Biarritz

Biarritz delivers a classic downtown beachbreak experience along the sweep of Grande Plage, where shifting sandbanks serve up both right and left peaks that can range from punchy, high-performance wedges to slower, fatter rollers. The action here is shaped by the rocky outcrops to the south and swirling tidal currents, which work together to maintain consistent, well-defined banks. When the swell kicks in, expect a strong rip to develop, adding a layer of challenge and requiring savvy positioning to make the most of the peaks.

Best Surf Season (October - March)

Biarritz's surf year is built around the North Atlantic storm track. From October through March, the Azores High drifts south and a train of extratropical cyclones forms off the U.S. East Coast, sending long-period WNW/NW groundswell directly into the Bay of Biscay. Average swell heights run 4-6ft (1.3-1.8m), with periods of 11-13 seconds, and frequent southerly to south-westerly offshore flow keeps the famous beach and reef peaks clean. December is the statistical peak, with ideal surf winds 51 percent of the time.