Average rating Cook & Surf on the French Atlantic Coast

Perfect your surfing and cooking skills on this week-long break in Hossegor on the French Atlantic coast. Friendly, qualified instructors will show you the ropes when it comes to surfing, and a local chef will help you master your culinary skills. Funky, surfer-friendly accommodation included.

Great weather, great surfing conditions, and great scenery - The French 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.

Kick-start your day with a surfing lesson and then head back to shore for a cookery class with local chef, Christophe. In a way, this surf ‘n’ turf holiday is guilt-free – burn off calories in the morning and replace them in the evening with the feasts you create in class. And if you’ve got any energy left over, you can 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 or chef 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.

Getting there

The nearest airport is Biarritz and the nearest train station, Tyrosse. Transfers can be arranged to pick you up from either.

Price includes

Five surfing lessons each lasting an hour and a half, wetsuit and board hire, individual surfing insurance, five dinners and four local cooking classes, six organic continental breakfasts, accommodation.

Price details

Adults from 515 Euros

Available

Apr—Nov

Typical Duration

1 week

Comfort level

Down to earth (hostels, camping, huts)

Experience required

A reasonable level of fitness and interest is all that is needed