Surfing in Saint-Jean-de-Luz
Surf school near Saint-Jean-de-Luz
The town of Saint-Jean-de-Luz is only 12 kilometres from our beautiful and large beach in Hendaye. Indeed, you can reach our establishment via a road overlooking the cliffs of the Basque cornice or via the national road 10 passing through Urrugne and the town centre of Hendaye to discover.
It is possible to reach the basque country surf school by car, by bus (bus stop less than 50 metres away) or even on foot, for the more adventurous, by following the walking path of the coastal path. You will still need to allow 2 hours of walking!
Also take advantage of the good weather on the Basque coast to surf in Anglet or Biarritz. On your way, stop in Guéthary and discover this pretty town and its most beautiful surf spots.
The dykes of Socoa, Artha and Sainte-Barbe were built to protect the large beach of Saint-Jean-de-Luz. In fact, their purpose is to “break” the swell and consequently to prevent the formation of waves inside the bay. It is therefore not possible to surf there.
The other beaches of Saint-Jean-de-Luz, such as Lafitenia or Erromardie, are considered dangerous because the waves break on a rocky bottom. For this reason, it is best to come and surf at the Lehena Surf School in Hendaye when staying in Saint-Jean-de-Luz.
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 runs along the breakwater in a steady swell; it is rather popular with experienced surfers at high tide for the engagement of its take-off zone. It is possible to surf a gentler wave below at low and mid tide.
- Erromardie: Housed in the cove before Lafitenia wave, Erromardie offers two types of waves on a sand and pebble beach. A first left rather soft and slow in the middle of the bay. A second, much more massive wave near the cliff, wisely guarded by the locals.
- Lafitenia : The wave of Lafitenia is the one of the most famous point breaks in France!
It’s a long straight that can be fast and technical where it’s not uncommon to see a lot of surfers: it’s a spot not to be recommended to 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 today a notorious seaside resort where life is good.
Nestled between the large bay and the port, and its small colourful boats, the town centre of Saint-Jean-de-Luz has everything to charm you.
The Rue Gambetta, in addition to being entirely pedestrianised, is the town’s main street where you can find all kinds of shops: Basque linen shops, jewellers, pastry shops, etc.
A little further on you will find Les Halles, which opens its doors every day from 7am to 1pm to fill your basket with fruit, vegetables, meat or fish.
You can also go and sip a drink on one of the many café terraces of Place Louis XIV or go and taste the delicious macaroons of the Adam’s house.
