The Landes region in southwestern France is a popular destination for surfers looking for so’fun spots for their seaside vacations. This region boasts some of the most beautiful spots in Europe, with its captivating nature, powerful waves, and magnificent beach breaks attracting surfers of all levels throughout the year. Moreover, the numerous surf schools offer exceptional courses for both beginners and experienced surfers.
Did you know that a group of Californian surfers initiated the practice of surfing in the Landes region?
The Landes Coast: A Surfer's Playground
The Atlantic Coast offers 106 km of Landes coastline, with numerous spots to taunt the wave. Thanks to a hundred kilometers of beach along a preserved coast and the presence of the Golf Stream, the Landes is an immense surfing area recognized throughout the world. From Biscarrosse to Tarnos, via Mimizan, Hossegor or Messanges, the surf spots in the Landes are always of great quality and numerous competitions take place there. Whatever your level, you will find a beach where you can practice your passion or learn in one of the many Landes surf schools.
Capbreton: An Unmissable Spot
Capbreton is an unmissable address for surfers. At low tide, it becomes even more interesting. While accessible to all, it is better to have an expert level to venture there in winter.
La Gravière: A World-Renowned Beach Break
Located in Soorts-Hossegor, La Gravière is renowned as one of the best surf spots on earth.
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Did you know that Kelly Slater, one of the most famous surfers in the world, has participated in numerous competitions organized in Les Landes?
A confirmed surf level is expected at this beach located in Hossegor, north of La Gravière, where big swells and powerful hollow and fast waves are often present.
Soustons: A Tranquil Long Beach
If you prefer to surf on a long, fairly quiet sandy beach, you will appreciate the one in Soustons. Nestled between the beaches of Vieux-Boucau and Seignosse, it has numerous surf schools.
Vieux-Boucau-les-Bains: Waves for All Levels
The huge left waves of this spot are highly appreciated by the faithful surfers of this beach located south of Messanges, in Vieux-Boucau-les-Bains. The Sablères beach in Vieux Boucau is accessible to surfers of all levels. Amateurs and experts can surf there regardless of the state of the tide.
Biscarrosse: Ideal for Longboarding and Shortboarding
Suitable for all levels of expertise, the Centrale beach in Biscarrosse is ideal for longboarding and shortboarding. Waves can arrive from all directions there. In Biscarrosse in the North of the Landes there are more than 3 kilometers of beach and good surf spots such as the north beach or Le Trencat.
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Mimizan: A Wild and Uncrowded Beach
Perfect for beginners, this beach in Mimizan enjoys a wild nature and is not very crowded. Even if the beaches of Mimizan do not offer the quality of the Hossegor or Seignosse sites, they remain pleasant to surf when the right conditions are met.
Other Recommended Surf Spots
Many other surf spots are highly recommended in the Landes and its surroundings.
- Messanges: Located south of Messanges, this spot is intended for experienced surfers who like to chain huge waves in an often rough sea.
- Les Bourdaines: The powerful waves of Les Bourdaines often host international competitions. The Bourdaines spot is generally suitable for all levels and works at high tide as at low tide.
- Les Estagots: Long and devastating rollers, powerful waves, Les Estagots is one of the most famous surf spots in the Landes. The waves there are often higher than at Les Bourdaines.
- Les Culs-Nus: Huge rollers, powerful waves, les Culs-Nus is the other great spot in the Landes, north of La Gravière.
- La Piste (Capbreton): Thanks to the presence of a large marine trench which slows down the swell, the Capbreton spots are excellent and accessible to all levels. Among them, La Piste is a good surf spot at high tide offering hollow and fast waves.
- Santocha (Capbreton): Santocha is the essential spot in Capbreton. It works whatever the tide but it is at low tide that it is the most surprising.
- Contis: Contis is a seaside resort popular with tourists, but also with surfers from all over the world. The water quality and waves of this spot are simply exceptional. It is specially reserved for amateur or beginner surfers. Its shallow waters and waves offer excellent conditions for surfing with ease. It is the ideal place to learn about the discipline.
