Surf & Wellness Escapes on the French Coast

The French Atlantic coast offers some of the most consistent surf in Europe. The Basque Country around Biarritz, Bidart and Saint-Jean-de-Luz has punchy reef and beach breaks, while the Landes coast from Moliets down to Capbreton is lined with sandbanks that produce long, forgiving waves perfect for learning. Further north, the Île de Ré and Soulac-sur-Mer offer mellower conditions and a quieter, more nature-focused setting.

The trips listed here run from spring through autumn, with the peak season in July and August when the water is warmest and the towns at their liveliest. Each camp or hotel offers a slightly different mix: some are all-levels and cater heavily to solo travellers, others are designed for families or for intermediate and advanced surfers who want to be pushed. Accommodation ranges from shared dorm-style rooms in surf hostels to private rooms in boutique hotels and glamping cabins in the pine forests.

Surf lessons are typically run by qualified instructors, often with a maximum of eight students per instructor, and include board and wetsuit hire. Beginner lessons usually take place in waist-deep water close to shore, while more advanced groups head out to reef breaks or bigger beach breaks. Many properties also offer video analysis, free surf time with equipment, and extra activities such as yoga, skateboarding, biking, wine tasting and day trips to nearby towns.

Food is part of the experience in this part of France, and most packages include breakfast at minimum, with many offering half-board or full-board options featuring local Basque and Landes cuisine: seafood, pintxos, grilled meats, and of course plenty of pastries. The towns themselves are worth exploring, with markets, surf shops, cafes and a very social evening scene in summer.

What's included

- Accommodation at a surf camp, glamping site or hotel - Daily breakfast (at most properties) - Surf lessons with a qualified instructor - Surfboard and wetsuit hire - Use of camp facilities, showers and board storage - Video analysis and coaching feedback - Optional yoga, skate or fitness sessions (varies by property) - Free surf time with equipment included

What's not included

- International and domestic flights - Airport or train station transfers (unless stated) - Lunches and dinners (unless half-board or full-board is booked) - Travel insurance - Personal expenses, drinks and snacks - Optional excursions and extra activities - Surf photography packages (unless included)