Located close to the centre of Biarritz, La Côte des Basques can pride itself on being the birthplace of surfing in France and Europe. The spot remains popular with longboarders who enjoy mellow long waves, sheltered from the north winds. But it also attracts heaps of surf schools.
La Côte des Basques starts working from 1ft and can hold up to 8ft. There is a live camera if you want to check the conditions before giving it a go. When the waves are shoulder high or under, beginners and intermediate surfers will have a lot of fun. The spot is perfect to learn and improve. It becomes a bit more powerful from head high, especially when you drift south, as the north end of the spot is protected by a cliff on which sits the legendary Villa Belza.
You can surf La Côte des Basques between low and mid tide. High tide covers the entire beach and tends to create a substantial backwash, not to say that getting out of the water becomes really tricky. Is Summer, when the spot gets ultra crowded, always pay attention to your surroundings as surfboards collisions are commonplace.
