Biarritz & Anglet · France
Surfing La Grande Plage
A beach break in Biarritz & Anglet, France, for beginner and intermediate surfers.
- TypeBeach Break
- LevelBeginner / Intermediate
- Size1-5 ft
- Best monthsYear-round
- Crowd4/5
The wave
La Grande Plage is the main beach in Biarritz, in front of the casino and the old seafront hotels. Surfing in France started in Biarritz in the 1950s, and this beach and the Côte des Basques next to it are where it began.
It's a beach break with punchy peaks that works on most swells. The town centre, cafés and hotels are right behind it. It's rarely the best wave on the Basque coast on a given day, but it's easy and central, and surf schools use it all year.
43.4832, -1.5586 · Any swell · Open in Google Maps
When to surf La Grande Plage
La Grande Plage is at its best from year-round. Conditions it likes: Any 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 La Grande Plage
| Wave | Area | Type | Level | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Côte des Basques | Biarritz & Anglet | Beach Break | Beginner / Intermediate | under 1 km |
| Alcyons | Biarritz & Anglet | Reef | Advanced / Pro | 1 km |
| Anglet Jetties | Biarritz & Anglet | Beach Break | Intermediate / Advanced | 4 km |
| Sainte-Barbe | Guéthary & Hendaye | Reef | Advanced / Pro | 7 km |
| Avalanche | Guéthary & Hendaye | Reef | Pro | 8 km |
| Lafitenia | Guéthary & Hendaye | Right Point | Intermediate / Advanced | 10 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 →
La Grande Plage: common questions
When is the best time to surf La Grande Plage?
La Grande Plage works best from year-round. Ideal conditions: Any swell.
Is La Grande Plage good for beginners?
Yes. La Grande Plage suits beginner and intermediate surfers.
How crowded is La Grande Plage?
La Grande Plage is usually busy: 4 out of 5 on our crowd scale.
Where is La Grande Plage?
La Grande Plage is in Biarritz & Anglet, in the Côte Basque region of France (43.4832, -1.5586). The nearest wave we cover is Côte des Basques, under 1 km away.
Last updated October 2026. Seasons, costs and conditions change, so check the details before you book.
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