access is often limited and you may need to park far away. Between the St-Martin campsite to the north and the golf course to the south, there are few convenient access points for observing the sandbanks. So it's best to know where to look. To the north, thanks to the Huchet current, you can find good shoals that stay firmly in place. To the south, in a calmer area, there are also good sandbanks. 

Saint Girons : 

Saint Girons Plage is a charming seaside resort that's perfect for families. It doesn't offer big waves for experienced surfers, but it's the ideal place for beginners to learn how to surf. 

Le cap de l'homy: 

Cap de l'Homy is a typical surfing spot on the Landes coast, with sandbanks that appear and disappear. It can be difficult to find the sandbanks for surfers, but with a bit of luck you can find yourself alone in the water and with good waves for all surfing levels. 

Contis plage: 

It's a pleasant surf spot on the Landes coast, for all levels. The Blockhaus to the north and the area around the mouth of the current are among the most popular surf spots, with enough space to accommodate many surfers. It's important to observe the baïnes carefully from the dune to identify the best sandbanks. 

Mimizan plage: 

Mimizan-Plage stretches along a long seafront with a belvedere to the north overlooking 4 beaches (Garluche, Goëlands, Cormorans, Mouettes). However, the town has two drawbacks for surfers. Firstly, a paper mill located in the town gives off a stench when the wind is offshore. This can be a good indicator for surfers. Secondly, as with all beach-breaks, the waves aren't always clean and well-formed, especially in summer. 

1. 1. 2. 2. In Gironde : 

Le truc Vert (Cap Ferret): 

The Cap-Ferret peninsula, located between the Bassin d'Arcachon and the ocean, is not very accessible, but offers unique geographical features, including highly unstable sandbanks. It's advisable to hike in the dunes (on authorized paths) and search relentlessly, perhaps to discover a fleeting spot that only you will be able to surf in classic conditions. 

Le Grand Crohot (Cap Ferret): 

Le Grand-Crohot has the advantage of being close to Cap Ferret, but without the disadvantages of the latter's difficult and congested access during the summer. As on the whole of the Aquitaine dune coast, it is possible to find baïnes with exceptional waves on Grand-Crohot. 

Le Porge :  

Wave conditions on the Gironde coast are unpredictable and changeable. Sometimes conditions are excellent, while at other times they can be poor. The Grand-Crohot beach attracts fewer people than Lacanau, and surfing levels are average. There's a good right hander that works on the incoming tides at the power station. 

Lacanau : 

The beach at Lacanau Océan is very large and offers a wide variety of surf spots. However, it is very popular with surfers from Bordeaux looking to surf on a regular basis. There are a dozen surf schools and numerous surf stores offering a warm welcome. For a quick check, the north beach is the most accessible, opposite the Maison de la Glisse. This spot is suitable for all surfing levels, but beginners should take care as the size and power of the waves can be surprising. 

Carcans Plage : 

This spot is charming and wild despite its proximity to a quiet coastal town. The atmosphere in the water is pleasant and the waves are suitable for all levels, often with very good benches in place. It's less crowded than neighboring Lacanau. 

Hourtins: 

Not far from Lac d'Hourtin-Carcans, this Médoc seaside resort isn't as big as Lacanau-Océan, but it's often less crowded in the height of summer, allowing you to get around more quickly. In terms of silting, we're closer to the typical Gironde configuration, with waves breaking between an eroded dune belt and an offshore shoal, which dissipates swell energy, closing the waves at low tide or on long swells. 

1. 1. 3. 3. In Charentes-Maritimes : 

Royan / conche de pontaillac: 

Easy-to-access and relatively protected spot that works in all weathers, perfect for beginners in a very friendly setting. 

Vert Bois (l'ile d'Oléron): 

The most popular surfing spot on the island of Oleron is located between Vert-Bois to the north and St-Trojan to the south. Although Vert-Bois receives slightly less swell than the south, this is an advantage in winter when swells are more frequent. Due to the flat profile of the beaches, waves of over 2-3 meters hit the bottom early and start to break several hundred meters from the shore. 

