La Nord is Hossegor’s big-wave spot. This beach break, a few hundred metres north of La Centrale, just before La Gravière, holds swells of 5 to 6 m.
It is a spot for experts only. For the other spots in town, read our guide to surfing in Hossegor.
At a glance: La Nord
| Wave type | Big-wave beach break, lefts and rights |
| Bottom | Sand |
| Level | Experts only |
| Tide | All tides |
| Swell | West to north-west, long period |
| Wind | East to east-south-east (offshore) |
| Best period | September to March, with a big swell |
| Hazards | Powerful waves, currents, hard paddle |
About La Nord (Hossegor, Landes)
La Nord breaks on a sandbank and produces round, powerful waves. It comes alive with big, long-period west to north-west swells, and holds up to 5 to 6 m.
This is where the Rip Curl Challenge La Nord is held, a big-wave contest called when the swell shows up, between November and April.
When to surf La Nord?
La Nord works from September to March, when big swells arrive. It works at all tides, with an east wind.
La Nord surf calendar: swell size by month
La Nord 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 (43.66495, -1.44545): swell, wind and live conditions.
- GoSurf webcam at La Nord : the waves live before you go.
- Surfline forecast : swell, period and tide over several days.
La Nord: what level?
Beginners: avoid
La Nord is not made for learning. Go to La Sud, further south, with a school.
Intermediate surfers: watch from the beach
The waves are powerful and the paddle hard, even on average days. Improve at La Centrale or Les Estagnots instead.
Experienced surfers: for big swells
A big-wave spot for experienced surfers, crowded when it is on.
How to get to La Nord?
La Nord is a few hundred metres north of La Centrale, just before La Gravière, in Soorts-Hossegor. Car parks are paying, but the surrounding streets are free.
Spot location
GPS coordinates (approximate): 43.66495° N, 1.44545° W. La Nord, Hossegor, Landes.
Open the full map on OpenStreetMap
Where to stay near La Nord?
Stay in Hossegor to walk or cycle to the beaches, or in Seignosse and Capbreton, right next door. Book early for July and August.
What to do near La Nord?
On big swell days, watch the session from the beach. The rest of the time, walk around Lake Hossegor.
FAQ: La Nord
For experienced surfers, with a big swell. It is not a spot to learn.
The spot holds swells of 5 to 6 m.
A big-wave contest, called when the swell shows up, between November and April.
In short
La Nord is Hossegor’s big-wave spot: a powerful beach break, for experts only, that holds up to 5 to 6 m and hosts the Rip Curl Challenge.
Other spots to check out nearby: La Gravière surf spot and La Sud 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: Surf-Report, Ultimate France, Mondo.surf, Surf-forecast, Belambra, Carve.