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:
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Long, gradual waves: No abrupt close-outs
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Less strong currents: So you can paddle back easily
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Space in the water: No crowded line-ups full of shortboarders claiming every wave
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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:
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Best conditions (swell direction, wind, and tide)
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Required swell height and power
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Seasonal wetsuit advice
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Accommodation tips (campsite and guesthouse)
We’ve gathered all the info you need to plan your next surf trip with ease.
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:
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Summer: 3/2mm in the morning, otherwise 2/2mm or even boardshorts on hot days
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Fall/Spring: 4/3mm
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Winter: 5/4mm + boots and hood
Accommodation:
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Camping: Camping Club Marina Landes
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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:
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Summer: 3/2mm shorty
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Fall/Spring: 4/3mm
- Winter: 5/4mm + boots and hood
Accommodation:
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Camping: Camping de la Torche
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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:
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Summer: 3/2mm in the morning, otherwise 2/2mm or boardshorts
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Fall/Spring: 4/3mm
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Winter: 5/4mm (+ boots and hood on cold days)
Accommodation:
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Camping: Camping Ametza
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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:
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Summer: 3/2mm
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Fall/Spring: 4/3mm
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Winter: 5/4mm + boots and hood
Accommodation:
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Camping: Camping Les Dunes
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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:
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Summer: 3/2mm
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Fall/Spring: 4/3mm
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Winter: 5/4mm + boots and hood
Accommodation:
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Camping: Camping Le Jard
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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:
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Summer: 3/2mm in the morning, otherwise 2/2mm, or even boardshorts on hot days
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Fall/Spring: 4/3mm
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Winter: 5/4mm + boots and hood
Accommodation:
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Camping: Camping Municipal
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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:
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Summer: 3/2mm in the morning, otherwise 2/2mm, or even boardshorts on hot days
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Fall/Spring: 4/3mm
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Winter: 5/4mm + boots and hood
Accommodation:
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Camping: Camping des Pins
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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:
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Summer: 3/2mm
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Fall/Spring: 4/3mm
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Winter: 5/4mm + boots and hood
Accommodation:
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Camping: Camping de Trez Hir
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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:
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Summer: 3/2mm in the morning, otherwise 2/2mm, or boardshorts
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Fall/Spring: 4/3mm
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Winter: 5/4mm + boots and hood
Accommodation:
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Camping: Camping Saint Martin
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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:
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Summer: 3/2mm
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Fall/Spring: 4/3mm
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Winter: 5/4mm + boots and hood
Accommodation:
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Camping: Fort Penthièvre
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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:
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Summer: 3/2mm in the morning, otherwise 2/2mm, or even boardshorts
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Fall/Spring: 4/3mm
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Winter: 5/4mm + boots and hood
Accommodation:
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Camping: Camping Juantcho
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Guesthouse: Charmant Appartement
12. Guéthary (Basque Country)
Swell: NW / W | Wind: E / NE | Tide: High
Ideal swell: 1 – 2m, 12–15s
Wetsuit advice:
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Summer: 3/2mm in the morning, otherwise 2/2mm, or boardshorts
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Fall/Spring: 4/3mm
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Winter: 5/4mm + boots and hood
Accommodation:
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Camping: Erromardie (nearby)
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Guesthouse: Villa Catarie
More about surfing in Guéthary
Want to know more about surfing in France?
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