Les huttes (Ile d'oléron): 

Located in the north-west of the island, Plage des Huttes has a kitesurfing area to the north of the spot. During the summer, this spot is very popular and attracts many visitors.  

Boulassier (ile d'Oléron) : 

The Boulassiers reef lies at the northern end of the island, with left-handed waves that are a little soft but easy to surf. 

Les grenettes (Ile de Ré): 

The surf spot is located in the hamlet of La Noue and is very popular due to its regularity and accessibility. The coastline consists of small cliffs overlooking a narrow beach. The silted-up reef bottom is dotted with wooden formwork and the remains of fish locks (watch out!). 

La couarde (Ile de Ré): 

La Pergola beach in La Couarde sur Mer is famous for its surf spot. It lies at the southern end of La Couarde, next to the guinguette of the same name. The waves here are very brittle, due to the high rocky bottom that shapes them. 

Le pti Bec (ile de Ré): 

The island of Ré is 25 km long and offers fewer surf spots than its neighbor, Oléron. Waves can only be surfed during high and mid-tide. The Petit Bec, to the east of the Pointe Nord du Phare des Baleines, is no exception. The Petit Bec peak is in the immediate vicinity of the Lizay spot. 

Pointe du Lizay (Ile de Ré): 

The Lizay spot offers a fast wave on the left and a slightly soft one on the right. Up to 1.5 meters, the wave is suitable for all levels, but beyond that it becomes powerful and dangerous, especially on the left. To get to the spot, take the road towards "Les Portes en Ré", arrive at the village of "La Rivière" and take the second left (the first is a one-way street), then the first right and continue straight on to the beach parking lots. 

1. 1. 4. 4. In Vendée 

L'embarcadère (La tranche sur mer):  

This is considered the perfect spot to take refuge when surfing conditions are difficult. The waves here are short, hollow and narrow, and are only ideal for around twenty days a year, when massive swells 4 to 5 meters high and 13 to 14 seconds in frequency hit the offshore reefs before reforming near the beach, between the jetty and the boats moored nearby. 

Plage de la Tranche (la tranche sur mer): 

These long, hollow mini-waves are ideal for sheltering, but are only really suitable for surfing around twenty times a year, when large swells (4-5m, 13-14sec) from the West to South-West reach the bay, break on offshore reefs and reform near the shore, between the jetty and nearby anchored boats. 

Baie des sables d'Olonne : 

The bay of Les Sables d'Olonne is a great place to surf in the Vendée. You can find some interesting waves here, especially in recent years. The spot is quite accessible, and you can change surf zone depending on the size of the waves. In summer, however, you'll have to watch out for swimmers. To get the most out of surfing, we recommend that you choose the rising tide and surf between September and December. 

Plage des dunes (Bretignolles sur mer): 

Dune Beach is not considered a dangerous place to surf. The waves here are generated by a long-period swell and run optimally for surfers. Beware, however, for beginners: the spot picks up the swell very well, and as soon as there's a bit of height it becomes difficult to pass the bar with a big surfboard! 

The bay of Saint gilles croix de vie : 

The Vendée boasts numerous surf spots between Les Sables d'Olonne and St-Gilles Croix de Vie. The embankment of St-Gilles beach is an essential meeting point for Vendée surfers. You can surf here all year round, at all tides, but surfing conditions are not always optimal. It's important to watch out for the current, which can cause rapid drifting. The best time to surf is when the tide is rising. 

Saint jean de monts : 

It's more of a beginners' spot, as the ile d'yeu slows down the swell, so the waves are smaller than anywhere else in the Vendée. The best conditions are often at high tide. It's actually more of a sailing spot than a surfing one. 

Plage des vieilles (L'ile d'yeu): 

A beginner's spot that only works in south-westerly swells. Waves are often average, but in a sublime setting! Can't be surfed in high season because of the crowds. 

1. 1. 5. 5. In Loire-Atlantique : 

Pornichet: 

It's rare to see waves here, but when you do, it's perfect for getting started. 

