The Côte des Basques is the long beach south of central Biarritz, below the cliff. This is where surfing reached France, at the end of the 1950s.
Its long, gentle waves make it a spot to start as well as to improve, especially on the north side. For the other spots in town, read our guide to surfing in Biarritz.
At a glance: the Côte des Basques
| Wave type | Beach break, lefts and rights |
| Bottom | Sand, with rocks to the south |
| Level | Beginners to experienced surfers depending on the area |
| Swell | West |
| Wind | East (offshore) |
| Best period | Autumn, from September to November; summer to start |
| Hazards | Rocks in the line-up, dangerous exit at high tide |
About the Côte des Basques (Biarritz, Basque Country)
The Côte des Basques is Biarritz’s biggest beach break. To the north, near Villa Belza, the waves are long and gentle, good for longboarding. To the south, they get hollower and more powerful, with reefs.
The beach disappears at high tide: the waves then hit the rock wall and getting out of the water becomes dangerous. Surf from low to mid tide.
My take on the Côte des Basques
It gets crowded in the water, especially in summer, with the many surf schools on the spot. Be careful when getting out of the water at high tide: it is very tricky.
For the sunset, go up to the top of the 100 steps: for me, it’s the best viewpoint in Biarritz.
When to surf the Côte des Basques?
Autumn is the best season, from September to November, with a west swell and an east wind. In summer, the waves are smaller: it is the time to learn with a school.
Côte des Basques surf calendar: swell size by month
Côte des Basques forecast
Before you paddle out, check the swell, wind and tide: here, the level of the spot changes with the size of the waves.
- Windy weather map (43.479, -1.5669): swell, wind and live conditions.
- GoSurf webcam at the Côte des Basques : the waves live before you go.
The Côte des Basques: what level?
Beginners: yes, on the north side
Come in summer, from low to mid tide, and stay at the north end of the beach, where the waves are gentlest. Many schools teach here.
Intermediate surfers: the right spot to improve
The long waves give you time to work on your turns, longboard or shortboard.
Experienced surfers: the south of the beach
The south of the beach is hollower and more powerful, with reefs. Watch out for the rising tide.
How to get to the Côte des Basques?
The beach is at the bottom of the boulevard du Prince-de-Galles, a dead-end road. Parking is limited, especially in summer: park at the top of the cliff or in the town centre.
The beach has lifeguards from April to the end of October.
Spot location
GPS coordinates (approximate): 43.479° N, 1.5669° W. The Côte des Basques, Biarritz, Basque Country.
Open the full map on OpenStreetMap
Where to stay near the Côte des Basques?
Stay in Biarritz to walk to the beach, or in Anglet and Bidart, a few minutes away. Book early for July and August.
What to do near the Côte des Basques?
After the session, go and see the Rocher de la Vierge and the Biarritz Aquarium, close by, or climb up the lighthouse.
FAQ: the Côte des Basques
Yes, in summer, on the north side of the beach, from low to mid tide, with a school.
From low to mid tide. At high tide, the beach disappears and getting out becomes dangerous.
This is where surfing reached France, at the end of the 1950s.
In short
The Côte des Basques is the historic spot of surfing in France: a long beach break with long waves, for beginners to the north and experienced surfers to the south. Surf from low to mid tide.
Other spots to check out nearby: Grande Plage surf spot and Marbella surf spot. To compare with other regions, see our guide to surfing in France.
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
Sources: Ultimate France, Surf-Report, Destination Biarritz, Figaro Nautisme.