South west France Beaches (Aquitaine). The beaches featured here are located between Bordeaux and Biarritz, they are great surfing beaches - Atlantic Ocean. We list them from north to south.

The main feature of the beaches is that they are all one very long beach. There are no coves, bays etc, the beach simply stretches for a hundred miles or so. This means that the surf will be pretty much the same where ever you are. The only reason to go off and find another spot is if the waves are to busy.

A big dune on the coast south of Bordeaux. Not a surfing location, but must not be missed if you are in the area.

It is 114m/374ft high, 2.7km/1.5miles long. the highest in Europe, you get to the top by climbing a 154 step staircase, or take the arduous walk up the sand. It has the forest of Landes on one side and the sea on the other. Take a sandboard and ride down to the sea, then trudge back up.

Not much to say about it, it is huge, spectactular, it is for ever changing in the wind and weather. Also take a water bottle and camera.

Located on the D218, well signposted, you have to park in the obligatory car park (euro 3). Loads of souvenir shops, food places, toilets and showers. Parking is under pine trees.

Biscarrosse Plage

This beach is set aside for land yachts, kite buggies etc. There is a sign at the entrance to the beach detailling priorities, rights of way etc and explaining that pedestrians have to get out of the way!

There is a large car park (free), no shade, no toilets (out of season)

Mimizan Plage

This photo of Mimizan could be any beach along the coast between Biscarrosse and Biarritz.

Large beach carpark, surf school, no shade.

Just north of Vieux Bocau, you reach it by going to the village and finding the road marked to the beach. just a short walk up over the dune - tarmeced - to the beach. The beach is also a naturalist beach. Park your car under the pine trees.

Vieux Bocau

Many accesses to the beach at this resort/town. Main beach has a large carpark and beach access up and over the dune. Surf School present! and beach cafe. Photo was taken on a day when the waves were low and the surfers were bored and had to think up their own entertainment.

Hossegor

Probably the main surfing area, several beaches including the most famous for surfers, Estagnots. Estagnots has a carpark, easy access to the beach, nearby cafe, restaurants and toilets.

Hossegor Plage is abit more built up, more local facilities.

Biarritz

The place to be if you are rich and famous. Biarritz has 2 good surfing beaches, one in the town, the other just outside. Park in carparks (pay). Hang out with the posers!