The 'Surfing Capital Of Europe' Is A Mesmerizing Beach Town In Southern France

When it's time to plan your next adventure to the most exciting country to explore in all of Europe, consider heading for one of its most surprising under-the-radar beaches. Even if you have never looked at a surfboard in your life, the coastal paradise of Soorts-Hossegor has quietly grown to become a favorite vacation spot on France's Atlantic coast, offering an invigorating mix of adrenaline and relaxation.

Located in the department of Landes in southwestern France, just 12 miles north of Biarritz, Hossegor is affectionately nicknamed the "surfing capital of Europe", owing to the variety and quality of waves and the warm welcome it offers pros and beginners alike. When surf is up, perching on the four-mile stretch of golden sands to watch their skills and spills out in the waves is endlessly entertaining.

That said, what really makes this charming town special is the combination of outstanding surf conditions that attract the best surfers in the world, with a très chic French touch and timeless allure. As a popular seaside destination, Hossegor exudes a laid-back elegance and effortless charm. The streets are alive with fashionable boutiques, local artisans studios, and art galleries. Then there's the cuisine that you would come to expect from a prime French resort. The proud gastronomy of the Gascony tradition shines here with the freshest products of land and sea, available from local producers, and the generous wines of Tursan from the sandy-soil vineyards.

The first spark of Hossegor's epic reputation goes back to the '50s and '60s when early surfers noticed the challenging waves forming. The particular topography of the seabed creates fast-breaking waves that rival the best surfing beaches in the world. One of the main stars of the show is La Gravière, a barreling wave that can break at up to 15 feet. At its best in the fall, this spot delivers tubes to challenge even the most diehard surfers. It's no surprise that major events such as the Quiksilver Pro France, part of the World Surf League Championship Tour, have been held here for decades, and that in 1984 the headquarters of the French Surfing Federation moved from Biarritz to Hossegor.

Surfing doesn't just happen on the water, it's a way of life. Hossegor provides the support structure needed for this community to thrive, with surf shops lining the streets, and world-class surf schools manned by dedicated instructors who offer lessons from beginner to advanced levels, and transmit all-important guidelines and values to preserve the fragile marine environment. As for the après-wave scene, the town buzzes with camaraderie at spots like Rockfood or Dick's Sand Bar, where surfboards are set aside in favor of lively conversation over a tall glass of Sagardo Basque cider.

Non-surfers also flock to Hossegor, as it lies at the start of the famous Côte d'Argent (Silver Coast) with its endless wide sandy beaches. The golden dunes and thick forests stretch forever, and even without leaving town you also have a tranquil saltwater lake. Here you can paddleboard, kayak, or simply relax far from the surfing excitement, and enjoy the calm waters and walking paths that make it a favorite with families.

The beach is one of the main attractions, but Hossegor's general joie de vivre doesn't stop there. The town effortlessly blends surf-town casualness with French sophistication. Stroll through and you'll find more than a hundred fashion boutiques, including local creators, artisan bakeries, and cozy cafés serving buttery croissants to dunk in your espresso. The local architecture of traditional timber-framed houses sprinkled among modern villas adds to the town's authentic lived-in feel. For an entirely different world, head to the forest of Les Landes, the largest man-made woodland in Europe, where Napoleon III drained the wetlands and planted pines to affix shifting sand dunes and provide resin and timber. The resulting forest today is a soothing green haven criss-crossed by walking and biking trails.

When it comes to eating out, Hossegor shines. The regular influx of international surfers has given rise to a surprising choice of world cuisine, including vegan and trendy restaurants. Seafood lovers are spoiled for choice with the abundance of oysters, mussels, and grilled fish available, and land-based popular regional staples like foie gras or magret de canard also feature. For a taste of local flavors, the Halles de Hossegor market offers fresh produce, regional cheeses, and charcuterie — don't miss the light and fluffy Pastis Landais orange blossom brioche.

The best time to visit for surfing enthusiasts is fall, winter and early spring, while in summer you can expect calmer waves and more crowds. Hossegor is easy to reach by air, road, or several public transport options. The nearest airport is Biarritz, about 20 miles away, with direct flights from a number of European hubs. If arriving by train, there are regional buses connecting Hossegor with the nearest stations in Bayonne and Dax. So grab your board (or your bucket and shovel) and discover the soul of France's Silver Coast.