Coronavirus obliges us to limit our travel abroad at this particular time of year. So even if we can still travel to European surf spots in Portugal or Spain, it may still be a little too early to go surfing in Bali or the southern hemisphere. Between closed borders and/or the fear of going too far from home, surfing in France is still the best solution.
With its thousands of kilometers of coastline and numerous islands, France is a paradise for beginners, amateurs and experienced surfers alike. From Normandy to Charente-Maritime, via Brittany and the Vendée, you’re bound to find a surf spot that suits you not far from home.
Surfing in Normandy
Less well known to the public, the Normandy coast offers some of the best surf spots in France. Ok, in summer it’s not the best surfing destination, but in autumn and winter you’ll have a blast on the Normandy swells.
Surfing in Brittany
“As they say, “La Bretagne, ça gagne vous! And yes! Whether you’re a fan of small, gently rolling straights or big, tubular lefts… whether you like longboarding or shortboarding… once you’ve had a taste of Brittany’s many surf spots, you’ll never want to leave!
There are so many surf spots in Brittany, it’s hard to list them all! With its 2700km of coastline, its unique orientation, its bays and creeks, Brittany always offers a place to get in the water, whether you’re a beginner, intermediate or experienced surfer.
From the world-famous beach break at La Torche, to the cliff-side spot at Le Minou, the timeless landscapes of La Palue and the legendary slab at Anaëlle, not forgetting the Costarmorican and Bretilian spots at Trestraou and St Lunaire, Brittany is the place to be for all surf and nature lovers.
Surfing in Vendée
Easily accessible, surfing in the Vendée offers a wide variety of spots and waves: beachbreak, pointbreak, reefbreak… Here you’ll be spoilt for choice. Wild and unspoilt, the area nicknamed the Côte de Lumière (Coast of Light) will delight you with its rich, varied and, above all, unique waves.
The reputation of the Vendée spots is well established, thanks in particular to La Sauzaie and Bud-Bud. While the former is reserved for experienced surfers with its unforgiving reefbreak, the latter is becoming more accessible to intermediate surfers who want to enjoy a few thrills when the swell is not as big.
In addition to these world-class waves, there’s a wide choice of places to take to the water: the bay of Saint Gilles Croix de Vie, Saint Jean de Monts, Les Sables d’Olonnes, Sauveterre, Longeville sur Mer, La Tranche sur Mer.
Surfing in Charente Maritime
From the rocky coasts of theIle de Ré and Oléron to the beaches of the Côte Sauvage, Charente Maritime is the ideal place to enjoy a few breakers with your mates. Thanks to its idyllic setting, the Ile de Ré boasts some of the finest surf spots in Charente-Maritime: Ptit Bec, la pointe du Lizay, les Gouillaud and les Grenettes.
On the Ile d’Oléron, the Pointe de Chassiron spot, known for its powerful waves, is one of the most popular on the coast with experienced surfers. Fans of reefbreak can head for the Pointe des Boulassiers. On the other side of the island, on the west coast, there’s something for every level and age, from Les Huttes to the spot at Vert Bois.
Back on the mainland with the spots of Royan and the Côte Sauvage. Between the Grande Conche and the Côte Sauvage, you’ll find countless beaches stretching for hundreds of meters, perfect for surfing.