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.

Looking for the best waves in France?
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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

More about surfing in Guéthary


Want to know more about surfing in France?

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