No surfer can dispute the reputation of the 10 k’s of beachbreaks that can shame all but the best surf spots in the world. Graviere, La Nord, Estangnots and Les Bourdaines are names that roll off the tongue and stir the blood of surfers in a manner akin to those of Munroe, Mansfield, and Bardot.

The deep water trench located off the Landes coast sucks every bit of life from the Atlantic Ocean and focus it on the hard shallow sands. Finding the waves is easy, just pick your favourite spot and check it. If it’s no good, just choose a direction, north or south, and walk. If the weather and swell patterns are in place, you won’t be dispatched home disappointed. If you do fail in your mission to find waves, head for the street side coffee bars and then venture forth to the legendary nighterys like the Rock Food, Dicks Sand Bar or the Casino. Just don’t plan much surfing the next day!

Fly to Biarritz from Stanstead with Ryan Air or from Bristol to Bordeaux in the summer months with Easy Jet. Prime season is August to October.

Shark factor: 10 heaps of sharks trying to take your dosh in the clubs, bars and accommodation bureaus, but none in the sea. The currency is Euros. If you see a bus setting off on a free wine-tasting tour run like hell otherwise you’ll miss it. Don’t forget to pack a little bit of je ne sais quoi.

What to expect Head for Hossegor and you’ll find ten kilometres of the best beachbreaks in the world. Graviere, La Nord, Estagnots and Bourdaines are names that roll off
the tongue and stir the blood of surfers across Europe. Expect perfect beachbreak peaks and a hardcore party atmosphere throughout the autumn and winter seasons.

When to go The deep water trench located off the Landes coast sucks every morsel of swell from the Atlantic Ocean and focuses it on the hard shallow sands. Autumn is best for swell so try to hit the area in September when the summer’s warmth is still in the air and water, yet the crowds are heading home.

Where to surf Finding the waves is easy, just pick your favourite spot and check it. If it’s no good, just choose a direction, north or south, and walk.

If the weather and swell patterns are in place, you won’t be disappointed. Les Estagnots is a favourite, as is Le Penon.

What will £20 buy you? If you do fail in your mission to find waves, head for the roadside
coffee bars and then venture forth to legendary nightspots like Rock Food or Dick’s Sand Bar. Just don’t plan much surfing the next day! For £20 you’ll get a nice meal and a couple of beers at Le Surfing in Les Estagnots.