Grande Plage
Biarritz's city beach, in front of the casino and the Hôtel du Palais.
The Grande Plage is Biarritz's postcard. It has sand peaks that work well at low to mid tide and it handles some southerly wind, which spoils other beaches.
In summer the swimming area takes up much of the beach and surfing is limited to signposted zones. Parking is hard.
Spot facts
| Wave type | Beach break |
|---|---|
| Direction | Lefts and rights |
| Level | All levels |
| Best swell | NW, W |
| Best wind (offshore) | SE, E, S |
| Tide | Low to mid |
| 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 funboard or longboard most days; a shortboard when a good swell arrives. How many litres? Work out your volume with the volume calculator.
What to bring to surf Grande Plage
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 AmazonThe three-fin set for a shortboard.
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 very touristy, open vibe. Respect the swimming and surf-school zones.
Surfing style
City beach break.
Hazards
Crowds, rocks at both ends and water quality after heavy rain.
Map
Shapers near Grande Plage
Order a board designed for these waves from a local shaper.
Other spots nearby
Biarritz
The birthplace of French surfing: soft, long waves, perfect for longboarding.
Biarritz
South of Côte des Basques, under the cliff: more power and fewer people.
Anglet
The surf heart of Anglet, by the Chambre d'Amour: peaks between groynes for everyone.
Bidart / Biarritz
A rock bottom below Ilbarritz castle: it doesn't work often, but when it does it's quiet.
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.