La Barre
The beach by the Adour jetty, legendary in the sixties and still good in big swell.
La Barre is at the northern end of Anglet, right next to the jetty at the mouth of the Adour. It was one of the most famous waves in France until harbour works changed the bottom; today it still produces good lefts in big swell.
The jetty shelters it from northerly and southerly winds, so it's an option when there's a cross-shore wind.
Spot facts
| Wave type | Beach break |
|---|---|
| Direction | Left |
| Level | Intermediate |
| Best swell | NW, W |
| Best wind (offshore) | SE, E, S |
| Tide | Low |
| Size | 1.5–3 m |
| Best season | Autumn and winter |
| Crowd | Medium |
| Localism | Medium |
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 shortboard; a step-up in big swell, which is when it works best. How many litres? Work out your volume with the volume calculator.
What to bring to surf La Barre
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 AmazonKeeps your board from drifting off or hitting someone.
View on AmazonThe three-fin set for a shortboard.
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
Reports say Anglet locals are tired of the crowds. Be very respectful and don't turn up as a group.
Surfing style
Lefts in big swell.
Hazards
Backwash at high tide, the jetty and water quality after rain, because of the river mouth.
Map
Shapers near La Barre
Order a board designed for these waves from a local shaper.
Other spots nearby
Anglet
Anglet's most powerful wave: hollow barrels and a channel by the jetty.
Anglet
The surf heart of Anglet, by the Chambre d'Amour: peaks between groynes for everyone.
Biarritz
Biarritz's city beach, in front of the casino and the Hôtel du Palais.
Biarritz
The birthplace of French surfing: soft, long waves, perfect for longboarding.
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.