The venerable seaside resort of Biarritz is located on the southern French Atlantic coast and is considered the birthplace of surfing in Europe. In addition to a vibrant surf scene with surf camps, first-class surf spots and festivals such as the Roxy Chicken Jam longboard contest in summer, you will find everything that makes a surfer's heart beat faster.
The small fishing village owes its rise to the wife of Emperor Napoleon III in the 19th century. With its many small cafés, old buildings, rugged cliffs and steep coasts, Biarritz is a wonderful place to linger.
With Grande Plage, Cote des Basques and nearby Anglet, the seaside and spa resort of Biarritz offers many top surfing spots. The coast north to Hossegor and numerous surf spots south of Biarritz to the Spanish border can also be reached in a short time by car. Parking is difficult in the high season, but an alternative is the parking garage under the casino - directly at Grande Plage. It is only 200m from the parking garage to the water.
Another city worth visiting right next to Biarritz is the capital of the French Basque Country - Bayonne. In addition to a beautiful old town, you can experience and live the Basque tradition here. During the Fêtes de Bayonne, the small town goes into a state of emergency for a week - with red wine, white clothing and a red scarf, the town festival is one of the biggest festivals in the region, along with the Fêtes de Dax.
Other seasonal highlights include the Roxy Jam Biarritz women's longboard contest, various surfing festivals and concerts in Bayonne's old bullring - for example with the musician Manu Chao in 2008.
You can find more information for your surf vacation and about German-speaking and international surf camps and surf schools in France in our surf camp overview.
