Biscarrosse gets good waves all year round and it’s a great spot if you’re looking for a summer surf camp. In July and August the town is bustling with surfers who flock here from all over Europe for the huge sandy beach, great waves and party atmosphere.
SURF SPOTS | SURF SEASON | LESSONS | ACCOMMODATION | BEYOND THE SURF | PLAN YOUR TRIP
Biscarrosse is a typical south-west France beachbreak. A huge stretch of west-facing golden sand backed by pine forest, located just south of Arcachon. It’s the ideal setting for a surf holiday, so it’s no surprise that so many surf camps and yoga retreats have set up here.
The waves can be big and burly and the currents can be real rippers, but although the wave does barrel when the conditions are right, it’s not as consistently hollow as it is further south in places like Hossegor. That makes Biscarrosse a better fit for beginners and improvers. Although, when the sand banks are on-side on a solid NW swell with an offshore easterly, that’s when the famous beach-break barrels take shape.
The town’s not the prettiest along this stretch of coastline. It’s a modern, purpose-built beach resort with little in the way of character, but there’s a fun atmosphere in summer and some decent bars and restaurants. Le Bleu Banane is a great place to eat if you fancy blowing the budget for a night.
Biscarrosse-Plage might not be up to much architecturally, but it’s right on the beach and you don’t need to go very far from the centre until you’re in amongst the pine trees. This coastal pine forest — the largest in Europe — is criss-crossed with bike tracks and walking trails. A few kilometres behind the beach, Biscarrosse’s freshwater lakes offer SUP, kayaking and a whole host of watersports. It’s three resorts in one: Biscarrosse-Plage is the beach resort where you’ll surf. Biscarrosse-Ville is the inland town, 15 minutes’ drive south-east. Biscarrosse-Lac sits between the two on the lake. You want to be at the Plage.
Plan Your Surf Trip
Biscarrosse Surf Spot Guide
Spot type: Beachbreak. Offshore wind: Easterly. Bottom: Sand. Best swell: W / NW. Wave size: 0.5–3 m. Best tide: Mid. Lat Long: 44.446366, -1.259556.
Biscarrosse’s beach runs for 4 km of unbroken, west-facing sand. There are lots of peaks up and down the beach that tend to throw up more rights than lefts. Their exact location and type of wave they produce is down to the shape of the ever-shifting sandbars.
Biscarrosse Beach is well known in France for being a great place to learn to surf. It’s not surprising then that there are so many surf schools and surf camps based here. The spot gets crowded in summer, especially in front of the access points. Walk up or down the beach a couple of hundred metres to find a quieter peak.
It’s important to bear in mind that strong rips aren’t uncommon and uninitiated beginner and intermediate surfers can get caught out. The waves can be quite powerful, and close-outs especially at high tide soon let you know who’s in charge. As always, the best thing to do is to spend some time observing before you paddle out. Local surfers in Biscarrosse are a friendly bunch (they get the place to themselves for 10 months of the year), so if in doubt ask them about anything to watch out for.
Guillaume’s Take
Biscarrosse is a classic beach break that can produce an exceptional wave when the conditions line up. An easterly wind combined with a north-westerly swell can serve up a magical session. The swell is pretty consistent throughout the year and outside of the summer months, you’ll find relatively few people in the water.
1. Plage Centrale
The main event — right in front of the resort with direct access from the promenade. This is where all the surf schools operate from and the default for beginners. For most surfers, Biscarrosse works best at mid-tide. Extreme high tide often sees the waves dump on the beach and low tide can produce the steep, hollow waves advanced surfers are looking for.
When summer swells are clean and the wind is offshore, the peaks here get super competitive. If that’s the case it’s best to opt for an early morning or late evening session, or walk 200 m north or south to find a quieter line-up.
2. Plage Sud
South of the resort, Plage Sud is wilder and less crowded — this is the locals’ beach. The sandbars here often form well-defined banks that produce powerful waves at high tide, though conditions become more challenging as the tide drops. If the central beach is a zoo and you want a proper session without elbowing for set waves, head south. There’s loads of beach-side parking where Boulevard des Sables meets Rue des Chalets.
3. Plage Nord
Less frequented than the central beach, Plage Nord often serves up ideal conditions for intermediate surfers — some decent peaks and not as much competition in the lineup. Accessible from the northern roundabout, it’s a solid fallback when Plage Centrale is heaving in July and August.
4. Plage du Vivier
At the far northern end of the beach, reached through the forest, Plage du Vivier is the spot the locals guard most jealously. It’s quieter, more natural, and offers a panoramic view across the Vivier dunes — a protected nature reserve. The Campéole Le Vivier campsite sits right behind. When everything else is packed on a summer afternoon, Vivier often still has peaks to yourself.
Biscarrosse Surf Forecast
Surf report and surfing conditions for the next 3 days in Biscarrosse with swell components including wave height, wave direction and wave period, wind direction and weather forecast.
Biscarrosse surf forecast courtesy of surf-forecast.com.
For more detailed forecasts, check Windguru, Surfline or Yadusurf. Plage Centrale also has a live anemometer measuring real-time wind speed — handy for checking conditions before you leave the campsite.
