When it comes to surf in Europe, France has thousands of kilometres of Atlantic coastline just waiting to be explored. However, if you're looking to learn to surf, and need a beginner's surf beach to get your surfing started, there are a few that are perfect...
 
  • 1- Cote Des Basques, Biarritz 


You can't beat the mellow beach break of Cote Des Basques in the original surf city of Biarritz.  Framed by the picturesque chateau in the background, Cote Des Basques is a longboarder's dream wave as its slow undulating waves break so evenly and consistently throughout the year, longboarders have been surfing there since 1950s when surfing first came to France.
 
  • Make sure you check out Roxy's annual longboarding competition that's held at Cotes Des Basque beach, this year at the end of September.
 
  • 2- Plage Sud, Hossegor


One of the best places in Europe to visit during the summer and going into autumn for the surf scene is Hossegor.  The fiesta vibe combined with warm easy waves at Plage Sud attracts a mixture of beginner surfers, whilst just along the coastline the pro surfers rip into the infamous La Graviere. 
 
  • The best time to visit this infamous surf town is towards the end of September, when Quiksilver hold the Quiksilver Pro France as part of the ASP's world championship tour.
 
  • 3- Plage Central, Capbreton


Much like Hossegor's La Plage Sud, neighbouring town Capbreton's golden sand beach ‘Plage Central' is perfect for those looking for a learn to surf holiday. The gentle break offers consistent right and left-hand breaks, and is often the quieter of the Capbreton and Hossegor beaches.
 
  • Make sure you make the most of your experience staying in Capbreton by dining at one of the amazing seafood restaurants at the marina.
 
  • 4- Lacanau Ocean, Lacanau


If you're looking to visit France's central Atlantic coast, then the town of Lacanau will be for you. Easily reachable from Bordeaux, Lacanau has been a growing presence on Europe's surf map over the last decade.  Begin your surfing career by surfing the sandy beach break of Lacanau Ocean.
 
  • Check out the Sooruz Lacanau Pro online this August running 8th-18th August for a taste of how much fun the town is.
This article was added by Francesca Bingley