Learning to surf is an exhilarating challenge, but it is better to choose your beach. Too powerful waves, running too strong, rocky background or crowds can transform a first experience into a hassle. Conversely, some beaches offer perfect conditions: sweet waves, long foams, sandy background and relaxed atmosphere. Here are the spots that check all the boxes to start serenely, board in hand and feet in the water.
Hendaye (Pyrénées-Atlantiques), Basque sweetness and long foams
A stone’s throw from the Spanish border, Hendaye is a safe bet for those who want to start without pressure. Its large bay houses long, not very powerful waves, which are quietly unrolling on a sandy background. The currents are weak and the atmosphere very family, which makes it a point of fall prized by surf schools. Even by small swell, the foams are linked, ideal for exercising the Take-off.
Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie (Vendée), gliding safely
On the Vendée coast, Saint-Gilles beach seduces with its regularity and accessibility. The body of water remains readable, with waves that are breaking properly, especially at rising tide. There are often beautiful series of foam, powerful enough to get up but never impressive. Many schools have taken up residence and swimming areas are watched all summer.
Marseille – Prado Nord
When the Mistral calms down, the swell generated by the wind forms beautiful small waves on the Prado beaches, especially on the northern section. This urban spot operates by wind swell only, but becomes very accessible at rising tide, with softened waves at the end of a surge. The body of water remains ordered despite the wind, and beginners can take advantage of long foams, with a safe background and watched areas. There are several schools in the city that offer suitable courses.
Noirmoutier, small waves on the ladies beach
When the swell invites itself into the bay of Bourgneuf, the ladies beach in Noirmoutier turns into a playground ideal for the very first tests. The water remains calm, the waves are small, perfect for familiarizing yourself with balance, without pressure. The bottom is flat, the currents nonexistent and the peaceful atmosphere: everything is there to gain confidence.
Lacanau (Gironde), start in a legendary spot
Well known for its high -level competitions, Lacanau also offers very accessible areas for beginners. On the southern beach or in front of the schools, the waves are formed far from the edge and turn into long foams, perfect for learning to get up. The monitors know how to adapt their sessions to the conditions of the day, even when the swell has a little vigor.
© AdobeStock
The torch (finistère), the surfing large large version
Head for Brittany, where the legendary Pointe de la Torche welcomes novices and confirmed on a huge sandy beach. Despite its exhibition, the spot regularly offers long, ideal waves, ideal for apprentice surfers. The flat bottom avoids unpleasant surprises and the size of the body of water makes it possible to move without stress from the more frequented areas.
Biscarrosse (Landes), between school and golden sand
Even in the Landes, it is possible to find reassuring conditions to start. In Biscarrosse, surf schools set up on the central beach to enjoy the well -trained sand banks and the waves that unroll gently. The swell is sometimes a little more consistent, but the monitors choose the most favorable schedules for the first slides.
Palavas-les-Flots (Hérault)
This small seaside spot can offer beautiful surprises after an episode of east wind. The dikes that punctuate the coast channel the swell and generate small clean waves, sometimes long and easy to follow. On the beaches between the dikes, beginners find an ideal setting: gentle waves, sandy background, no current and few people outside the summer. Winter and spring are often the best seasons for learning, by combining calm and accessible waves.
Mimizan (Landes), accessible sensations
In Mimizan, the entrance into the water is done in a soft slope, the waves break regularly and the sand banks channel the series in a rather predictable manner. This spot is one of the most accessible in the department for beginners, thanks to less hollow waves and a well -established organization around schools. Enough to chain attempts without being surprised.
Villefranche-sur-Mer (Alpes-Maritimes)
In this protected harbor, surfing is rare … except in the wind is sustained. When the conditions are met (often in autumn or spring), a short swell forms in the bay, with small waves accessible from the beach of the Marinières. The series remain modest (50 cm to 1 m maximum), which is suitable for beginners. The sessions are infrequent but very reassuring, without a strong current or dangerous background. The water is clear, and the atmosphere always relaxed.
Le Porge (Gironde), learn in a wild setting
More discreet than Lacanau, the Porge offers beautiful conditions to learn, especially in the supervised area of the central beach. The atmosphere is quieter, the waves unroll on large sand children and the current remains moderate most of the time. It is a good choice for those who want to progress far from the crowd.
Guidel (Morbihan), Sweet Brittany for the first steps
In southern Morbihan, Guidel beach welcomes beginners in a friendly atmosphere. The orientation of the spot limits violent winds, and the swell, often moderate, gives birth to round and regular waves. The bottom is sandy over the entire area, which considerably reduces the risk of injury. An excellent place to tame the basics of surfing, at its own pace.
Starting surfing in France does not necessarily mean facing large waves or powerful currents. There are beaches perfectly suited to the first sensations, where you can get up, fall, start again … without stress. Choosing the right spot is also choosing to progress faster, with pleasure. Provided you respect the safety instructions and, in most cases, to start accompanied.
Before getting on your board, remember to consult the forecasts on Meteo Consult Marine and download the Free Mobile Application Marine Bloc.