The Gironde: Wild coastlines, endless beaches
The Gironde, stretching north of Bordeaux, offers some of France’s most expansive, untamed beaches and consistently fun waves. Here, sandy beach breaks like Lacanau, Carcans, and Le Porge deliver reliable peaks for all levels, from beginners to experienced shortboarders.
With long stretches of coastline and shifting sandbanks, the Gironde is perfect for surf travelers seeking space and variety.
When is the surf good?
The best conditions roll in from autumn to spring (October–April), when the Atlantic delivers regular west/northwest swells.
- Ideal swell: 1–1.4 m, 9–11 sec period for intermediates
- Best wind: Light offshore or east winds
- Tide: Most beaches work across all tides, but watch local sandbar shifts
Summer is smaller but still offers mellow waves for learners and longboarders — plus, warm water and sunny skies.
Why visit the Gironde?
Beyond surf, the Gironde charms visitors with lush pine forests, vast lakes, and a relaxed vibe. Explore Bordeaux’s vineyards, hike coastal dunes, bike through forest trails, or visit lively seaside towns like Lacanau. Add in local markets, fresh seafood, and sunset beach walks, and you’ve got the ultimate surf-nature combo.
Below, we break down the Gironde’s top surf spots; when they fire, who they suit, and what makes each one unique.
The main Surfspots in the Gironde
Carcans
Beach break | Rights & Lefts | All levels
Best conditions: All tides, E wind, with 1–1.8m NW swell and 10–12s period
Reliable sandbanks and manageable peaks make this a favorite for all-around surf sessions. Surrounded by pine forest and lakes—perfect for canoeing, hiking, and relaxing in nature. The town has a laid-back surf vibe and some local restaurants.
Hourtin Plage
Beach break | Rights & Lefts | All levels
Best conditions: All tides, E wind, with 1–1.8m NW swell and 10–12s period
Punchy, slightly more exposed than Carcans. Often less crowded. You’ll find access to Lac d’Hourtin, ideal for windsurfing, paddleboarding, or relaxing at freshwater beaches. Nearby campsites and forest trails complete the package.
Lacanau
Beach break | Rights & Lefts | All levels
Best conditions: All tides, E wind, with 1–2m NW swell and 10–13s period
One of France’s best-known surf towns, with multiple breaks suiting all levels. Great nightlife, surf shops, and the Lacanau Pro competition. Lots of biking paths and access to lakes, forests, and dune hiking routes.
Le Porge
Beach break | Rights & Lefts | All levels
Best conditions: All tides, E wind, with 1–1.8m NW swell and 10–12s period
A quiet, wild beach with long walks to the peaks—ideal for solitude seekers. Backed by forest and trails. No major town here, but great for camping and off-grid exploring.
Montalivet
Sandbar | Rights & Lefts | All levels
Best conditions: All tides, E wind, with 1–1.8m NW swell and 10–12s period
Multiple shifting peaks along a big beach. The nearby town is lively with a renowned daily market, nudist beach access, and plenty of rental shops. Forests and cycle paths inland make it a solid all-around destination.
