Surfing around the Arcachon Basin

Top 5 surf spots around the Bay of Arcachon

Whether in Gironde or Landes, the Atlantic coast is dotted with numerous top-quality surf spots, whether for beginners looking for lessons or for passionate surfers.

Here are our top 5 surf spots around the Arcachon basin.

Grand Crohot beach in Lège-Cap-Ferret

This popular beach is an excellent surfing spot near the Bassin d’Arcachon. The “baïnes” give beautiful waves of 2 to 3m all year round. In summer, however, the beach is very busy. It’s about ten minutes from Les Écureuils campsite in Arès.

La Salie beach in La Teste-de-Buch

Located south of the Dune du Pilat, Salie beach is well known to local surfers and Arcachon surf schools. Both in its northern and southern zones, it offers good surfing conditions all year round, with waves up to 3m.

Truc Vert beach in Lège-Cap-Ferret

Often rightly considered the best surf spot near Arcachon, the Truc Vert beach is just as much appreciated for its tubular waves up to 3m high as for its wild, natural setting.

The south beach at Biscarosse

While Biscarosse’s 2 beaches are excellent surfing spots, the south beach offers experienced surfers a real treat with its powerful tubular waves. However, beginners are advised to surf on the north beach.

Gressier beach in Le Porge Océan

Located just north of Cap Ferret, Le Porge Océan offers some great surfing spots, the best-known of which is Plage du Gressier. As well as being unspoilt and uncrowded, it offers great waves for all levels of surfers, with occasional right-handers.

Surf schools around Arcachon

The surf schools around Arcachon are particularly numerous. You’ll find them on almost every beach. Here are 5 of them…

Surf en Buch

This surf school in Arcachon is unique in that it travels to find the best surf spots for beginners, depending on the weather and tourist frequency. Lessons for all ages 6 and up last 2 hours. An introductory session costs €40. If surfing isn’t for you, you can also learn bodyboarding, stand-up paddling and the Polynesian pirogue.

So Nice Surf

So Nice Surf is a surf school in Le Porge Océan. Its teaching focuses on fun and technique, in an ideal setting for learning to surf. A 2-hour introductory session costs €40, while a 5-day course costs €230 all-inclusive.

L’Andade

L’Andade is one of the many surf schools in Lège-Cap-Ferret, on the Grand Crohot beach. Located just 16 minutes from Les Écureuils campsite, it’s appreciated for its friendly atmosphere and free shuttle bus to pick you up. Classes are open to everyone aged 8 and over. A 1h30 introductory session costs 35€. The 5-day course is only 150€.

Ocean Roots

This Arcachon surf and bodyboard school is also a club. It offers 2-hour lessons at €40 each and €175 for 5 lessons. Open to children aged 5 and over, lessons take place on the beaches of La Salie. All instructors have been trained at the club.

Grand Crohot surf school

The Grand Crohot surf school is located directly on the beach. Lessons can start as early as age 8. A 1h30 discovery lesson costs 35€. A 5-day course costs 160€, including a certificate. An intensive course (10 lessons over 5 days) is also available at 300€.