France is a paradise for longboarders, if you know where to go and when.
With mellow beach breaks, wide sandy beaches and laid-back vibes, there are plenty of spots where you can stylishly carve your lines.
Here you’ll find the 12 best longboard surf spots in France, including: ideal conditions per spot, recommended campsites and guesthouses, and seasonal wetsuit advice.
Check out all French surf spots here.
What makes a spot good for longboarders?
You can recognize a good longboard spot by the following:
Long, gradual waves: No abrupt close-outs
Less strong currents: So you can paddle back easily
Space in the water: No crowded line-ups full of shortboarders claiming every wave
Gentle take-off: Waves that build slowly are easier to time with a longboard
Why go longboarding in France?
Whether you’re trying your first hang-five or you love those classic stylish rides across mellow walls—France has it all.
From sheltered bays in Brittany to wide sandbanks in Les Landes, there’s always a spot with soft, long waves that are perfect for your log.
Bonus: Many of these spots are family-friendly and ideal for surf trips with kids.
Overview: Best French longboard spots + conditions & tips
For each spot, you’ll find:
Best conditions (swell direction, wind, and tide)
Required swell height and power
Seasonal wetsuit advice
Accommodation tips (campsite and guesthouse)
We’ve gathered all the info you need to plan your next surf trip with ease.
Our digital surf guide maps out 35+ spots, longboard-friendly breaks and hidden gems – all in one easy download.
Here they are; the 12 longboard surf spots in France
1. Mimizan Plage (Les Landes)
Swell: W / NW | Wind: E | Tide: Mid
Ideal swell: 0.8 – 1.5m, 8–12s
Wetsuit advice:
Summer: 3/2mm in the morning, otherwise 2/2mm or even boardshorts on hot days
Fall/Spring: 4/3mm
Winter: 5/4mm + boots and hood
Accommodation:
Camping: Camping Club Marina Landes
Guesthouse: Hôtel Atlantique
2. La Torche (Brittany)
Swell: W / SW | Wind: E | Tide: Best at mid
Ideal swell: 1 – 1.8m, 10–14s
Wetsuit advice:
Summer: 3/2mm shorty
Fall/Spring: 4/3mm
- Winter: 5/4mm + boots and hood
Accommodation:
Camping: Camping de la Torche
Lodge: La Torche Surf Lodge
3. Hendaye (Basque Country)
Swell: W / NW | Wind: NE | Tide: Low to mid
Ideal swell: 1 – 2m outside, 0.5 – 1.2m inside the bay
Wetsuit advice:
Summer: 3/2mm in the morning, otherwise 2/2mm or boardshorts
Fall/Spring: 4/3mm
Winter: 5/4mm (+ boots and hood on cold days)
Accommodation:
Camping: Camping Ametza
Guesthouse: Hotel La Marisa (Rated 9.1 on Booking!)
4. Les Dunes – Brétignolles (Vendée)
Swell: W / WNW | Wind: E / SE | Tide: Mid
Ideal swell: 0.7 – 1.5m, 9–12s
Wetsuit advice:
Summer: 3/2mm
Fall/Spring: 4/3mm
Winter: 5/4mm + boots and hood
Accommodation:
Camping: Camping Les Dunes
Guesthouse / Holiday home: Villa Brétignolles
5. Le Phare – La Tranche-sur-Mer (Vendée)
Swell: W / SW | Wind: NE / W | Tide: Mid to high
Ideal swell: 0.8 – 1.6m, 10–13s or 1.8–2.5m, 12–15s from W/NW
Wetsuit advice:
Summer: 3/2mm
Fall/Spring: 4/3mm
Winter: 5/4mm + boots and hood
Accommodation:
Camping: Camping Le Jard
Guesthouse / Hotel: Hôtel Les Cols Verts
6. Saint-Girons Plage (Les Landes)
Swell: WNW / NW | Wind: E / NE | Tide: Mid
Ideal swell: 0.8 – 1.4m, 9–12s
Wetsuit advice:
Summer: 3/2mm in the morning, otherwise 2/2mm, or even boardshorts on hot days
Fall/Spring: 4/3mm
Winter: 5/4mm + boots and hood
Accommodation:
Camping: Camping Municipal
Villa: Villa Proche Plage (the name says it all)
7. Soulac-sur-Mer (Gironde)
Swell: W | Wind: E / SE | Tide: Mid to high
Ideal swell: 0.6 – 1.3m, 8–10s
Wetsuit advice:
Summer: 3/2mm in the morning, otherwise 2/2mm, or even boardshorts on hot days
Fall/Spring: 4/3mm
Winter: 5/4mm + boots and hood
Accommodation:
Camping: Camping des Pins
Guesthouse: Villa Le Ci
8. Les Blancs Sablons (Northern Brittany)
Swell: WNW | Wind: E / NE | Tide: Mid
Ideal swell: 0.8 – 1.5m, 10–13s
Wetsuit advice:
Summer: 3/2mm
Fall/Spring: 4/3mm
Winter: 5/4mm + boots and hood
Accommodation:
Camping: Camping de Trez Hir
Guesthouse: Hôtel Vent d’Iroise
9. Moliets-et-Maa (Les Landes)
Swell: W / NW | Wind: E / SE | Tide: Mid
Ideal swell: 0.8 – 1.5m, 9–11s
Wetsuit advice:
Summer: 3/2mm in the morning, otherwise 2/2mm, or boardshorts
Fall/Spring: 4/3mm
Winter: 5/4mm + boots and hood
Accommodation:
Camping: Camping Saint Martin
Hotel: Logis Hôtel de L’Océan
or lodge: Ohana Lodge
10. Saint-Pierre-Quiberon – Penthièvre (Brittany)
Swell: SW / W | Wind: E / NE | Tide: Mid
Ideal swell: 0.7 – 1.4m, 10–12s
Wetsuit advice:
Summer: 3/2mm
Fall/Spring: 4/3mm
Winter: 5/4mm + boots and hood
Accommodation:
Camping: Fort Penthièvre
Hostel: Auberge des Dunes (perfectly located)
11. Cenitz (Basque Country)
Swell: W / NW | Wind: NE | Tide: Mid to high
Ideal swell: 0.8 – 1.6m, 10–13s
Wetsuit advice:
Summer: 3/2mm in the morning, otherwise 2/2mm, or even boardshorts
Fall/Spring: 4/3mm
Winter: 5/4mm + boots and hood
Accommodation:
Camping: Camping Juantcho
Guesthouse: Charmant Appartement
12. Guéthary (Basque Country)
Swell: NW / W | Wind: E / NE | Tide: High
Ideal swell: 1 – 2m, 12–15s
Wetsuit advice:
Summer: 3/2mm in the morning, otherwise 2/2mm, or boardshorts
Fall/Spring: 4/3mm
Winter: 5/4mm + boots and hood
Accommodation:
Camping: Erromardie (nearby)
Guesthouse: Villa Catarie
More about surfing in Guéthary
Want to know more about surfing in France?
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