Our top 5 surf spots in France you don’t want to miss on your cycling trip
Whether you want to start learning to surf, perfect your skills, or just take a break and watch the surfers along your route, check out our favourite spots to catch some waves just steps (or turns of your wheels) from La Vélodyssée.
Bud Bud in the Vendée
Bud Bud is a favourite spot for the local surfers in the Vendée department, with superb beach and waves.
The best conditions are from September to June and it’s not unusual for surfers to get to catch hollow waves offering fantastic barrels.
It’s best to surf the waves at Bud Bud with an incoming tide.
- Bonus : A beautiful pine forest and a beach stretching out straight in front of you as far as the eye can see.
- Check it out on the Les Sables d’Olonne <> La Tranche-sur-Mer route segment
- Surfing conditions at Bud Bud
La Palmyre on the ‘Côte Sauvage’ in Charente-Maritime
This surf break is known for its powerful waves that quickly break on the beach.
In a preserved natural environment, this spot is great for all surfers, from beginners to the most experienced.
It’s very often possible to surf at La Palmyre all year long, but it’s best with an incoming tide.
However, be careful: on the Côte Sauvage (Wild Coast) some less-frequented beaches do not have lifeguards and swimming is sometimes prohibited for being dangerous.
- Bonus: The surf schools in Royan are open all year long and offer lessons in all seasons.
- Check it out on the Marennes <> Royan route segment
- Surfing conditions at La Palmyre
Lacanau in Gironde
This surfing spot is probably the most well-known on the Gironde coast. It is very often overcrowded in the summer, so it’s better to go surfing there from April to June or from September to November.
The best time of day is as the tide comes in.
Often appearing in the media, this surf spot hosts numerous competitions. It’s even the site of the Lacanau Pro, part of the surfing World Qualifying Series.
It has an amazing setting in the seaside resort of Lacanau. The ambiance and activities at the resort are a plus for surfers who want to take advantage before and after surfing sessions.
- Bonus: The town is home to the oldest surfing club in Europe.
- Check it out on the Hourtin Plage <> Lacanau route segment
- Surfing conditions in Lacanau
La Gravière in Landes
La Gravière is a world-class surf spot that often hosts competitions for the world championships.
Thanks to an underwater trench, this spot very often has powerful hollow waves for experienced surfers, with barrels creating a breathtaking spectacle.
The ideal time of year for this surf spot is from September to March. Surfing is best with an incoming tide.
La Gravière is for experienced surfers only, but everyone else can enjoy watching them from the beach.
- Bonus: Kelly Slater won the 2012 Quiksilver Pro France at La Gravière.
- Check it out on the Léon <> Capbreton cycling route segment
- Surfing conditions at La Gravière
Parlementia beach in Guéthary, Pyrénées-Atlantiques
Cycling in the South of France? This superb surf spot is located between Saint-Jean-de-Luz and Biarritz.
One of the best parts about Parlementia beach is that it offers surf sessions in the winter with great, big, powerful waves. For that reason, it’s only for experienced surfers.
At this spot, watch out for the rocks at low tide.
The ideal time of year for Parlementia beach is from September to March. Plan your session to coincide with an incoming tide.
- Bonus: This surf spot is legendary for its ‘rights,’ compared to those found at Sunset Beach.
- Check it out on the Biarritz <> Saint-Jean-de-Luz cycling route segment
- Surfing conditions at Parlementia beach