Accommodation: A Key Element for a Memorable Stay
For your stay to be so'memorable, it is essential that you opt for a choice accommodation, situated at a good distance from all the most interesting surf spots.
Located in Soustons Plage, establishments benefit from an exceptional nature. In terms of activities, there is a wide choice between surfing and the many other water activities as well as swimming in the ocean or in the lakes.
Did you know that the name "Soustons" comes from the combination of two Basque words: Zubi and Tun? Zubi means bridge, while Tun is a suffix used to designate an enclosed place.
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As an epicurean, you will love the so'inclusive offer that you will enjoy in a soothing setting made of refreshing pine forests. You can also choose bed and breakfast or room only formulas, if you wish. Equipped apartments await you for comfortable holidays. With your family, you can enjoy a range of activities between the lakeside location, the outdoor swimming pool, the tennis court, the petanque court and the mini-club. You can even rent a bike.
Top 5 Seaside Resorts in the Landes
Among all these beautiful resorts, it is necessary to narrow down the choice. The Landes is one of the most popular departments for tourists for holidays in France. Its magnificent beaches, its paradisiacal landscape and its surf spots attract thousands of followers of the discipline each year.
- La Gravière (Soorts-Hossegor): La Gravière is one of the essential places for surfing in the Landes. This emblematic spot has almost the same characteristics as the most famous in Hawaii. This Landes surf spot hosts great surfers for surf competitions, but also other sporting events throughout the year. This is the case of the Quik Pro 2012 and 2017 and the Roxy Pro 2017. La Gravière is a spot that is not reserved for beginner surfers.
- Les Culs-Nuls (Soorts-Hossegor): The surf spot of Culs-Nuls is characterized by an environment with postcard looks, round and powerful waves, gigantic rollers, etc. Located north of La Gravière, this place is also reserved for experienced surfers. This Landes surf spot offers good sensations to surfers.
- Mimizan: The beach of Mimizan is not only known for its green landscape and white sands that stretch as far as the eye can see. This place also has one of the most suitable surf spots for beginner surfers. Indeed, that of Mimizan is certainly less imposing than its neighbors, but it offers excellent conditions for surfing in complete tranquility.
- La Piste (Capbreton): It is the most popular surf spot in Cap-Breton. You often come across many beginner surfers who come to dip their board and quietly enjoy the pleasures of gliding. It has the particularity of being practicable, whatever the tides.
- Contis (Saint-Julien-en-Born): In the heart of the town of Saint-Julien-en-Born, the large beach of Contis bordered by pines and oaks offers walks of several kilometers. Discover also the Contis lighthouse, the only lighthouse in the Landes, and its 183 steps to climb.
Other Seaside Resorts in the Landes
- Biscarrosse: Located in the north-west of the department, near the Gironde, the Arcachon basin and the Dune du Pyla, Biscarrosse is a seaside resort with a few shops open out of season. The city, which belongs to the Community of Communes of the Great Lakes, is appreciated for its 3,200 hectares of water offering safe swimming in parallel with its many pine forests and its sandy beaches. Biscarrosse has a double facet: Biscarrosse-Plage and Biscarrosse lake side. Indeed, the town has two large lakes where you can enjoy the pleasures of fresh water, as well as the ocean.
- Mimizan: Mimizan is a traditional seaside town. Its history goes back to the first sea baths and you will find an interesting heritage there. Restaurants, a casino and luxury hotels will put you in the atmosphere of this beautiful era. Also, do not miss a walk along the Courant de Mimizan.
- Seignosse: Seignosse is renowned for its outstanding natural spaces: the Étang Noir Reserve, the Étang Blanc, and the Étang Hardy. The Seignosse Golf Course is also a pleasant place for nature lovers.
