Surfing Biarritz, France: The Surfers Guide to All Things Surf
Introduction to Surfing Biarritz
Biarritz is where European surfing began. When Californian filmmaker Peter Viertel caught a wave at La Côte des Basques in 1957, he set in motion a cultural shift that would transform this elegant Basque resort town into the undisputed birthplace of surfing on the continent, and nearly seventy years later, the city wears that identity with complete confidence.
The surf here is real, consistent and varied enough to reward every level of surfer across every season. There is almost certainly a wave firing somewhere that is exactly right for whoever is looking for it. Biarritz does not just offer a surf trip. It offers the full picture, for beginners to advanced.
A surfer learning how to progress with Mad Wax Surf School.
Best Season to Surf Biarritz
- Winter Season — November to March: Biarritz in winter is the real thing. The Bay of Biscay delivers some of its most powerful and long-travelled groundswells to the Grande Plage and the surrounding breaks during these months, and the city.
- Summer Season — June to August: Beginner recommendation. Biarritz at peak season is an experience in its own right as one of the most stylish and energetic surf towns in Europe buzzing at full capacity. The waves are smaller and more forgiving, the beaches are busy and the city’s extraordinary mix of surf culture, Basque gastronomy and belle époque architecture makes it one of the most enjoyable places in France to be in and out of the water.
A surfer enjoying a sunny day on the coastline of Biarritz. Photo by Mad Wax Surf School.
Surf Beaches and Spots
Beach Cote des Basques
Iconic beachbreak produces classic beach bars that work for all levels of surfing. From beginners to advanced surfers, depending on the size of the swell.
Some waves on the southern end beaches in Biarritz
Recommended Surf Schools and Lessons
Mad Wax Surf School
A surf school founded and run by Julien Pepine, built around a more personal and considered approach to teaching. Groups are small, giving Julien the space to adapt to every individual’s level, pace and confidence rather than simply putting people through a programme.
Sessions run across the two finest spots in Biarritz, Marbella and La Côte des Basques, chosen each day according to the tides and conditions to give students the best possible environment to learn and progress. For anyone in Biarritz who wants to learn or improve in the hands of someone who genuinely cares about how they surf, Mad Wax Surf Session is exactly the right school for those improvement sessions.
Julien pictured with a group of soon to be Mad Wax Surf School graduates.
Other Things to Do in Biarritz
- La Grande Plage: Even on a non-surf day, Biarritz’s iconic central beach is worth a wander.
- Musée de la Mer: Biarritz’s famous aquarium and marine museum sits dramatically on the Rocher de la Vierge headland, with an impressive collection of Atlantic marine life and one of the finest views on the entire Basque coast from its terrace.
- Les Halles de Biarritz: The covered market at the heart of the town is a Basque institution featuring fresh fish, local cheese, jambon de Bayonne, pintxos and the full sensory experience of one of France’s great food cultures.
A beautiful shot of some of the Biarritz coastline, and the waves that it has to share during the summer.
Conclusion on Surfing Biarritz
There is not much else to say about Biarritz, besides head there for a surf session. Its certainly on the bucket list of many surfers, and hopefully you can score a fun session in the summer weather with good waves!
Another beautiful shot of the beachline in Biarritz. Pictured is Beach Cote des Basques.
FAQ: Surf Travel to Biarritz
Europe’s surf capital?
Undisputed—wave quality + infrastructure + history = #1.
Beginner options?
Absolutely. Mad Wax Surf School is recommended.
TGV convenience?
Paris 4hr; Bordeaux 2hr; surf from major airports.
Surf circuit access?
Hendaye (30min), Hossegor (20min), Hossegor slabs (40min).
Are there other locations to surf in France?
France is filled with surf spots that have lessons and camps alike. If you’re interested, check out our Surfing in France Travel Guide.