La govelle (La Baule): 

La Govelle is a spot located in the Loire-Atlantique region of France, where you'll find some great waves for surfers and bodyboarders. The pleasant setting attracts many surfers and bodyboarders. The downside is the crowds in the water, even when the waves are more than mediocre! 

1. 1. 6. 6. In Brittany : 

The great beach of quiberon: 

Perfect for beginners, small soft waves, not very powerful. The spot is open all year round! 

Plage du loch/ fort Bloqué (Lorient): 

The extensive beach of Fort-Bloqué (1.5 km) can offer waves, but these are not very organized due to the presence of many kitesurfers. Nearby is Guidel, Lorient's surfing hub. 

Plage de la falaise (Guidel) : 

The surf spot in question is overall a good place to surf, although it is less popular than its neighbors La Torche and Quiberon due to its isolation. Waves can be of good quality with favorable wind conditions and suitable sandbanks, but are generally small and of moderate power. The best conditions occur in September and October, when cyclonic swells from the western Atlantic and Caribbean arrive on the French coast. 

There are plenty of services close to the spot, and it's possible to surf nearby reef spots like Les Moules and Le Kaolin. Other spots may work better depending on conditions, such as Le Loch and Fort Bloqué. In case of big waves, it's best to head for the fallback spot at Larmor Plage. 

In short, the surf spot in question is a convenient location with decent surfing conditions, albeit less well-known than other spots in the region. Surfers can find services nearby and enjoy nearby surf spots. 

The Torch: 

La Torche is probably the best-known surf spot in Brittany. The huge west-facing beach guarantees optimum wave frequency and several peaks depending on the sandbanks. A channel near Pointe de la Torche provides easy access to the open sea, offering shelter from southerly winds. But don't forget to get out before you end up too far offshore! This spot sometimes offers powerful waves of up to 3 meters, 3.5 meters... 

The Bad Strike: 

West-facing spot, ideal for longboarding! 

Trestraou Perros Guirrec: 

Trestraou holds its size up to 2m and, strangely enough, the spot improves in quality on big swells. 

Trestel, Trevou Treguignec: 

Overlooked by a cliff to the west, Trestel beach stretches over a kilometer of fine sand.   

Saint-Lunaire: 

Like many other spots in the Bay of Mont-Saint-Michel, high tides are an advantage for good surfing conditions. The longest swell periods are around 10 seconds, so don't expect more. The best sessions often take place before or after a storm, and don't be afraid of onshore wind. 

Diélette: 

The 15 km-long beach between Vauville and Siouville offers a multitude of surf peaks behind small dunes. The southern part, near Siouville, is very popular, especially for windsurfers in south-westerly winds. It's probably the most regular beachbreak in Normandy, offering good surfing conditions at times. 

1. 1. 7. 7. In Normandy : 

Deauville: 

Located to the east of the Touques estuary, the spot known as "Le Phare" is a meeting place for local surfers. With a north-westerly exposure, the sandbanks offer plenty of space, but to reach the line-up, you have to take a long walk on the sand and paddle, as the beach profile is virtually flat. Another option is to wait for high tide to surf the "Aquarium", which breaks close to the shore, with a little more power but less frequency. 

Antifer: 

The spot is on the beach at Saint-Jouin Bruneval, close to the Antifer oil terminal. Like most surf spots in Haute-Normandie, the beach is covered with pebbles at high tide and sand at low tide. However, it's important to watch out for the harbor breakwater, which can generate a very strong current when the wind is light. Antifer is an ideal place to surf in a south-westerly wind. 

Etretat: 

In Etretat, Normandy's most famous spot breaks at the foot of a high white limestone cliff, hence the name Côte d'Albâtre. Small parking lot, but busy in the water, given the spot's notoriety.   

Wimereux, la pointe aux oies: 

Wimereux, some 20 km south of Wissant, is also a popular spot for kitesurfers and windsurfers. However, surfing can be difficult at high tide, as waves can crash onto the seawall. We therefore recommend surfing at mid-tide, when the sandbank can act better. 

