Les Landes: France’s barrel capital
Les Landes is legendary among surfers, home to Europe’s most powerful beach breaks, stretching from Biscarrosse to Capbreton.
With fast, hollow waves and shifting sandbars, this coastline is a playground for experienced surfers, but you’ll also find beginner-friendly zones if you pick the right spots.
Expect raw Atlantic energy, long empty beaches, and some of the world’s best beach barrels.
When Is the surf good?
The Landes lights up from autumn to spring (October–April), when big northwest swells meet clean offshore winds.
- Ideal swell: 1–1.4 m, 9–11 sec period for intermediates (bigger for advanced surfers)
- Best wind: East or southeast offshore
- Tide: Depends on the sandbanks, but many spots work best mid to high
Summer offers smaller, more user-friendly waves, perfect for longboarding and learners, especially early in the day before the wind picks up.
Why visit Les Landes?
Beyond the surf, Les Landes offers vast pine forests, freshwater lakes, and classic surf towns like Hossegor and Seignosse, packed with surf shops, cafés, and a buzzing beach scene.
Inland, you’ll find peaceful bike trails, lakeside retreats, and access to the Basque Country just a short drive south.
In the next pages, we’ll guide you through the Landes’ must-surf spots; when to go, what to ride, and how to make the most of this world-class stretch of coast.
The main surfspots in Les Landes
Biscarrosse
Beach break | Rights & Lefts | All levels
Best conditions: All tides, E wind, with 1–1.4m NW swell and 9–11s period
Known for fast, sometimes barreling peaks—great for building confidence on steeper waves. Outside of surfing, explore pine forests, freshwater lakes, and the lively summer market scene. Quieter zones are just a short beach walk north.
Capbreton – Le Prévent
Beach break | Rights & Lefts | All levels
Best conditions: All tides, E wind, with 1–1.3m NW swell and 9–10s period
A more sheltered beach near the marina, ideal when surrounding breaks are maxed out. Just steps from Capbreton town center, where you’ll find great seafood restaurants, markets, and the legendary fish hall at the harbor.
La Gravière
Sandbar | Rights & Lefts | Pros only
Best conditions: All tides, E wind, with 1.5–2.5m W swell and 11–13s period
One of Europe’s heaviest sandbars—hollow, shallow, and often brutal. Strictly for chargers. Located in Hossegor, with trendy cafés, surf shops, and direct access to nightlife and dune trails.
Mimizan
Beach break | Rights & Lefts | All levels
Best conditions: All tides, E wind, with 1–1.3m NW swell and 9–11s period
A great learning spot with multiple peaks, surf schools, and beginner-friendly waves. The town is ringed by pine forests, river walks, and even a local market. Avoid river mouth during outflow.
Moliets
Beach break | Rights & Lefts | All levels
Best conditions: All tides, E wind, with 1–1.4m NW swell and 9–11s period
Can be punchy but often playful, especially south of La Centrale. Bordered by forest and dunes with a mellow surf camp vibe, golf course, and peaceful nature paths for walks and yoga.
Vieux Boucau (North Beach)
Sandbar | Rights & Lefts | All levels
Best conditions: All tides, SE wind, with 1–1.3m NW swell and 9–10s period
A solid beach option with fast peaks and good shape on an incoming tide. You’ll also find lake activities, forest biking trails, and the charming Vieux Boucau market scene within walking distance.