Best Time to Surf Biscarrosse
For beginner and intermediate surfers the best time of year to surf Biscarrosse is between June and September. The swell tends to be smaller, there’s often an offshore wind, sunny weather and the water’s at least 20 degrees. Be aware though, in July and August the beach is packed with tourists and the waves are just as crowded. On summer days when the waves are clean, the peaks can get super competitive. If that’s the case it’s best to opt for an early morning or late evening session.
When the summer season comes to an end and the tourists head home, the first winter swells appear, bringing with them bigger and more powerful waves. This is the sweet spot. October offers the best statistical chance of clean, surfable waves on the entire Landes coast — proper swells with almost nobody out. Until the end of September you can still surf in boardshorts and a 2 mm rash vest. In October, you’ll be more comfortable in a 3:2 and you won’t need a 4:3 until December.
With the cold water and more powerful waves, you need a good level of fitness to paddle out safely. Winter surfing in south-west France puts you through your paces — but when a NW swell lines up with an easterly wind, the sandbars can serve up exceptional barrel sessions. Always err on the side of caution and stay within your limits. A 5/4 with boots and gloves is essential from December to March, when the water drops to around 12°C.
Spring (April–May) is transitional and unpredictable. The big winter swells are fading but occasionally roar back in. Surf schools reopen from late March and the water starts warming up. A quieter alternative to summer for learning, as long as you’re prepared to take what the ocean gives you.
Seasonal quick reference: Jun–Sep: Water 20–22°C, boardshorts/rash vest. Oct: Water 17–18°C, 3:2 wetsuit. Nov–Mar: Water 12–15°C, 4:3 or 5/4 with boots and gloves. Apr–May: Water 14–17°C, 3:2 to 4:3.
Surf Lessons & Schools
Biscarrosse is one of the best places in France to learn to surf. There are seven or more schools on the beach, all with qualified instructors. Group lessons cost around €28–30 for a 1h30 session (max 8 students). Multi-lesson packs run from €120–135 for five sessions — much better for progression. Kids’ lessons from age 5–6.
Learn to Surf in Biscarrosse
La Vigie is the oldest school in town — also a surf shop and art gallery. Point Break holds the Fédération Française de Surf label. Kiwi Surf is run by Clément, a multiple-time tandem surfing world champion, and has a kids’ club and heated pool. Gang Surf operates from two locations. Biscaradise runs eco-focused multi-activity packages. Monkey Surf is rated highly with families. Hoya Surf School near Vivier beach doubles as a surf camp with lake SUP.
If you’re staying a week and serious about progression, book a multi-lesson pack with one school and stick with the same instructor. For a one-off taster, any of the schools above will get you standing. Book ahead in July and August.
Places to Stay
There’s lots of good accommodation for surfers close to the beach in Biscarrosse.
You’ll find everything from uber-cool surf camps to campsites near the beach and funky hotels to villas to rent. Here’s a selection of our favourite places to stay in Biscarrosse:
Villa Sunshine
Surf Houses, Camps & Campsites
Beyond the hotels and guesthouses, Biscarrosse’s surf camp scene is one of its biggest draws. La Maison Bisca is a surf lodge right in the resort — the social hub of the surf scene. La Boga Surf House near Plage Sud has a pool and a laid-back vibe. Pure Surf Camp operates from a 4-star campsite in the pines with lodges, full board, yoga and surf lessons — packages from around €1,899/week for 3–5 people. Hoya Surf Camp at Le Vivier offers budget-friendly hut accommodation steps from the beach.
Campéole Le Vivier 4* sits right behind Vivier beach with direct access. Camping La Rive 5* is on the lake side with a shuttle to the beach. Many schools partner with campsites for package deals combining accommodation and lessons — worth asking about when you book.
Find More Accommodation
Use the map below to search for hotels, apartments, guesthouses and campsites across Biscarrosse-Plage.
Beyond the Surf
Biscarrosse has more going on than most surf towns on this stretch of coast. Flat day? Onshore howling? Partner or kids need a break from sand? You’ve got options.
Lac de Biscarrosse is perfect for stand-up paddle — calm, sheltered water and pine-lined shores. Several schools offer guided SUP tours along the nature reserve, suitable for kids aged 7 and up. Bisca Glisse runs one of the first electric surfing operations in France on the lake. On the ocean side, kitesurfing picks up when the wind swings onshore.
There are 80 km of cycling trails through the pine forest, connecting ocean, lake and town. Hire a bike from Velos Biscarrosse (from €9/day). Half an hour north, the Dune du Pilat — tallest sand dune in Europe at 110 m — is a must. Climb it for the view or take a tandem paragliding flight over the dune with Arcachon Bay as your backdrop. The Musée de l’Hydraviation in Biscarrosse-Ville celebrates the town’s unique seaplane heritage — planes still land on the lake today.
For food, Le Bleu Banane is the blow-out option. Fusion Café does solid pre-surf fuel and doubles as a yoga studio. Restaumer serves fresh seafood, La Cabane à Moules does mussels done right, and Maison Rody does ice cream that’s become a local institution. For a full run-down, see our Biscarrosse destination guide.