Wissant:  

The beach, which stretches for over 20 km, is ideal for kitesurfers and windsurfers thanks to its fine sand. Nevertheless, surfers can have access to it by checking the weather before getting in the water. Waves tend to be fairly gentle, so it's best to surf at low tide to make them more hollow. 

Dunkerque: 

There are two well-known kitesurfing spots, one on the Petit-Fort-Philippe beach in Gravelines, the other on the Dunes de Flandre site in Dunkirk. In addition, France's only kitepark has been set up here for safe practice. 

1. 1. 3. 3. Surf spots in France for advanced surfers :

Here's a list of spots in France for advanced surfers, who need to have a good knowledge of the marine environment and how to surf safely. 

1. 1. 1. 1. In the southwest : 

Socoa Hendaye : 

This spot on the coast of the Basque Country is used as a fallback for surfers when other exposed beaches are saturated by swell. It only operates at high tide when the swell is at a high level (except on days with high tidal coefficients and medium swell). Many locals visit this spot on days when conditions are favorable. 

Erromardie (Saint jean de luz): 

On this spot, which is dangerous due to the presence of reefs, you can find a slightly less powerful but still interesting left. An extremely hollow and tubular right can only be surfed at high tide. The spot is less exposed to large swells, which can make it more practicable. However, because of the reefs, you need to be cautious and familiar with the area before venturing out to surf this spot. 

Lafitenia (Saint Jean de luz):  

In Aquitaine, it's rare to find pointbreaks, but the Bay of Lafiténia is a notable exception, with its straights often compared to "Bells Beach" in Australia. These waves allow for cut-back surfing, with steps that are often difficult to negotiate, especially at take-off. The break is rarely perfect, but can be very long if you're lucky enough to connect all the way to the edge. 

Cenitz (Guéthary) :  

Guéthary is a picturesque village situated on a cliff overlooking several excellent reefbreaking spots. Opposite the hill and the Chapelle de Parlementia, there are long straights often mistakenly called Guéthary, which can be surfed from 2m to 5m high. It's a popular spot for experienced surfers, especially when the swell exceeds 2.5m. Further south in the channel, the Alcyons and Avalanche lefts can reach 4 to 5m. On days with small swells, longboarders will also find plenty to enjoy here. 

VVF (Anglet) : 

Because of its easy access and protection from southerly winds, this spot is an excellent alternative in the region. Many surfers practice the sport here because the cliff protects against southerly winds and acts as a natural breakwater, making the waves generally smaller than those north of Anglet. This spot works best at low tide, offering waves in both directions. Heading north of Anglet, there are other interesting surf spots, but they work very poorly at high tide due to the volume of water. Beware of the slab near the first dike on the right, which is only visible at low tide. 

Labenne : 

Labenne has become the new destination for shorebreak enthusiasts looking to avoid the crowds at Hossegor. However, it's worth noting that these waves are quite rare and only accessible to experienced surfers. If you're serious about surfing, you may be able to unearth a few gems offering incredible tubes. Beginners should refrain, however, as these waves are reserved for an elite group of surfers (when they've got the hang of it). 

La centrale (Hossegor): 

Hossegor is by far the most famous surf spot in France. It has hosted a stage of the World Surfing Championships since 2001 and is renowned for being "the best beachbreak", with round, powerful waves breaking in shorebreak, as at Les Culs-Nuls or La Gravière. When long, heavy swells occur in the Bay of Biscay, it's rare to find a sandbank that doesn't close, so all eyes turn to La Nord, located to the north of the Central. 

Les estagnots (seignosse): 

Despite the fact that surfing is all about Hossegor, Seignosse's South spot offers some of the longest tubes in the region. The waves aren't always world-class, but the beach profile is often well-suited to those lefts and rights defined by the configuration of the baïnes. 

Vieux-boucau: 

The sandbank on Grande Plage is often ideal for surfing. It's well known among local surfers and attracts many people to enjoy the good waves, especially at high tide. South Beach is also a good place to surf with nice hollow waves for goofy surfers, but the straights can also be of good quality, even if they often close. However, beware of the baïnes to the north of Les Sablères, which can also be dangerous. 

