When should you go surfing in France?
France has one of the best coastlines in Europe for surfing, with over 3,000 kilometers of coastline, a diversity of seabeds (beachbreaks, reefbreaks, pointbreaks) and constant exposure to North Atlantic swells.
But not all seasons are the same, depending on your level. Here’s a precise breakdown of the best surfing seasons.
Beginners: prefer summer and smaller swells
Recommended period: May to September
When you start surfing, it’s not the size of the wave that’s most important, it’s the consistency, the smoothness of the swell and the safety. In summer, France offers almost ideal conditions for stress-free progress.
- Long, gentle swells: the result of weakened Atlantic lows, the waves are less powerful and easier to read, perfect for learning how to row, stand up and take your first foams or small straights.
- Water temperature: around 18 to 22°C in the south-west, ideal for surfing in shorty or 3/2 mm.
- Often glassy seas in the morning: less wind, more comfort in the water.
Ideal spots to get started:
- Hendaye: north-facing, gently sloping beach, gentle waves.
- La Torche (Brittany): large beach, several practice areas.
- Lacanau and Biscarrosse: perfect outside peak season (June/September).
Tip: choose mid-high tides over high tides for ease of use, and always check the marine weather (swell <1m, light wind or off-shore).
Intermediates: use the off-season to progress technically
Recommended period: April to June & September to November
If you already know how to take off, follow a wave and maneuver, you’ll love the off-season. Conditions are technical but accessible, with real potential for progress.
- More consistent swell: between 1m and 2m, more powerful waves, sometimes hollow, ideal for working on your positioning and wave reading, and starting to hit the lip.
- Lower attendance: fewer tourists, more locals = smoother line-up.
- Wind often off in the morning: clean sessions, sometimes glassy.
Recommended spots for progress:
- Seignosse : hollow waves, multiple peaks, variety of sections.
- Saint-Girons / Vieux-Boucau: evolving beachbreaks, less exposed to large swells.
- Guidel / Plouharnel: good mid-season Breton alternatives.
Tip: invest in a high-performance 4/3 combi, as the water remains cool in April and October. Work on your paddling, keep an eye on the water, and choose your pick carefully to maximize your session.
Confirmed: winter for real loaders
Recommended period: December to March
Winter is the prime season for experienced surfers. This is when the real swells hit our coasts, with powerful, fast and sometimes brutal waves. You need to know how to read the water, choose the right weather windows and be in top physical condition.
- Long-period swell: generated by large North Atlantic lows. It produces solid, punchy waves (2m to 4m+).
- Regular off-shore wind: especially in the south-west thanks to continental thermal effects.
- Few people on the water: but the rare ones are sharp. You have to respect the codes and know the spots.
Spots for experienced riders:
- La Nord (Hossegor): powerful right, world class at over 3m.
- Guéthary / Parlementia: longboardable but engaging reef.
- Belharra (towed surf): XXL spot reserved for pros.
Tips: equip yourself seriously (5/4/3 wetsuit, booties, balaclava), train out of season (swimming, freediving), and never go off alone for a winter session. Analysis Windguru + Surf-Report to anticipate.
Recap of the best periods by level
| Level | Best period | Typical conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Beginner | May to September | Small waves, warm water, calm sea |
| Intermediate | April to June / Sept. to Nov. | More powerful waves, less crowded spots |
| Confirmed | December to March | Massive swells, committed sessions |
Surfing in France is possible all year round, as long as you choose the right time slot for your level. Conditions change quickly: swell, tide, wind… It’s essential toanalyze marine weather forecasts, to know the particularities of each spot, and to respect the rules of the line-up.
The best session isn’t always the one with the biggest waves, but the one where you’re making progress, safely, with a smile on your face.