- Soorts-Hossegor: Soorts-Hossegor is the surf capital. It is a seaside resort with two faces, ocean and lake. It has many advantages: its surf spots renowned throughout the world; the beaches of its marine lake, quieter, ideal for families. Not far from Dax and Bayonne and only 45 minutes from Spain, in Maremne, Soorts-Hossegor is a seaside resort on the Silver Coast that is a little special… Hossegor refers to the seaside resort while Soorts corresponds to the town steeped in history. Erected in the respect of Landes traditions, Soorts was formerly a village of fishermen, muleteers, resin workers and loggers characterized by a calm and authentic life. The creation of the Hossegor district disrupted the tranquility of the place. To allow Soorts to benefit from the growth of the city of Hossegor and the associated benefits (tourism, commerce, etc.), the elected officials decided in 1913 to add the name Hossegor to Soorts. In 1931, the famous seaside resort was born with the arts, letters and sports more chic than each other. In the 50s, surfing came to the forefront.
- Capbreton: In the town of Capbreton, neighboring Hossegor and the department of Pyrénées-Atlantiques, there are many second homes. In parallel, many Landes people live there all year round because they can quickly access Biarritz and Pau. Formerly known for whaling, the city has gradually been transformed into a reception site for vacationers, with the creation of the marina in particular. Marked by the joint presence of the ocean and the forest, this destination is above all sporty, on land and in the water. Capbreton is the only fishing port in the Landes department. Originally known for its whaling activity, it is now a pretty marina. You will find fresh fish at the market and can enjoy pleasant walks on the pier during your tourism in Capbreton.
- Labenne: Labenne is nestled in the Landes Forest. It offers all kinds of nature activities: the National Nature Reserve of the Marais d'Orx, the Reptilarium Reptilandes, the Zoo de Labenne, the Aquatic Landes amusement park, but also an equestrian center, or the Robinson tree climbing park.
- Tarnos: Tarnos is located at the extreme south of the Landes. It has the specificity of being located in the Mouth of the Adour. You will take beautiful walks there: by the ocean and along the Barre de l'Adour, on the Barthes de l'Adour or in the Landes forest.
- Moliets-et-Maa: Moliets-et-Maa is known for being at the mouth of the Courant d'Huchet, one of the most beautiful natural sites in the Landes. There is a wild beach where the stream from the Étang de Léon flows into the Courant d'Huchet nature reserve.
- Messanges: Messanges is a small quiet village located on the road to Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle, about thirty kilometers from Ondres. Pilgrims have been passing through it for centuries and the village and its surroundings have remained popular for hikers on foot, by bike or on horseback.
- Vieux-Boucau-les-Bains: This charming seaside resort between Messanges and Soustons is 31km north of Ondes. In addition to its two beaches on the Atlantic Ocean, it has a small marine lake where you can swim and go boating with the family. In summer, Vieux-Boucau-les-Bains comes alive.
- Ondres: It is in Ondres that the Landes dune cord ends. Here, the Basque Country is very close. Ondres is a seaside resort primarily for families.
The Silver Coast: A Magnificent Facade on the Atlantic
The Silver Coast is famous for its magnificent facade on the Atlantic. With more than 100 km of linear beach, it is even considered the longest beach in Europe. The southern part of this beautiful coast is Landes! If it is very popular for its long sandy beaches, do not forget its surf spots and its towns by the ocean of course! They are surrounded by the marvelous Landes forest and offer an idyllic setting for a multitude of activities, between land and sea.
Surf Schools: Learn and Improve
Along the Landes coast, 15 seaside resorts share the longest lunar cordon in Europe, a succession of fine sandy beaches nestled between the ocean, the dunes and the pine forest. From Biscarrosse to Tarnos, each city offers a different atmosphere. Several are animated all year round, others are ideal for surfing and some invite you to relax, surrounded by generous nature.
Esta Surf School in Seignosse welcomes you from May to September. Animated by a team of passionate professionals, this school offers courses adapted to all ages and all levels, from beginner to expert. Each student is at the center of the attention. Moreover, it offers a complete experience: in addition to surf lessons, you can benefit from advice on the choice of equipment, on the analysis of weather and maritime conditions, and on the discovery of the different spots in the region. A course guarantees a unique experience, rich in emotions, discoveries and progress.
Hossegor: The Pearl of the Landes Coast
Hossegor is a seaside resort in the South of the Landes not to be missed under any circumstances. Whether it is by its natural elegance, the charm of its architecture, its sporty side, the culture or even the shopping, you will not be disappointed!
