3 curated Surfing spots in France, each with its own note and source.
Pays Basque · Best time: May–Oct · Beginner
Côte des Basques is the beginner and longboard beach: at low tide the sand is huge, at high tide it all but disappears and the waves wash over the rocks — genuinely dangerous on big winter and spring swells. The Grande Plage in the town centre is best on mid tide but gets packed in summer. May-June and September-October bring waves with far fewer people out.
Sources: Ultimate France, Skatepark Biarritz, Le Site du Skateboard
Landes · Best time: May–Oct · All levels
An underwater canyon lets swell hit the sandbanks unchecked: La Gravière is heavy and unforgiving, expert territory, best on a dropping tide from two metres up. La Nord holds three metres and more on the biggest winter days — with strong rips and constantly shifting banks. September and October bring one to two metres with long periods; beginners belong at La Sud, sheltered by the harbour walls.
Sources: Surf Atlas
Nouvelle-Aquitaine · Best time: May–Oct · Beginner
Fourteen kilometres of sand with banks held in place between groynes, fed by W to NW swell and best on mid tide with an offshore easterly. One to three metres is typical, fast and hollow, with strong currents. La Centrale and its surf schools is the learning beach but is jammed in summer; quieter is the consistent left by the southernmost groyne at La Sud.
Sources: Ultimate France