Practical Info
Getting There
Biscarrosse-Plage is about 75 km south of Bordeaux — roughly 1 hr 10 min by car via the A63 and D305. The nearest airport is Bordeaux-Mérignac (BOD), with direct flights from most major European cities. From Bordeaux Gare Saint-Jean there’s no direct train, so you’ll need a car or a seasonal bus. Parking is free at all the beaches, the lake and the town centre — one of few places on the coast where you won’t pay for it.
A car is highly recommended. Having your own wheels means you can chase waves up and down the coast — north to La Salie or south to Seignosse and Hossegor — and dodge the crowds when one spot is closing out or too busy.
Surfboard & Wetsuit Hire
You don’t need to travel with a board — every surf school in Biscarrosse rents equipment, and there are dedicated surf shops if you just want to hire and paddle out on your own. La Vigie (788 Boulevard des Sables) has the biggest selection — over 100 boards in stock, from foamies for beginners to performance resin shapes for experienced riders. Prices start at €15 for 2 hours or €30 for a full day, and they’ll advise on the right board for your level and the conditions that day. La Vigie is also a proper surf shop if you want to buy wax, fins, leashes or a new wetsuit.
Point Break (66 Place de l’Océan) has a similar range of hire boards and wetsuits with flexible packages from 2 hours to a full week — and Yann, who runs it, is an international surfing judge who knows Biscarrosse’s sandbars inside out. Kiwi Surf at the northern roundabout carries a large selection of boards, bodyboards, skimboards and wetsuits. For something more niche, So What Surf Boards (467 rue des Pluviers) is the local shaper — Laurent Corbière makes custom boards to order and also rents resin boards and sells second-hand gear. Open year-round.
Getting Around Without a Car
The Bisca Bus runs between the beach, the lake and the town centre in summer. Cycle paths are excellent and connect all three parts of Biscarrosse. Hire a bike from Velos Biscarrosse (from €9/day). Several surf camps include transport to the beach.
What to Pack
Your wetsuit depends on when you visit. Summer (June–September): boardshorts and a rash vest or 2 mm shorty. October: 3:2. November to March: 4:3 with boots and gloves — or a 5/4 in the coldest weeks. Bring reef-safe sunscreen. You can hire boards and wetsuits from any surf school, but if you’re bringing your own board, pick up some local-temperature wax when you arrive. Check out our wetsuit buying guide if you’re looking to buy a wetsuit. And, you’ll want a changing robe for getting in and out of your wetsuit at the beach car park.
Winter Pipe Session at Biscarrosse Plage
#biscarrossebeach Instagram Photos
Biscarrosse FAQ
Yes — Biscarrosse is one of the best places in France to learn to surf. The beachbreak produces gentle summer waves over a sandy bottom, all the beaches are lifeguarded from April to October, and there are seven or more surf schools offering lessons from around €28 for a 1h30 group session. Kids can start from age 5–6.
June to September is best for beginners — smaller waves, warm water, offshore winds. October and November are the sweet spot for experienced surfers — bigger, more consistent swells with far fewer people. The surf season runs year-round, but winter (December–March) is for experts only.
A 1h30 group lesson costs around €28–30. Multi-lesson packs are better value — typically €120–135 for five sessions. Kids’ lessons (ages 5–9) run around €19–20 per hour. Private lessons are available at most schools.
Yes, but only if you’re experienced. The Atlantic delivers powerful swells, the water drops to around 12°C, and you’ll need a 5/4 mm wetsuit with boots and gloves. There are no lifeguards outside summer, and rip currents can be serious. When conditions line up, winter sessions can be spectacular.
Different vibes. Hossegor is more powerful and consistently hollow — world-class barrels, but more challenging and crowded with experienced surfers. Biscarrosse is more forgiving, better for families and learning, with a broader holiday offer including lakes, pine forest and cycling. Chasing tubes? Head to Hossegor. Want a week-long surf holiday with variety? Biscarrosse is hard to beat.
Biscarrosse-Plage, not Biscarrosse-Ville (which is inland). Surf houses like La Maison Bisca and La Boga are popular with solo travellers and groups. Families love Pure Surf Camp. For something more private, Villa Sunshine is a great guesthouse 4 minutes from the beach. Campéole Le Vivier puts you right behind Vivier beach.
Recommended but not essential. Biscarrosse-Plage is walkable and the cycle paths are excellent. The Bisca Bus runs between beach, lake and town in summer. A car gives you freedom to surf other spots along the coast — La Salie to the north, or Seignosse and Hossegor to the south.
Plenty. Stand-up paddle and kayaking on Lac de Biscarrosse, 80 km of cycling trails through the pine forest, tandem paragliding over the Dune du Pilat, the Seaplane Museum, skateparks, yoga, and excellent seafood restaurants. It’s a proper holiday destination, not just a surf town.
Please leave a comment below if you need specific advice for your surf trip to Biscarrosse, or if you have any recommendations to help us improve this guide. Happy holidays!