Côte des Basques
Basque Country, France
Beach breakBeginner
Where modern European surfing was born, the south-facing, cliff-backed Biarritz beach where Californian Peter Viertel rode the first waves in Europe in 1957, now a beloved longboard spot.
Typical Conditions
The Surf Window
Swell Window
OptimalW (270°)
WindowSSW–NNW (210°–330°)
Size4-8ft
Wind
NE
Offshore
Tide
Any
LowMidHigh
Season
September–November
JFMAMJJASOND
The Wave
Type
Both
Bottom
Sand
Shape
Long, slow, rolling waves, perfect for longboarding
Length
75–150m
Skill Level
- •Who it's for: Beginner–Intermediate (longboard)
- •Why: Gentle waves and sandy bottom make it accessible; the longboard community is welcoming and vibrant.
Hazards
- •Beach completely disappears at high tide in winter, dangerous cliff swells at full high tide
- •Crowds in summer
- •Occasional jellyfish
Local Tips
- •A longboard or mid-length transforms this into a magical session, the long, smooth walls are wasted on a shortboard.
- •The clifftop promenade above has an iconic view of the break and is one of Biarritz's finest walks.
Location
43.4774, -1.5669