Surfing in Biarritz

Biarritz, the historic capital of surfing in Europe

In September 1956, surfing arrived on the Basque coast and more particularly in Biarritz, on the occasion of the filming of the movie "The Sun Also Rises", an adaptation of a Hemingway novel. Two Californians, Dick Zanuck and Peter Viertel, found themselves in Biarritz; Dick being a surfer and the rolls being just as good as those of Malibu where he had been surfing for some time, he had a surfboard sent over the likes of which the French had never seen. Forced to leave before his board was delivered, it was Peter, who had never surfed before, who took delivery of the board and made his first attempt on the waves of the Côte des Basques.

In 1957, the Côte des Basques, an emblematic spot, counted 4 initiated surfers: Peter Viertel, his friend and future inventor of the leash Georges Hennebutte, and the Frenchmen Jacky Rott and Joël de Rosnay.

Surfing was born in Biarritz and completely changed the image of a city considered as bourgeois. Today, surf culture is everywhere, the major surf brands such as Quiksilver, Billabong and Rip Curl are based around Biarritz.

The most beautiful surf spots in Biarritz

Surfing then became a sport and leisure activity, open to all, and competition developed in Biarritz and throughout the Basque Coast. Biarritz then became an essential destination for all lovers of board sports and offers several must-visit surf spots:

La Grande Plage

La Grande Plage, located right in the city centre of Biarritz, offers an exceptional urban surfing experience. The waves there are particularly good and easy to surf. This surf spot is renowned for hosting numerous competitions.

La Côte des Basques

This is the iconic surf spot in Biarritz, offering an ideal setting to surf with a beautiful view of the mountains. The Côte des Basques spot is accessible to all levels. It is part of the Top 10 surf spots on the Basque Coast.

Marbella

This spot located south of Biarritz, in the extension of the Côte des Basques, is highly appreciated by locals. The spot is exposed to swell and strong currents, so it is recommended to be an experienced surfer to go there.

Miramar

Le Miramar is a must-visit surf spot in Biarritz. It is an intimate spot for experienced surfers, exposed to swell and working with small swells.

La Milady

Milady beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in Biarritz, is a must-visit surf spot on the Basque Coast. Due to its exposure, the Milady picks up the swell relatively well, which always allows for waves to surf.

The surf schools of Biarritz

To safely learn how to surf, it is highly recommended to get in touch with one of the many surf schools in Biarritz. The first French surf club was founded on 16 September 1959: the Waïkiki Surf Club, created by the protagonists of the era: Peter Viertel, Jacques Rott, Georges Hennebutte, Joël de Rosnay, Michel Barland and Carlos Dogny. It was based in the Bains de la Côte des Basques establishments.

There are now more than a dozen surf schools in Biarritz that welcome beginner or experienced surfers for lessons of a few hours or courses lasting several days, to help you learn or improve so you can enjoy your free time on one of your favourite surf spots.

Living to the rhythm of Biarritz waves, for a summer or for good, is what our BARNES Côte Basque agency in Biarritz makes possible. Whether you are looking for a holiday rental in Biarritz close to the surf spots or wish to invest in property in Biarritz by the sea, our team, who knows every neighbourhood and every spot of the Biarritz coastline by heart, will be able to advise you.