Surfing Hendaye Plage

The wave

A long, wide sandy beach at the very southern end of the French coast, right at the Spanish border. Hendaye Plage breaks over sand in accessible, forgiving peaks, a friendlier alternative to the reef and jetty breaks further north around Biarritz and Guéthary.

Sheltered somewhat by its position at the mouth of the Bidasoa estuary, it tends to stay a touch calmer than the fully exposed Landes beaches, making it a good option on bigger or wind-affected days elsewhere on the coast. The town itself is a classic, relaxed French beach resort.

Come at low-to-mid tide on a small-to-moderate swell for the easiest conditions. It's popular with beginners and families, and a sensible last stop on a Côte Basque road trip before crossing into Spain's own Basque Country just across the river.

43.3728, -1.7739 · Small-mod swell · Open in Google Maps

When to surf Hendaye Plage

Hendaye Plage is at its best from year-round. Conditions it likes: Small-mod swell. This is how the year looks across Côte Basque:

In season: January · February · March · October · November · December

Waves near Hendaye Plage

Straight-line distances. By road it is usually further.

Getting there and staying around Guéthary & Hendaye

Transport, costs and the rest of the waves in the area are in the Guéthary & Hendaye 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 →