Biscarosse: 

Biscarrosse Plage is a typical surf spot on the Landes coast. With an onshore wind, the waves are powerful and tubular, making it an ideal surf spot with good sandbanks. The setting is pleasant, especially away from the center, with pine forests as far as the eye can see. However, it's important to be careful when surfing at Biscarrosse Plage, as there are strong currents and powerful bayas to watch out for. Waves can also be powerful and take beginners and intermediate surfers by surprise, so even the most experienced need to be vigilant. 

1. 1. 2. 2. In Gironde: 

Cap Ferret : 

The Cap-Ferret peninsula lies between the Bassin d'Arcachon and the ocean, offering a unique and extraordinary location for surfers. You can enjoy the landscapes of the Arcachon Basin and the waves of the Côte d'Argent. To find the best surf spot, it's advisable to climb to the top of the dunes and search relentlessly for the best sandbank. During the summer season, the Truc Vert spot is easier to access, while the Horizon beach is preferable in low season. 

1. 1. 3. 3. In Charentes-Maritimes: 

Cote Sauvage La palmyre : 

The sandbanks to the west are highly exposed to swell, and in winter they often become impassable for surfing due to turbulent currents. A few kilometers from the Coubre lighthouse is the Maison Forestière de la Bouverie, offering access named after the spot, which hosted the French Championships in 2004. When the wind dies down, you'll find the same kind of waves as on the moors! 

Chassiron (l'ile d'Oléron) : 

The island of Oleron offers a variety of spots suitable for all wind and tide conditions. At the end of the northern tip is the Chassiron reef, which can only be surfed at low tide after a tedious walk over the rocky ridges. This spot offers fairly long left-handed waves and shorter but more violent right-handers. 

1. 1. 4. 4. In Vendée: 

Bud Bud (La tranche sur mer): 

The Bud Bud spot at Longeville is considered one of the most beautiful in the department, perhaps because of its waves, which can offer tubes similar to those found on the beaches of the Landes coast. The location is enchanting, with a huge maritime pine forest, sand dunes and a straight beach stretching as far as the eye can see. 

La mine (Jard sur Mer): 

A long left with different sections that breaks onto the reef in a beautiful landscape. Accessible to experienced surfers, but rather with a big surfboard because of the crowds. THE wave only works in big swells, with a southeasterly wind. 

Ragounite (Jard sur Mer): 

A super-long right-hander that breaks over a perfect slab for more than 500 metres. The wave only works when the swell is forecast at over 14-15 seconds. It's Jeffrey's Bay à la française! 

Peak du large (Sauveterre): 

A long right that runs at mid-tide opposite the Sauveterre beach access, hollow and breaking for two hundred meters, when conditions are optimal it's one of the best waves in the Vendée!  

Les sables rouis (L'ile d'Yeu): 

Another magnificent cove, home to a capricious spot, which only works at low tide from a tidal coefficient of 60. The wind has to be easterly, and the sand in the bay has to be well positioned. The wave is very powerful, often firm, with current and rocks just in front of the wave (literally 1 m50 in front). For experienced surfers only! 

Les broches (L'ile d'Yeu) : 

A spot located at the Pointe du But, which operates at low tide and quickly grows in size with a good swell (up to 4m before saturating). You have to paddle for about twenty minutes to get there, and the current is quite strong as you exit the wave. However, the wave is quite flat on the take-off when it breaks on the offshore slab and reforms when it arrives in front of the cliff! A wave reserved for experienced surfers... and motivated ones! 

La pulante ( L'ile d'yeu): 

There's also a left-hand side, a 20-minute paddle away, which works at high tide. The left is very short, but very hollow at the take-off, it can really be massive and very impressive (the slab can uncover at the take-off and the wave triples), but as soon as you leave the impact zone there's no danger and it softens. It works up to 2m5/3m and then saturates. 

