La Sud, or the south beach, is Hossegor’s most sheltered beach. This is where schools teach, and it is also the backup spot when the swell is too big elsewhere.
Note that La Sud and La Centrale are two different, neighbouring beaches. For the other spots, read our guide to surfing in Hossegor.
At a glance: La Sud
| Wave type | Beach break, lefts and rights |
| Bottom | Sand |
| Level | Beginners and all levels |
| Tide | Avoid high tide |
| Swell | West to north-west |
| Wind | East (offshore) |
| Best period | Summer to start; big swell days as a backup |
| Hazards | Very busy in summer, shorebreak at high tide |
About La Sud (Hossegor, Landes)
La Sud is a sandy beach break, with lefts and rights, smaller and more sheltered than the rest of Hossegor. That is what makes it the beginners’ beach, and the backup spot when La Gravière and La Nord are too big.
At high tide, the wave turns into a shorebreak: aim for the other tides. To the south, the beach continues into Notre-Dame beach, in Capbreton.
When to surf La Sud?
In summer, with smaller waves and schools on the beach, it is the best time to start. From autumn to winter, La Sud becomes the backup on big swell days.
La Sud surf calendar: swell size by month
La Sud 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 (43.66185, -1.44728): swell, wind and live conditions.
- GoSurf webcam at La Centrale, next to La Sud : the waves live before you go.
- Surfline forecast : swell, period and tide over several days.
La Sud: what level?
Beginners: the spot to learn
Schools teach here in summer, on a lifeguarded beach. Take a lesson and stay in the surf zone.
Intermediate surfers: on big swell days
When La Gravière and La Nord are too big, La Sud offers more manageable waves.
Experienced surfers: as a backup
La Sud is not Hossegor’s most demanding spot, but it saves the session on big swell days.
How to get to La Sud?
La Sud is at the south end of Hossegor’s seafront, in Soorts-Hossegor, with a paying car park next to the beach; the surrounding streets are free.
The beach has lifeguards in summer, with surf schools, restaurants and a kids’ club.
Spot location
GPS coordinates (approximate): 43.66185° N, 1.44728° W. La Sud, Hossegor, Landes.
Open the full map on OpenStreetMap
Where to stay near La Sud?
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 Sud?
On flat days, Lake Hossegor is close by. At the end of September, the Quiksilver Festival livens up Hossegor, Seignosse and Capbreton, free to attend.
FAQ: La Sud
Yes. It is Hossegor’s most sheltered beach, where schools teach in summer.
No, they are two neighbouring beaches: La Centrale is to the north, La Sud to the south.
At high tide, when the wave becomes a shorebreak, and in midsummer if you want peace and quiet: it is very busy.
In short
La Sud is Hossegor’s beginner beach: sheltered, with schools in summer, and the backup spot on big swell days. Avoid high tide.
Other spots to check out nearby: La Gravière surf spot and La Nord 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: Surfline, Ultimate France, Plages.tv, Belambra, Mondo.surf, Plages des Landes, Guide des Landes.