Hossegor
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Positives
- Top-quality beachbreaks
- Hollow consistent waves
- Europe's longest beach
- Summer parties
- Beautiful mountain scenery
Negatives
- No sheltered spots
- Frequent onshores
- Beachbreaks only
- Cold water in winter
- Strong rips
Hossegor surf travel guide
Hossegor is the surfing epicentre of the department of Landes which benefits from refraction off a deep submarine canyon that cuts through the continental shelf of the Bay of Biscay known as the “Fosse de Capbreton” (or ‘gouf’). Hossegor has forged a reputation for being one of the best beachbreaks on the planet. Up to 3m, Hossegor’s beaches deliver exceptionally powerful, perfect peaks, often very close to shore and invariably hollow attracting the world’s best competitive surfers and the European surf industry to this corner of France. Big currents, large tidal ranges and extreme wind exposure do little to deter the ever-growing crowds.
Surf spots in Hossegor
Research the 13 surf breaks in Hossegor and discover what spots suit the current conditions.
Break lowdown
We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 13 breaks in Hossegor.
When to go
Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to Hossegor
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- apr
- may
- jun
- jul
- aug
- sep
- oct
- nov
- dec
Travel Information
General
- Current Time
- 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
Fly to Biarritz from almost any country in Europe. Then get a bus or hire a car for the 25min drive to Hossegor. Bordeaux airport is also a good option.
Getting Around
There are many large parking lots close to the spots behind the dunes, but even these huge concrete lakes aren’t large enough to soak up the mid-August, mid-afternoon crowds in Seignosse.
Accommodation
Hotel choice in Hossegor is slim. La Centrale in Hossegor has a couple of beach hotels (Amigo, Hotel de la Plage). Expect to pay €30/dble. Most travellers rent flats or apartments, stay in their vans, or pitch a tent at campsites, which are plentiful and open May to October. Take note that free-camping the car parks in a campervan during summer will often result in a fine. Aire de Camping municipal sites for campervans are scattered throughout the region and offer a good cheap option to the often expensive and overcrowded traditional campsites. A typical restaurant bill is €20, not including wine. Seafood in Capbreton is big.
Activities
Golf, sailing, beach fishing, lake SUP, jet-skiing, water slides and skate parks plus crazy summer parties are some of the distractions. Rockfood is the most popular tourist bar right on the beach at Front de Mer, Hossegor. Winter is mellow as anything up to 75% of the region’s coastal zone housing stock are second homes and often remain empty until the warmer months.
Hazards & hassles
Getting to the right spot before the short window for optimum tide is crucial as spring and autumn equinox tides move fast. Beware of the extremely powerful rips; many visitors drown every year. In the winter, beaches get plenty of trash and driftwood from the ocean. Driving and parking are tricky from mid July to late August. Look out for thieves and vandals when parking in forest spots. Respect the large Hossegor surf community, who are amazingly tolerant, considering the huge increases in numbers every summer.
Handy Hints
There is a thriving surf industry at the Z.A. Pédebert in Soorts Hossegor, where you can get boards repaired, find a shaper and shop in one of the many factory outlets for all the big surf brands. You need a gun only for serious La Gravière or La Nord. Surf schools are everywhere. Boardingmania offer single lesson and week long training camps. Try to learn some French; it will be appreciated.
Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.