Gironde
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Positives
- Empty peaks to find
- Uncrowded off-season
- Mascaret River bore
- Excellent wines and oysters
Negatives
- Beachbreaks only
- Summer crowds
- Frequent onshores
- Cold water in winter
Gironde surf travel guide
The wide River Gironde divides the rocky coastline of northern France from the endless sands of Europe’s longest beach to the south. The linear shores of Gironde can offer very attractive and challenging beachbreaks, particularly in the smaller swells of summer. Bordeaux surfers frequent the waves found at the end of irregular access roads through the pine forests including the consistent and earliest French pro contest venue of Lacanau. Each coastal town has its own version of ever-changing, quality sandbanks, concentrating summer crowds at access points, but a 20min walk in either direction could be rewarded with empty waves.
Surf spots in Gironde
Research the 17 surf breaks in Gironde and discover what spots suit the current conditions.
Break lowdown
We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 17 breaks in Gironde.
When to go
Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to Gironde
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Travel Information
General
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- Tourists
- 89,322,000
- Population
- 65,273,511
- Tourist Info
- Tourist Info
Security
Health
Money
- Currency
- EUR
- Exchange rate
- $1 = 1 Euro EUR
Cost of living
Communication
- Dialing in
- +33
- Dialing out
- 00
- Emergencies
- 112
- Language
- French
Electricity
- Plug Type
- ek
Visas
France is a Schengen state and citizens of most European countries, USA, Australia, Canada and New Zealand do not require visas. All others, including South Africans and those planning to stay more than three months, must obtain a visa from the French consulate in their home country.
Getting There
Bordeaux (BOD) is served by direct flights from multiple countries in Europe and Canada with low cost flights from the UK. Otherwise travel via Paris airports which connect to Bordeaux or take the TGV train.
The train runs to Soulac-sur-Mer the northernmost break in Gironde otherwise bus services connect Bordeaux to the coast in 2-3hrs.
A hire car will pay dividends to get to the less frequented spots.
Getting Around
Rent cars in train stations and airports. French road network is good but Bordeaux Rocade circular road gets busy. There are many parking lots close to the spots behind the dunes. Be aware driving the forest trails is prohibited and the fine is expensive. Bike trails are everywhere and offer good transit in the summer.
Accommodation
Always book in advance during summer, since Lacanau gets full. Wave Trotter’s Guest House fr $21-31/n (ask at Mata Hari surf shop). Campgrounds are numerous. Try the excellent Arcachon oysters with a glass of Bordeaux white wine!
Activities
The Dune Du Pyla is the largest sand dune in Europe with excellent views over the Bassin d’Arcachon and the pine forest, plus it’s the perfect training site for paragliding. Bordeaux vineyards are a tasty, flat-day idea. Topless and full nudity sunbathing is common along many stretches of the coast. Lively bars and nightclubs during peak season.
Hazards & hassles
Big, stormy surf creates treacherous rips. Getting to the right spot before its optimum tide phase is crucial. In winter, beach trash builds up. Driving and parking are tricky from mid-July to mid-August.
Handy Hints
There are numerous surf shops, but only a few are open year-round (especially in small coastal towns). Try Mata Hari in Lacanau, or Surfers in Bordeaux. Be aware driving the forest trails is prohibited and the fine is expensive.
Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.