Surfing in Guéthary

Spot Overview

Guéthary is located on the French Basque coast, between Biarritz and Saint-Jean-de-Luz. With a long surfing history, it’s a favorite among both French and international surfers. The coastline is rocky and features multiple reef breaks, all facing the powerful Atlantic Ocean.

The most well-known wave here is Parlementia — a reef break that breaks at a distance from shore. Other nearby spots include Les Alcyons, Avalanche, and Cenitz — each offering unique characteristics and varying levels of difficulty.

Surf Conditions

Parlementia is a wide and deep reef break that works across various tides. The waves are powerful and have long walls, but the peak is far out, requiring a serious paddle.

Les Alcyons is a fast, left-hand reef break with hollow waves. Best suited for experienced surfers. It becomes more dangerous at low tide due to the shallow rock bottom.

Avalanche sits even farther out and comes alive during big winter swells. This is a wave for true experts — expect size, power, and commitment.

Cenitz lies slightly to the south and is more accessible for less experienced surfers. Multiple peaks break over a mix of sand and reef. It’s safer to surf here during mid to high tide.

Tides & Wind:

• Parlementia works across all tides.
• Les Alcyons is best during mid to high tide.
• Avalanche performs best during low tide.
• Cenitz is safest during mid to high tide.
  The best wind directions are east or southeast, creating offshore conditions.

Seasons:

• Summer: Smaller waves, ideal for beginners.
• Autumn: Great swells and still-warm water.
• Winter: Large swells and cold water — for experienced surfers only.
• Spring: Variable, but often good waves with less crowd.

Want to learn how to read a surf forecast?
Read our Windguru guide here.

Tips by level:

• Beginners: stick to Cenitz or the inside of Parlementia on smaller days.
• Intermediate: Parlementia or Les Alcyons work well during medium to solid swells.
• Experts: Avalanche is the go-to during big swells and clean offshore wind.

Safety & Accessibility

Safety:

The seabed is rocky or reef-based, which makes surfing riskier at low tide.

Currents can be strong, especially at Parlementia and Les Alcyons.

There are no permanent lifeguards — always surf with a buddy.

In case of emergency, call 112 or 196.

Accessibility:

Guéthary lies along the D810 and is accessible via the A63 highway.

There’s a train station with connections to Biarritz and Saint-Jean-de-Luz.

Parking is limited, especially in the high season.

Local Facilities

Accommodation:

• Guéthary Surf Lodge – surf-focused stay with guiding options.
• Hotel Le Madrid – centrally located with historic charm.
• Villa Catarie – boutique hotel with a local feel.

Food & Drinks:

• Heteroclito – café and bar close to Parlementia.
• Ilunabar – bar with a sea view.
• Various bistros and pizzerias in the village center.

Surf shops & rentals:

• Local shops offer board and wetsuit rentals.
• Larger surf stores are located in Bidart or Saint-Jean-de-Luz.

Surf schools:

• Aquality Surf School offers lessons for all levels.
• Surf Lodge also provides guiding for advanced surfers.

Videos

These videos give a good impression of the surf conditions in Guéthary:

Winter swell at Parlementia:

Chill summer session:

Stay in the Loop

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Always check the current conditions via Windguru or Surf-Forecast before paddling out.

Also check out our other surf guides for spots in France.

Guéthary is a compact, accessible surf destination with powerful waves and facilities for every level.
Whether you’re just starting out or have years of surf experience, Guéthary delivers quality waves and memorable sessions.