Biarritz – Côte des Basques

Biarritz · Pays Basque · France

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The Côte des Basques, under the cliffs south of the Rocher de la Vierge, is where surfing in Europe began and is still known as its cradle. It is a long, gentle beach break over sand with scattered rock, giving mellow lefts and rights that are perfect for longboarding and learning, and it holds swells up to about 3 m. The view across to the Spanish coast is one of the best in Biarritz. The beach disappears completely at high tide on anything but small tides, so sessions follow the tide chart.

Level
Beginners
Break
Beach break, sand and rock
Waves
Lefts and rights
Crowd
Packed
Season
autumn, winter, spring, summer
Boards
A longboard or mid-length is ideal; a foam board for learning.

When it works

✓ A 1–2.5 m west to northwest swell from low to mid tide with a south, southeast or east wind.

When it doesn't

✕ High tide, which covers the beach and drives the waves into the rocks and sea wall.

Watch out for

  • crowds
  • rocks
  • rips

Best months

April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November

Local tips

Plan around the tide: above a tide coefficient of about 45 the sand vanishes at high water, so learners should come in on the rising tide before the waves reach the rock barriers. The lineup is relaxed and mixed, with a wave for every level, but busy on weekends and all summer. The Maison du Surf on the beach has a free surf-culture space.

Getting there

South of the Rocher de la Vierge in Biarritz; park on the boulevard du Prince de Galles above the cliff (paid, and full in summer) and walk down the path or steps. There are eight surf schools, two surf clubs and lifeguards in season.

History

In 1957 the American screenwriter Peter Viertel, in Biarritz for the filming of The Sun Also Rises, had a board sent over and surfed here, which is recognised as the start of surfing in Europe. The beach hosts the Biarritz Surf Festival, founded in 1993 and one of the leading longboard events in the world.

Travel notes

How often it works
Wannasurf rates it regular. It picks up most westerly swells and is often good for longboards. At high tide on big tides the beach disappears and the waves hit the rocks.
Crowd and vibe
Usually empty on weekdays outside the holidays, but crowded at weekends and all summer. The mood is relaxed and mixed, with locals and visitors sharing well.
Camping and vans
The 4-star Biarritz Camping is about 1.5 km south, near Milady (April to October). The Milady motorhome aire (32 places, 48-hour limit in high season) is about 1 km away. Nearest campsite about 1.5 km away.
Facilities
There are eight surf schools, two surf clubs, the Maison du Surf, cafés on the cliff and lifeguards in season.
Water quality
Rated excellent, and the beach flies the Pavillon Bleu (Blue Flag). Biarritz closes beaches for a few hours when pollution is suspected after heavy rain. Check the Kalilo app.

Ideal conditions

Swell
W–NW best, WSW–NNW works
Size
1–2.5 m offshore swell; starts at 0.6 m, holds to 3 m
Period
8 s minimum, best from 12 s
Wind
Offshore ENE–SSE; handles onshore up to 12 km/h
Tide
low best, avoid high
Faces
WNW (294°)

Live cam

Cams © their operators, shown from the operator's own feed.

In the guides

Nearby spots

All spots in Pays Basque · All spots

Sources