France

Why France

The Landes coast is the beach-break heartland of Europe — a near-unbroken run of sand from Capbreton to Lacanau. Hossegor earns the headlines for its autumn power, but for most of the year the same sandbars serve up forgiving, well-shaped peaks that suit beginners and intermediates side by side.

When to go

• **Sep–Oct:** Peak. Autumn groundswell, warm water, the sandbars at their best.Sep–Oct: Peak. Autumn groundswell, warm water, the sandbars at their best.
• **Jun–Aug:** Early and mid-season. Smaller, mellower, water warming through 18–20°C — the easiest window for mixed-ability trips.Jun–Aug: Early and mid-season. Smaller, mellower, water warming through 18–20°C — the easiest window for mixed-ability trips.
• **Nov–May:** Cold-water months, powerful and inconsistent.Nov–May: Cold-water months, powerful and inconsistent.

Getting around

Fly into Biarritz (BIQ) — 25 minutes from the Seignosse and Hossegor camps. A car helps you chase the best sandbar, though most camps run a daily break shuttle.