Biarritz & Anglet · France
Surfing Côte des Basques
A beach break in Biarritz & Anglet, France, for beginner and intermediate surfers.
- TypeBeach Break
- LevelBeginner / Intermediate
- Size1-4 ft
- Best monthsYear-round
- Crowd4/5
The wave
Côte des Basques is the beach below the cliffs just south of the Grande Plage in Biarritz, and the home of French longboarding since the late 1950s. The waves are long, slow and soft, good for noseriding and easy surfing.
It's busy almost all year with longboarders, beginners and surf schools. Small to medium swells are best. At high tide the beach nearly disappears, so check the tide before you go.
43.4795, -1.567 · Small-mod swell · Open in Google Maps
When to surf Côte des Basques
Côte des Basques is at its best from year-round. Conditions it likes: Small-mod swell. This is how the year looks across Côte Basque:
| Months | Verdict | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| October to March | Prime | Big, powerful swell, mild Basque winter |
| April to June | Good | Reliable swell, festival season starts in October |
| July to August | Quiet | Smaller swell, packed beaches, festival crowds |
In season: January · February · March · October · November · December
Waves near Côte des Basques
| Wave | Area | Type | Level | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alcyons | Biarritz & Anglet | Reef | Advanced / Pro | under 1 km |
| La Grande Plage | Biarritz & Anglet | Beach Break | Beginner / Intermediate | under 1 km |
| Anglet Jetties | Biarritz & Anglet | Beach Break | Intermediate / Advanced | 5 km |
| Sainte-Barbe | Guéthary & Hendaye | Reef | Advanced / Pro | 7 km |
| Avalanche | Guéthary & Hendaye | Reef | Pro | 7 km |
| Lafitenia | Guéthary & Hendaye | Right Point | Intermediate / Advanced | 9 km |
Straight-line distances. By road it is usually further.
Getting there and staying around Biarritz & Anglet
Transport, costs and the rest of the waves in the area are in the Biarritz & Anglet surf guide →
A week here costs from about $390 with flights from Europe, or around $1,032 travelling comfortably. See other surf trips under $500 →
Côte des Basques: common questions
When is the best time to surf Côte des Basques?
Côte des Basques works best from year-round. Ideal conditions: Small-mod swell.
Is Côte des Basques good for beginners?
Yes. Côte des Basques suits beginner and intermediate surfers.
How crowded is Côte des Basques?
Côte des Basques is usually busy: 4 out of 5 on our crowd scale.
Where is Côte des Basques?
Côte des Basques is in Biarritz & Anglet, in the Côte Basque region of France (43.4795, -1.567). The nearest wave we cover is Alcyons, under 1 km away.
Last updated October 2026. Seasons, costs and conditions change, so check the details before you book.
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