Hossegor & Capbreton · France
Surfing La Gravière
A beach break in Hossegor & Capbreton, France, for advanced and pro surfers.
- TypeBeach Break
- LevelAdvanced / Pro
- Size3-10 ft
- Best monthsSep-Apr
- Crowd5/5
The wave
La Gravière is the most famous wave in Hossegor and one of the heaviest beach breaks in the world. A deep underwater canyon, the Gouf de Capbreton, sends the swell straight onto the sandbank, so the waves come out of deep water and break hard in shallow water.
On a good bank it throws thick, hollow barrels, and it has hosted world tour contests. Takeoffs are late and steep. Once it's over head high, it's for advanced surfers only, and the lineup is very competitive. It's best on a clean groundswell with light wind, usually in autumn.
43.6608, -1.4472 · Clean groundswell, light wind · Open in Google Maps
When to surf La Gravière
La Gravière is at its best from September to April. Conditions it likes: Clean groundswell, light wind. This is how the year looks across Landes (Hossegor):
| Months | Verdict | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| October to March | Prime | Biggest, most powerful groundswell, quieter off-season |
| April to June | Good | Reliable swell, milder crowds |
| July to August | Quiet | Smaller swell, packed beaches and high prices |
In season: January · February · March · October · November · December
Waves near La Gravière
| Wave | Area | Type | Level | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| La Centrale | Hossegor & Capbreton | Beach Break | Intermediate / Advanced | under 1 km |
| La Nord | Hossegor & Capbreton | Beach Break | Advanced / Pro | under 1 km |
| Le Penon | Seignosse & Vieux-Boucau | Beach Break | Beginner / Intermediate | 4 km |
| Les Estagnots | Seignosse & Vieux-Boucau | Beach Break | Advanced / Pro | 4 km |
| Bourdaines | Seignosse & Vieux-Boucau | Beach Break | Intermediate / Advanced | 5 km |
| Anglet Jetties | Biarritz & Anglet | Beach Break | Intermediate / Advanced | 18 km |
Straight-line distances. By road it is usually further.
Getting there and staying around Hossegor & Capbreton
Transport, costs and the rest of the waves in the area are in the Hossegor & Capbreton surf guide →
A week here costs from about $369 with flights from Europe, or around $980 travelling comfortably. See other surf trips under $500 →
La Gravière: common questions
When is the best time to surf La Gravière?
La Gravière works best from September to April. Ideal conditions: Clean groundswell, light wind.
Is La Gravière good for beginners?
No. La Gravière is a wave for advanced and pro surfers. The closest beginner-friendly spot we cover is Le Penon in Seignosse & Vieux-Boucau, about 4 km away.
How crowded is La Gravière?
La Gravière is usually packed: 5 out of 5 on our crowd scale.
Where is La Gravière?
La Gravière is in Hossegor & Capbreton, in the Landes (Hossegor) region of France (43.6608, -1.4472). The nearest wave we cover is La Centrale, under 1 km away.
Last updated October 2026. Seasons, costs and conditions change, so check the details before you book.
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