Know where to go, when it works and what fits your level
In short: Surf Guide for South West France helps surfers know the best surf spots from the Vendée to the Basque Country, where those surf spots are, when those surf spots work and which waves fit their level.
The guide is written by Jurjen van den Broek, surf travel writer for Boardshortz.nl for more than 15 years and founder of Surf-Escape.com. Jurjen has personally visited many of the surf spots and surf campsites featured on Boardshortz.nl.
The same guide content in PDF and print
Both the digital PDF and the printed guide include the same guide content. Choose the format that fits the way you travel.
What you can expect inside
Surf Guide for South West France gives you practical spot knowledge before you leave: region overviews, surf spot pages, longboard-friendly options, surf schools, places to stay, forecast basics and flat-day ideas.
Surf spot pages
Clear surf spot descriptions with region, surf level, wave type, best conditions and practical notes on when each spot works.
Regional maps
A visual overview of key surf regions along the French Atlantic coast, from the Vendée to the Basque Country.
Travel sections
Surf schools, places to stay, longboard waves, wetsuit guidance, surf etiquette and flat-day ideas in one guide.
Plan the trip in five simple steps
Choose your region, check your surf level, match swell, wind and tide, pick the most logical surf spot, and use the flat-day ideas when the ocean is not working.
Made for real surf travellers
Surf Guide for South West France is made for beginners who want approachable waves, intermediate surfers who want better surf spot choices, longboarders looking for mellow lines and families who want surf, nature, food and simple travel options in one plan.
Beginners
Find approachable beaches, surf schools and regions with more forgiving waves and clearer learning conditions.
Intermediates
Understand which beaches become powerful, which surf spots suit your level and how swell, wind and tide shape your options.
Families
Combine surf sessions with campsites, villages, markets, lakes, bike routes and flat-day ideas.
Questions about the France guide
What area does Surf Guide for South West France cover?
Surf Guide for South West France covers the Vendée, Gironde, Les Landes and the Basque Country along the French Atlantic coast.
Is the guide useful for longboarders?
Yes. Surf Guide for South West France includes extra longboard-friendly waves and explains where mellow, rolling surf is more likely to work.
Is the guide useful for families?
Yes. Surf Guide for South West France includes surf stays, surf schools and flat-day travel ideas that help families combine surf with nature, food and easy travel days.
Is this guide useful if I already use Surfline or Windguru?
Yes. Surf Guide for South West France helps surfers choose regions, surf bases and surf spots that fit their level, while Surfline or Windguru help surfers check real-time conditions before each session.
Is the printed version different from the PDF version?
No. The printed version and the digital PDF version contain the same guide content. The PDF is best for instant access, while the printed version is best as a physical travel companion.