1. 1. 5. 5. Brittany : 

The Quiberon peninsula boasts the highest density of surf spots in the whole of Morbihan. The Côte Sauvage, in particular, extends over 2 kilometers and comprises 4 beaches: Port-Blanc, Port-Marie, Port-Rhu and Port-Bara. The latter is the most accessible spot of all, suitable for left-handers and well protected from N-W winds by the Pointe du Percho. Since 1987, a FFS (Fédération Française de Surf) license has been required for surfing on the Côte Sauvage. 

The best time to surf is at low or mid-tide. At high tide, the volume of water can be too great and waves have difficulty forming. 

Port-Blanc (Quiberon): 

A spot with current and good sandbanks, which captures the swell very well! 

For experienced surfers, there's an elevator along the cliff at Port Blanc. If it gets too crowded, head for the isthmus (fort de penthievre, towards the mainland) and the wave gradient up to sainte barbe. 

Pors Carn : 

Although it's less crowded than La Torche beach, Pors Carn has hollow waves and all the qualities to please. 

La gamelle (Audierne): 

A very good fallback spot that works in heavy swells. There's a short, hollow right and a long, fast left that unwinds. Be careful at low tide, as the left flirts with the reef and sometimes makes the wave impassable. 

Bay of the Dead: 

Located at the tip of the Pointe du Raz, this beachbreak spot has a name that can send shivers down the spines of even the most seasoned surfers. However, it is considered the coldest spot in Finistère. Although there are strong currents offshore, the bay is generally calm. With a width of 800 meters, there's no need to jostle for position in the water. 

Douarnenez Kerlaz: 

This pointbreak is very famous, but it rarely works, and there are always large crowds on busy days. However, during big winter swells, it can happen that the swell enters the bay of Douarnenez sufficiently to curve around Pointe Leydé and create long lefts that run along the rocks on the shore. It's advisable to wear a helmet, mainly to protect yourself from the rocks rather than the wave. 

Crozon : 

La Palue is probably the most famous spot on the Presqu'île, but also one of the most difficult to access. Its ability to capture both north and south swells makes it a wave magnet in Finistère. Waves are of the beachbreak type, with peaks that move with the tides. They can be quite hollow, especially with an easterly wind, offering tubes to be found on the best days. For beginners, the cove of Goulien, a sheltered multipic beachbreak further north, is the place to go, also offering good waves in big swells. 

Rade de Brest (Petit minou) : 

Le petit Minou is the most reliable spot and the closest to Brest. This sandy, rocky beach in Plouzané, Finistère, owes its name to its position at the mouth (minou in Breton) of the river that flows into the sea. It is located between the Pointe du Grand Minou to the west and the Pointe du Petit Minou to the east, at the entrance to the Goulet de Brest, and overlooks the Crozon peninsula to the south. Surfers and bodyboarders love this spot for its powerful, hollow waves. 

Dinard, Cap Fréhel: 

Located just 45 minutes from Dinard, Cap Fréhel is the nearest spot. This peak, which offers waves left and right, works from time to time, but attracts a lot of people for a good reason: it offers fast, hollow waves that are not suitable for beginners! If you're adventurous, avoid the main peak, and for the others, be careful and respect the etiquette, especially when the wave size is large. 

1. 1. 6. 6. In Normandy: 

Cap Gris Nez: 

Some consider La Sirène beach to be one of the best surf spots in Northern France. This north-facing beach is sheltered from the wind, and conditions can be excellent (up to 1m50 waves with offshore wind). However, it's important to pay attention to the tide. At high tide, the cliffs are close and currents can be strong, so you need to be careful to avoid being swept towards the boulders. If the waves are smaller or the wind weaker, nearby beaches can also offer ideal surfing conditions. 

1. 1. 4. 4. Surf spots in France for experts : 

Here's the list of spots in France reserved for experts or professionals, and therefore considered very difficult or very dangerous to surf. 

1. 1. 1. 1. In the southwest :

Venthrax Hendaye: 

Recently, a big wave spot was revealed to the general public in the Basque Country. It's actually a wave that breaks several meters from the shore on a high rocky bottom. This wave only runs occasionally throughout the year, but it's very popular with surfers and bodyboarders, especially the locals. 

