Surfing in Seignosse: spots, season and tips
North of Hossegor, Seignosse lines up three spots from north to south: Le Penon, the town-centre beach, Les Bourdaines and Les Estagnots. This is also where the surf schools listed on Travel Surf are based, for surfing in the Landes.
In Seignosse, the season changes everything: in summer, with a small swell, the spots welcome all levels; as soon as the swell picks up, they become demanding. This guide gives you the spots by level and by period, how to get there and our tips.
At a glance: surfing in Seignosse
| Spots | Le Penon, Les Bourdaines, Les Estagnots |
| Level | All levels in summer with a small swell; intermediate and experienced surfers when the swell picks up |
| Wave type | Beach breaks on a sandy bottom, left and right peaks |
| Ideal conditions | West swell, east wind |
| Best period | September to November; summer to start |
| Water | About 12 to 14 °C in winter, 18 to 20 °C in September and October, 21 to 23 °C in summer |
| Getting there | Bus 517 from Dax or Bayonne; regional train to Saint-Vincent-de-Tyrosse then the free Yégo 1B bus |
Why surf in Seignosse?
Seignosse offers three different spots along a few kilometres of beach. Le Penon, in the town centre, is the place for surf lessons. Les Bourdaines is more powerful. Les Estagnots produces hollow, fast peaks and hosts contests every year.
It is a good base for a surf trip: schools are on site, and Hossegor and Capbreton is just to the south if you want to switch spots depending on the swell. Planning a bigger trip? Find all our spots for surfing in France.
Surf camps and surf schools in Seignosse
Here are the Seignosse surf schools listed on Travel Surf. In summer, other schools also teach at Le Penon and Les Bourdaines, on lifeguarded beaches.
Do you run a surf school in Seignosse?
Present your school to readers planning a surf trip to Seignosse.
List my schoolWhen to go surfing in Seignosse?
In summer, the swell is smaller: Le Penon and Les Estagnots welcome all levels, and it is the season to start with a school. From September to November, swells are more regular: it is the best time to improve. To compare with other destinations at that time, see also where to surf in October and where to surf in November. In winter, waves get powerful and the spots are for experienced surfers only.
The surf season in Seignosse
| Period | The waves | Who for | Water |
|---|---|---|---|
| June to August | Smaller swells, lots of people | Beginners, with a school | 21 to 23 °C |
| September to November | More regular swells, the best period | Intermediate and experienced surfers; beginners on small days | 18 to 20 °C in September and October |
| December to February | Powerful swells, bigger waves | Experienced surfers | 12 to 14 °C |
| March to May | Calmer conditions | All levels depending on the spot | Water still cool |
Where to surf in Seignosse?
Seignosse’s spots are beach breaks with a sandy bottom, working with a west swell and an east wind. From north to south: Le Penon, Les Bourdaines and Les Estagnots. Remember that the level depends on the size of the swell : a spot that is easy in July can be for experienced surfers only in December.
Surf spots for beginners in Seignosse
| Spot | The wave | When |
|---|---|---|
| Le Penon | Lefts and rights; the spot for surf lessons. Watch out for the shorebreak at high tide | Summer and small days |
| Les Estagnots | Suitable for all levels with a small swell | Summer, small days |
Surf spots for intermediate surfers in Seignosse
| Spot | The wave | When |
|---|---|---|
| Les Estagnots | Hollow, fast waves, especially at high tide. Busy line-up | September to February |
| Le Penon | More demanding as soon as the swell picks up, with currents | September to November |
| Les Bourdaines | With a medium swell, from low to mid tide; strong currents | With a medium swell |
Surf spots for experienced surfers in Seignosse
| Spot | The wave | When |
|---|---|---|
| Les Bourdaines | Powerful beach break, violent shorebreak and strong currents: not a spot to learn | When the swell gets bigger |
| Les Estagnots | Hollow and fast with a big swell | September to February |
Surf spot guides in Seignosse
Surfing in Seignosse: practical info
Surf
- Level: all levels depending on the spot and the season
- Wave type: beach breaks
- Bottom: sand
- Swell: west, east wind
- Water: about 12 to 14 °C in winter, 18 to 20 °C in September and October, 21 to 23 °C in summer
Before you go
- Airport: Biarritz, the closest
- Bus 517: between Dax and Bayonne via Seignosse, stops Le Penon and Les Bourdaines, €2.50 per trip
- Regional train (TER): Saint-Vincent-de-Tyrosse station, then the free Yégo 1B bus to Seignosse
- Documents: ID card or passport for European Union travellers
- GoSurf webcams: Le Penon, Les Bourdaines and Les Estagnots
On site
- Parking: free, with a large car park at Le Penon
- Crowds: the water is busy almost all year round, not only in summer
- Vibe: mostly relaxed, but a few edgy surfers at times. Respect the priority rules
- Lifeguarded beaches: in season, surf in the zone shown by the lifeguards
- Currency: euro (€)
Learning to surf in Seignosse
For your first waves, come in summer and take a lesson at Le Penon, a lifeguarded beach. Avoid Les Bourdaines and days with a big swell. To compare with other destinations, read our guide to surfing for beginners.
Photo: Aurélie Leclercq
How to get to Seignosse for surfing?
Without a car, two options. Bus 517 links Dax and Bayonne via Seignosse (stops Le Penon and Les Bourdaines), Monday to Saturday from September to June, for €2.50. By regional train, get off at Saint-Vincent-de-Tyrosse and take the free Yégo 1B bus. The closest airport is Biarritz. Train times and tickets on SNCF Connect.
What to do in Seignosse besides surfing?
If the swell does not show up, Seignosse has other ways to enjoy the coast:
- Cycling: La Vélodyssée cycle route crosses the pine forest; rent a bike and ride down to Hossegor and Capbreton.
- Fat bike: along the beach, on the sand, on a bike with big tyres. For example, from Seignosse to Vieux-Boucau along the ocean.
- Skateboarding: something to keep moving between two sessions.
- A day in the mountains or in Spain: the Basque Country and the border are not far.
- Summer nights out: the season is lively, with restaurants and parties along the coast.
At the end of September, the Quiksilver Festival takes over Seignosse, Hossegor and Capbreton: invitation-only surf contest, skateboarding and concerts, free to attend.
All guided activities in Seignosse
FAQ: everything about surfing in Seignosse
Can you learn to surf in Seignosse?
Yes, in summer at Le Penon, with a school, on a lifeguarded beach. Avoid Les Bourdaines and days with a big swell.
What are the surf spots in Seignosse?
From north to south: Le Penon, Les Bourdaines and Les Estagnots. They are beach breaks with a sandy bottom.
When to surf in Seignosse?
Summer to start, September to November to improve. In winter, the spots are for experienced surfers only.
What level is Les Estagnots for?
For all levels in summer with a small swell. The rest of the year, it is a hollow, fast spot for intermediate and experienced surfers.
What is the water temperature in Seignosse?
About 12 to 14 °C in winter, 18 to 20 °C in September and October and 21 to 23 °C in July and August.
How to get to Seignosse without a car?
With bus 517 from Dax or Bayonne, or by regional train to Saint-Vincent-de-Tyrosse then the free Yégo 1B bus.
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: Surfline Les Estagnots, Surfline Le Penon, Ultimate France, Mondo.surf, Plages.tv, Surf-Report, Plages des Landes, Belambra, Seignosse Tourisme, Hossegor.fr.
Aerial and surf photos: Aurélie Leclercq.
