Côte des Basques
The birthplace of French surfing: soft, long waves, perfect for longboarding.
Côte des Basques is where surfing was first ridden in France, in the 1950s, and it's still Europe's longboard meeting point. The waves are long and soft, ideal for learning or for a mellow session.
At high tide the sea reaches the cliff and there's hardly any beach left, so go at low to mid tide. Sunset from the promenade is a classic.
Spot facts
| Wave type | Beach break |
|---|---|
| Direction | Lefts and rights |
| Level | Beginner |
| Best swell | W, NW, SW |
| Best wind (offshore) | E, SE, S |
| Tide | Low to mid (the beach almost disappears at high tide) |
| Size | 0.5–2 m |
| Best season | All year |
| Crowd | Heavy |
| Localism | Low |
Surf forecast
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Hour-by-hour forecast for 14 days, with stars for your board and level, and the whole site without ads.
Model forecast for open water a few kilometres offshore: it can't see sandbanks or the shelter of headlands and jetties. The rating (0–5) is worked out from this spot's ideal swell and wind. Use it as a guide and check the sea before paddling out. Data: Open-Meteo (DWD, ECMWF; CC BY 4.0)
Which board to bring
A longboard or minimalibu. It's a good place to try a wooden board or a classic single fin. How many litres? Work out your volume with the volume calculator.
What to bring to surf Côte des Basques
The water is around 12 °C in winter and 21 °C in late summer. This is what we'd bring for this spot's water, level and boards.
The autumn-to-spring suit for water at 12–16 °C.
View on AmazonWarm feet in winter and protection on rocks.
View on AmazonThe safest, easiest board to learn on here.
View on AmazonKeeps your board from drifting off or hitting someone.
View on AmazonHold and smooth turns for a single fin.
View on AmazonWarm-water wax won't grip in this water.
View on AmazonAmazon affiliate links: if you buy through them, Shapers Europe earns a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Localism and vibe
A relaxed, very social vibe, with lots of surf schools. Respect the lesson areas.
Surfing style
Classic longboarding and learning.
Hazards
High tide against the cliff and crowds.
Map
Shapers near Côte des Basques
Order a board designed for these waves from a local shaper.
Other spots nearby
Biarritz
South of Côte des Basques, under the cliff: more power and fewer people.
Biarritz
Biarritz's city beach, in front of the casino and the Hôtel du Palais.
Bidart / Biarritz
A rock bottom below Ilbarritz castle: it doesn't work often, but when it does it's quiet.
Anglet
The surf heart of Anglet, by the Chambre d'Amour: peaks between groynes for everyone.
All spots in the French Basque Country →
Indicative information gathered from surf guides and surfers' experience. Conditions change with the sandbanks: check the forecast and ask at the beach.