Belharra Hendaye: 

The Belharra wave rarely breaks and can't be surfed unannounced. This spot is inaccessible by paddle and requires exceptional physical condition to be surfed. Even an experienced surfer would not be sufficiently prepared to tackle Belharra's waves. Only professionals, accompanied by a competent and trained safety team, can consider surfing Belharra after careful observation of local weather conditions. Wholesale surfing at Belharra is reserved for professionals. Nevertheless, watching the spectacle from the top of the Corniche Basque cliff is an interesting experience. 

Parlementia (Guéthary) : 

Parlementia is one of the most famous and popular spots in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, but is reserved for experienced surfers due to its powerful, hollow and long waves of up to 5 meters. The view from the terrace overlooking the spot can be breathtaking. On its best days, the right-hand side of Parlementia, often compared to Sunset Beach, offers two sections: a consistent but rather soft first section that can connect with a deeper section on the inside. To reach the peak, you have to paddle in the channel, taking advantage of the current of the Alcyon wave, which can take some time. It's important to be vigilant, as the spot is a reefbreak and the rocks can be exposed at low tide. It's also advisable to observe the size and frequency of sets carefully before getting in the water, as conditions may appear smaller than they actually are. 

La Nord (Hossegor): 

Hossegor is by far the most famous surf spot in France. It has hosted a stage of the World Surfing Championships since 2001 and is renowned for being "the best beachbreak", with round, powerful waves breaking in shorebreak, as at Les Culs-Nuls or La Gravière. When long, heavy swells occur in the Bay of Biscay, it's rare to find a sandbank that doesn't close, so all eyes turn to La Nord, located to the north of the Central. 

1. 1. 2. 2. In Vendée: 

La sauzaie (Brétignolles sur mer): 

The benchmark spot in Vendée, hosting national competitions. It's a reef wave that catches the swell very well, with a fairly long left that's hollow on the take-off and soft on the edge. And a very hollow, shorter right, perfect for tubing. The spot can be surfed as soon as the wind is easterly or northeasterly, and runs from 3 hours before high tide to full tide (be careful not to get trapped at the point of impact and end up in the cliff). The spot becomes saturated from 3m 50 onwards, at which point the other reef peaks further north of the sauzaie start to work! 

Porky's Reef (Bretignolles sur mer): 

A wave that's hard to get to by car (the road is blocked in summer), that works at full height and with an easterly or northeasterly wind. You need a big, long swell to get the wave set. It's a perfect straight with several tubular sections over a hundred meters. Beware of the very strong current at the wave's exit, and the dry slab inside. This is probably one of the best waves in France, but the stars have to align for it to work, and the spot must not be overcrowded! 

La gournaise/Méfiate (l'ile d'yeu): 

This wave at the tip of the goal is the main slab on the Ile d'Yeu (left/right), which catches north-westerly swells well and can be surfed 1 hour before high tide on a dry slab. The bigger the wave, the more water you need on the slab. Be careful, though, as the wave is very dangerous because there's no bottom (you can feel the fins scraping against the spuds), and it's very easy to get hurt. But when you've got the hang of it and you're on a high level, a wave is a wide tube! 

1. 1. 3. 3. Brittany:

Port Rhu (Quiberon): 

A super-powerful sport when the swell is right, with tubes galore right in front of the cliff.
Only for expert surfers on the main peak, as there's current, the wave is violent, and closes regularly (good luck finding the tube exit)! 

Pointe du Lervily, ESQUIBIEN : 

The right-hand side of Ile aux Vaches, also known as Pointe du Lervily, has long been a secret spot, but the quality of this right-hand side pointbreak, its ability to hold size and its proximity to the port of Esquibien have made it a benchmark spot, not only for Audierne surfers but for many Breton surfers. It's the big spot in Brittany, and an advanced level is not enough to surf here. 

 

*We've surfed many of the spots listed above, but not all (unfortunately...), so we've taken many of the testimonials from Surf Report:
https://www.surf-report.com/surf-info/france/