Surfing in Saint-Jean-de-Luz
Surf School Near Saint-Jean-de-Luz
The town of Saint-Jean-de-Luz is located just 12 kilometers from our beautiful, expansive beach in Hendaye. You can reach our hotel via a road that runs along the cliffs of the Basque Corniche, or via National Route 10, which passes through Urrugne and the downtown area of Hendaye, a place well worth exploring.
You can get to the Basque Country surf school by car, by bus (there’s a bus stop less than 50 meters away), or even on foot—for the more adventurous—by following the coastal walking trail. Just be prepared for a 2-hour walk!
You can also take advantage of the sunny days on the Basque Coast to go surfing in Anglet or Biarritz. On your way, stop in Guéthary and explore this charming town and its best surf spots.
The Socoa, Artha, and Sainte-Barbe breakwaters were built to protect the main beach at Saint-Jean-de-Luz. Their purpose is to “break” the swell and thus prevent waves from forming inside the bay. As a result, it is not possible to surf there.
The other beaches in Saint-Jean-de-Luz, such as Lafitenia and Erromardie, are considered dangerous because the waves break over a rocky seabed. That’s why, if you’re staying in Saint-Jean-de-Luz, it’s best to go surfing at the Lehena Surf School in Hendaye.
The Best Surf Spots in Saint-Jean-de-Luz
- Sainte-Barbe: Located at the northern end of the Bay of Saint-Jean-de-Luz, the Sainte-Barbe wave breaks along the breakwater when there is a consistent swell; it is particularly popular with experienced surfers at high tide because of the challenging take-off zone. It’s possible to surf a gentler wave further down the beach at low tide and mid-tide.
- Erromardie: Nestled in the cove just before the Lafitenia wave, Erromardie offers two types of waves on a beach of sand and pebbles. The first is a rather gentle, slow left-hand wave in the middle of the bay. The second is a much more powerful wave near the cliff, which the locals keep to themselves.
- Lafitenia: The wave at Lafitenia is one of the most famous point breaks in France!
It’s a long right-hand break that can be fast and technical, and it’s not uncommon to see a lot of surfers there: this spot is not recommended for beginners.
Discover Saint-Jean-de-Luz
A must-see town in the Basque Country, Saint-Jean-de-Luz, once known as the “City of Corsairs”—is now a renowned seaside resort where life is good.
Nestled between the large bay and the harbor, with its small, colorful boats, the town center of Saint-Jean-de-Luz has everything it takes to charm you.
Rue Gambetta is not only entirely pedestrian-only, but it is also the city’s main street, where you can find all kinds of shops: stores selling Basque clothing, jewelry stores, pastry shops, and more.
A little further on, you’ll find Les Halles, which is open every day from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., where you can fill your basket with fruits, vegetables, meat, or fish.
You can also stop by one of the many café terraces on Place Louis XIV for a drink or enjoy the delicious macarons at Maison Adam.
