Stormrider Guide to surfing Biarritz and Anglet

France, EUROPE

Biarritz surf at Les Cavaliers, Rob Gilley

Summary

+ Variety of consistent waves	- Wet climate year-round
+ Big-wave venues	- Pollution and crowds
+ Sheltered spots	- Cold water in winter
+ Summer and winter breaks	- Expensive

Biarritz surf and beaches have been a popular tourist destination since Napoleon III chose it to launch the craze of sunbathing in the 19th century.

Surfing in France began in 1956, when the first surfboards arrived in the luggage of a Californian surfer and filmmaker named Peter Viertel. He was amazed by the quality of the waves that he found on the Côte Basque and surfing caught on quickly, due, in no small part to the Basque peoples love of the ocean.

When to Go

The coastline faces due west around to due north, catching the bulk of the very consistent North Atlantic swells. Unfortunately, it is not so well orientated for the dominant NW winds. When a low pressure approaches the coast, winds usually blow from the SW before turning WNW. Big storms are common and the surf can remain blown out for several days. Combine this with rain and cooler temperatures and it can get a little depressing! On the other hand, when a high pressure covers the country you will be blessed with sunny skies and in the mornings, light offshore breezes (about 1/3 of the time). In the afternoons it’s usual for a light to moderate NW seabreeze to kick in. Tidal ranges can reach 14 feet (4,50m) on spring tides, at which time very few spots work properly. Get a tide chart.

Surf Spots

The river Adour marks the northern border of the Basque Country and this surf zone starting with the beaches of Anglet. Before the major jetty was built between 1971 and 1973, La Barre was considered a world class spot amongst the surf travellers of the 60’s. Now a sheltered spot for big swells only, a recent extension of the jetty has further reduced the surf potential but not the pollution. North of the jetty is Boucau, a localised spot that holds big lefts. To the south of La Barre are 4km (2.5mi) of good beachbreaks, well exposed to swell and sheltered from sideshore winds by numerous jetties. Les Cavaliers gets the biggest surf and is usually the cleanest when the summer afternoon seabreeze kicks in, while Chambre d’Amour offers less powerful waves. Once you pass Biarritz lighthouse, you hit the first of the rocky headlands that are a feature of this chic city. There are good beachbreaks that need a moderate sized swell and lower tides to get going. Grande Plage, in the heart of Biarritz, produces powerful peaks that are protected from southwesterly winds. Côte des Basques is the next spot to the south; it is a meeting point for longboarders since the waves are mellow and sheltered from afternoon NW seabreezes. Towards the south is Bidart, with some sand-covered reefs that work on small swells but close-out when it’s big.

Statistics

dominant swell

W -NW

swell size (ft)

4-5

2-3

5-6

6-7

consistency (%)

dominant wind

SW -NW

W -NE

W -N

W -NW

SW -NW

average force

consistency (%)

water temp (C)

wetsuit

4/3

3/2

springsuit

3/2

4/3

Travel Information

Weather
Due to the proximity of the Pyrenees mountains, it rains about 1500mm annually on the French Basque coast (1 day out of 2), which is less than the Spanish Basque country, but more than Hossegor. Summer stays light until 10pm- in the winter it’s dark by 5.30pm. The weather is reasonably stable from March to October. March and April can experience occasional afternoon temps around 20°c (68°F), while May and June are much warmer months, despite the cooler water. Same wetsuit requirements as Hossegor

Lodging and Food
Many hotels, from budget up to 4-star. On the N10, you can expect a double from $25, but the average in town is $35, especially in high season. Campsites are plentiful from May to September but beware of the wet climate. Typically, a restaurant bill is $20 not including wine. Hypermarkets have a huge selection of cheap food for self-caterers.

Nature and Culture
There is an aquarium in Biarritz (refreshed in 2011), as well as a surf museum - Cité de L'océan et du Surf has finally been completed after 6 years. If you are in the area in early August, then don’t miss the Fêtes du Bayonne, 3 days of non-stop partying on the streets. There are more festivals in summertime. Bars and nightclubs are very lively in peak season. The combination of sea and high mountains found in the Basque Country make this area one of the most beautiful and enjoyable places in the world. Local sports that are well catered for include golf and mountain sports in the Pyrenees, whilst pelote and courses de vaches are interesting spectator sports.