Surfing in Hossegor, France

Wannabe surfers and those with a bit of experience will love these weekend or week-long breaks in France’s surf mecca - Hossegor. Lessons from friendly, qualified instructors, funky comfy accommodation and the use of mountain bikes and canoes are all included in the price.

Great weather, great surfing conditions, and great scenery - France’s south Atlantic coast is a surfer’s paradise. It stretches for 160 miles, but it’s Hossegor, host to the annual WCT surf championship, that is the jewel in France’s surfing crown. Sandy beaches bordered by pine forests make this area naturally stunning, and although the place is renowned across Europe for its surfing, the town itself has remained relatively low-key. Imagine a smaller, more upmarket version of Newquay and you’ll be on the right tracks.

‘Dude’. ‘Bail-out’. ‘A-Frame’. Surfers have their own lingo, and by the end of a week-long or a weekend break here, you should certainly have the basics. If you don’t manage to master the language though, with expert tuition from qualified instructors you should certainly be skilled on the board. Aside from lessons and surf rental, you can also use the centre’s mountain bikes to cycle through pine forests and explore the area. Or have a go in one of their canoes on the l’Etang Blanc lake.

Novice, occasional dabbler or a bit of a pro – it doesn’t matter how experienced – or inexperienced a surfer you are as you’ll get lessons to suit you and your level of experience. If you’re a bit of a privacy seeker it might not be right up your street, as unless you’re travelling in a group of four, or in a couple, you’ll probably be sharing a room. That said, most surfer types are pretty laid-back friendly souls so sharing space with new people should be looked on as a bonus. Last but not least, you’ll need to be over 18.