The lake was born from the wanderings of a river, the Adour which ends its life on Bayonne in the Pyrenees Atlantiques. The marine lake (hence its salt water!) of Hossegor is one of the jewels of the Silver Coast which is an integral part of the natural heritage of the town. Subject to the play of the tides, it is in perpetual motion. You can taste oysters raised on site and appreciate the many gourmet restaurants that line its banks. And what a pleasure to discover it during the walk (on foot, by bike or running!) which goes around it!
To the west, the ocean. To the east, the forest. Hossegor is the result of this contrast. Its first treasure is nature. A third of its area is made up of forest. Hossegor, the flagship seaside resort of the Landes for surfing, has no less than 7 kilometers of beaches divided between lake and ocean. But it is especially for its ocean beaches that it is famous!
For swimming, opt instead for the South and Central beaches with its famous Place des Landais. If it's surfing that excites you, go instead to the spots on La Gravière beach to avoid the swimmers!
In the inter-war period, splendid villas were built all over Soorts-Hossegor. On the seafront with the Place des Landais, on the edge of the lake and all along the golf course, the seaside resort is distinguished by a unity and an originality of style that is totally unique. A mixture of Art Deco influences with Basque and Landes accents, sometimes Hispanic, the Basco-Landaise house signs the identity of the city. If you want to get an overview of what the Basco-Landais style is in a glance, go and see the Sporting Casino of Hossegor. Classified as a historical monument, just on the edge of the canal in a privileged environment, it testifies to the spirit and elegance that reign in this corner of the South of the Landes.
If you had to find good reasons to go to Hossegor, its gastronomy would surely be one of them! Wherever you go in Hossegor, push the doors of its restaurants or enter through the kitchens to be invaded by the typical scents of local products. The Landes region is rich in good products! Farm duck, Kiwi de l'Adour, farm chicken from Saint Sever, asparagus from the Landes, oysters from the lake and fish from local fishermen, in short, the tasty and generous Landes gastronomy will not leave you indifferent. And the good tables are numerous in Hossegor, without forgetting the Halles in the center of the city where 17 traders welcome you all year round.
Surfing and water sports have pride of place in this ocean city. Located in the city center, the Hossegor golf course unrolls the green carpet to amateurs and professionals of this sport. It delivers an exciting 18-hole course that is remarkably well integrated into the landscape. There are also bike rides on the many cycle paths, yoga sessions on the beach, paragliding flights over the lake, horse riding in the forest, learning about electric skateboarding or fatbiking. A stay in the South-West is also an opportunity to share its festive and fraternal spirit. Go see rugby matches which is the most practiced local sport and do not hesitate to learn Basque pelota on the pediment of the village of Soorts. And if you want to see real athletes in action, push the doors of the trinket during a part of cesta-punta and you will have an overview of the power and speed it takes to practice this kind of sports! To go out in the evening, there is always the Place des Landais which offers many night bars for colorful evenings.
Hossegor is known as the hotbed of new trends and new technologies. With more than 150 shops in the city center open all year round, including Sundays, you will find a wide range of collections of ready-to-wear, accessories, high-quality products and the latest trendy brands. You will find traditional but also trendy, bobo, hipster, everything that is cutting edge! Whether you are more "Sportswear trendy", "surf attitude" trend or technical equipment, rather organic and natural or addicted to vintage, you will find your happiness in Hossegor. Without forgetting the Pédebert Activity Zone in Soorts which offers real bargains all year round on many brands, in particular those of gliding: Rip Curl, Vissla, Globe, Quiksilver and Roxy, Vans, Element, DC, Skill, Carhartt etc etc!
Hossegor has an exceptional geographical location, very close to the Basque Country, it is located less than 20 minutes from Bayonne and from there it is the entire Basque coast that is available to you. If it is the Landes side that attracts you, it is located less than 30 minutes from Dax, a spa town par excellence. It also allows you to discover the entire Landes Forest Park and the Marquèze Ecomuseum which traces the history of the Landes in the 19th century.