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|  | Biarritz has been French surfing heaven since 1956.
The new wave
That year, American screenwriter Peter Viertel, who was working on a film on the Basque coast, had his surfboards flown in from the US so he could test the French waves. The people of Biarritz couldn't believe their eyes: "He's literally dancing on the waves!"
"Everybody's gone surfin'"
Since then, Biarritz has made up for lost time. Surf Masters, launched in 1987, hosted the world championships in 2005. The spirit of youthfulness and freedom inherent to surfing pervades the city. You're in Biarritz - grab your board and catch a wave! |
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| | The best spots
With short but intense waves, the big beach is a dream spot for power surfing. Speed and radical maneuver freaks, this is your spot. Sixties' fans into the Beach Boys ambiance of longboards would probably prefer Côte des Basques where the waves are lower and longer.
Wind without waves
If you're looking for a sport that doesn't involve getting tossed around in the breakers every 30 seconds, head to the bay at Saint-Jean-de-Luz, 10 km south of Biarritz. The seawall enclosing the bay breaks most of the waves, producing a nice, glassy sea perfect for windsurfing. |
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Photo album
