Surfing in Anglet: spots, season and tips
Between the mouth of the Adour and the Biarritz lighthouse, Anglet lines up 11 beaches along about 4.5 km. From north to south: La Barre, Les Cavaliers, Les Dunes, L’Océan, La Madrague, La Petite Madrague, Les Corsaires, Marinella, Les Sables d’Or, Le Club and the VVF, at the Chambre d’Amour. It is one of the key areas for surfing in the Basque Country.
The level of each spot depends on the swell, so on the season. This guide gives you the spots by level and by period, how to get there and our tips for surfing in Anglet.
At a glance: surfing in Anglet
| Spots | La Barre, Les Cavaliers, L'Océan, Les Corsaires, Marinella, Les Sables d'Or, Le Club, the VVF |
| Level | Marinella, Les Corsaires and Les Sables d'Or to start with a small swell; Les Cavaliers and La Barre for experienced surfers |
| Wave type | Beach breaks on sand, held by groynes |
| Good conditions | West swell, east wind |
| Best period | Autumn; October to February for Les Cavaliers |
| Water | About 12 to 14 °C in winter, 18 °C in October, 22 to 23 °C in July and August |
| Getting there | Biarritz-Pays Basque airport is in Anglet; Bayonne or Biarritz station |
Why surf in Anglet?
Anglet has a beach for every condition within a few kilometres: powerful peaks at Les Cavaliers, a backup spot at La Barre when the swell is big, and beaches to learn in the south, from Marinella to Les Sables d’Or. The sandbanks are held by rocky groynes, which shape the peaks.
Biarritz is just to the south: you can also go surfing in Biarritz, a few minutes away, or head down for surfing in Hendaye. Planning a bigger trip? Find all our spots for surfing in France.
Surf camps and surf schools in Anglet
Surf schools are based on several Anglet beaches, including Marinella. In summer, they teach on the lifeguarded beaches.
Do you run a surf school in Anglet?
Present your school to readers planning a surf trip to Anglet.
List my schoolWhen to go surfing in Anglet?
In summer, the swell is smaller and the beaches have lifeguards: it is the season to start. Autumn is the best period, with more regular swells and fewer people. To compare with other destinations, see also where to surf in October and where to surf in November. From October to February, Les Cavaliers is at its best, and La Barre is the backup with a big swell.
The surf season in Anglet
| Period | The waves | Who for | Water |
|---|---|---|---|
| June to August | Smaller swells, lots of people | Beginners, with a school | 19 °C in June, 22 to 23 °C in July and August |
| September to November | More regular swells, the best period | Intermediate and experienced surfers; beginners on small days | 21 to 22 °C in September, 18 °C in October |
| December to February | Powerful swells | Experienced surfers | 12 to 14 °C |
| March to May | Fewer people than in summer | All levels depending on the spot | about 14 °C in April, 16 to 17 °C in May |
Surf spots in Anglet, from La Barre to the Chambre d'Amour
Anglet’s beaches are beach breaks over sand, held by rocky groynes, working with a west swell and an east wind. Pick your beach depending on your level and the size of the swell.
Surf spots for beginners in Anglet
| Spot | The wave | When |
|---|---|---|
| Marinella | Peak over sand, moderate waves, schools on site | Small swell, preferably at mid tide |
| Les Corsaires | Peaks on sandbanks held by groynes | Small swell |
| Les Sables d’Or | Lively beach break, very busy | Summer, with a small swell |
Surf spots for intermediate surfers in Anglet
| Spot | The wave | When |
|---|---|---|
| Marinella | Left and right peak to improve | Small days |
| Les Cavaliers | Powerful peaks: small days only | Small swell, mid tide |
Surf spots for experienced surfers in Anglet
| Spot | The wave | When |
|---|---|---|
| Les Cavaliers | Hollow, powerful A-frame peaks, often crowded | October to February |
| La Barre | Between two jetties, backup spot with a big swell | From low to mid tide |
Surf spot guides in Anglet
Surfing in Anglet: practical info
Surf
- Level: all levels depending on the spot and the season
- Wave type: beach breaks held by groynes
- Bottom: sand, rocky groynes
- Swell: west, east wind
- Water: about 12 to 14 °C in winter, 18 °C in October, 22 to 23 °C in July and August
Before you go
- Airport: Biarritz-Pays Basque, in Anglet
- Train: Bayonne or Biarritz station
- Bus: Txik Txak network (lines 32, 34, 36 and 38) to the beaches
- Documents: ID card or passport for European Union travellers
- Surf forecast for Anglet: before you paddle out, check the swell, wind and tides, for example on surf-forecast or on the webcams below.
- GoSurf webcams: La Barre, Les Cavaliers, Madrague, Océan, Dunes, Marinella, Sables d’Or, Le Club, VVF
On site
- Parking: beach car parks are in high demand in peak season
- Crowds: Les Cavaliers and Les Sables d’Or are often crowded when it is good
- Lifeguarded beaches: from Easter to early November depending on the beach
- Wetsuit: at least a 4/3 in winter, 3/2 or shorty in summer
- Currency: euro (€)
Learning to surf in Anglet
For your first waves, come in summer and take a lesson at Marinella, Les Corsaires or Les Sables d’Or, with a small swell, from low to mid tide. Avoid Les Cavaliers and La Barre. To compare with other destinations, read our guide to surfing for beginners.
How to get to Anglet for surfing?
Biarritz-Pays Basque airport is in Anglet. By train, get off at Bayonne or Biarritz: Txik Txak buses (lines 32, 34, 36 and 38) serve the Anglet beaches. In summer, beach car parks are in high demand: come early, by bus or by bike. Train times and tickets on SNCF Connect.
What to do in Anglet besides surfing?
On flat days in Anglet:
- The seafront promenade: 4.5 km from La Barre to the Chambre d’Amour, along the Chiberta golf course
- The Chiberta forest: a pine forest with trails, a fitness trail and mountain biking
- The Surf de Nuit: a night surfing contest every late summer (programme on the Anglet tourist office website)
- Biarritz, just to the south: the lighthouse, the Rocher de la Vierge and the Aquarium
All guided activities in Anglet
FAQ: everything about surfing in Anglet
Can you learn to surf in Anglet?
Yes: at Marinella, Les Corsaires and Les Sables d’Or, in summer, with a small swell, with a school.
What are the surf spots in Anglet?
From north to south: La Barre, Les Cavaliers, Les Dunes, L’Océan, La Madrague, La Petite Madrague, Les Corsaires, Marinella, Les Sables d’Or, Le Club and the VVF, at the Chambre d’Amour.
When to surf in Anglet?
Summer to start, autumn for the best swell. Les Cavaliers is at its best from October to February.
Where to surf in Anglet with a big swell?
La Barre, between two jetties, is the backup spot with a big swell, for experienced surfers.
What is the water temperature in Anglet?
About 12 to 14 °C in winter, 18 °C in October and 22 to 23 °C in July and August.
How to get to Anglet without a car?
The airport is in Anglet. By train, get off at Bayonne or Biarritz, then take a Txik Txak bus to the beaches.
Information may change. This guide is for general guidance only: surf conditions, temperatures, access, opening hours and prices can change. Before your trip and every session, check the forecast, local conditions and information from local providers. A spot description and its suggested level are no guarantee of safety: always match your session to your level and the conditions on the day. Learn more
Updated November 2026
Sources: Ultimate France, Belambra, Surfer Today, Mondo.surf, Plages.tv, CheckYeti, Tourisme 64, Guide du Pays basque.
Surf photo: Aurélie Leclercq.
