If you’re planning a surf trip to southwest France, chances are might have narrowed it down to two names that keep popping up: Hossegor and Biarritz.
Both are iconic. Both have waves. But they’re very different experiences — and picking the right one depends entirely on what you’re actually looking for.
We will do our best to give you the lowdown on vibe, surf, nightlife, cost, and access, so you can make the call that fits your style.
Biarritz Plage
Atmosphere & Vibe
Biarritz
Biarritz is polished. Once the playground of 19th-century royalty, now home to boutique shops, art galleries, and pastel cafés with €6 espressos. The surf scene is real, but it coexists with a well-heeled city crowd. Think linen shirts, yoga on the beach, and Aperol spritzes on rooftops. There’s a buzz year-round, and it leans more cosmopolitan than coastal.
If you’re into surf towns with a bit of urban flair — or if you want to mix your beach days with some shopping, dining, and people-watching — Biarritz has plenty to offer.
Hossegor
Hossegor is built around surfing. Full stop. The vibe is more sandy feet than sidewalk cafés. The rhythm of the day revolves around tides, not brunch reservations. You’ll still find great coffee, cute bakeries, and a lively market — but it all feels more grounded, less curated.
In summer, it hums with a mix of Euro groms, long-haired locals, and surf tourists from all over. The forest, lake, and beach are all within a cruiser bike ride. At night, things wind down with sunset beers and terrace dinners. It’s less city-break, more barefoot routine.
Biarritz Coast
Surf Quality
Biarritz
Biarritz is where many people in France get their first taste of surfing. The waves at Côte des Basques and La Grande Plage are generally mellow, soft, and beginner-friendly — ideal if you’re just starting out and want to ease into things. There’s plenty of surf schools, and while the crowd can be hectic in summer, the vibe is usually friendly.
The downside? If you’re after more consistent or punchy waves, you might find yourself frustrated. Swells tend to lose a bit of energy by the time they wrap into Biarritz especially on smaller days.
Hossegor
Hossegor, on the other hand, is a different beast — and that’s a good thing. It’s known for world-class beach breaks like La Gravière and La Nord, but don’t let that intimidate you. Just a few minutes north or south of the main town you’ll find sandbanks that suit all levels, especially with the help of a local guide.
The key difference? Wave quality. Even on average days, Hossegor and the surrounding spots tend to catch more swell and break with more power. With beaches stretching far up the coast you’ll also find less crowding if you know where to look.
Biarritz Streets
Nightlife
Biarritz
If nightlife is a priority, Biarritz has you covered. The city centre is packed with bars, cocktail lounges, and clubs that go late (if not all night). There’s always something happening, especially in peak season — whether it’s live music, beachside DJ sets, or a packed terrace with rosé flowing like tap water.
It’s a bit more polished — expect cover charges, dress codes, and drinks that cost more than your post-surf sandwich. But if you’re into city-style nights out with a French coastal twist, this is your spot.
Hossegor
Hossegor’s nightlife is looser and lighter. It leans more toward sunset beers, divey bars, and dance floors full of salty hair and flip-flops. Boardriders and Joe and Joes throws live events and open-air parties, and yes, Dick’s Sand Bar still exists (whether thats a good thing, we are not sure).
Summer nights can get rowdy, especially around the market square. But it’s more about good energy and good tunes than dress codes and bottle service.
Cost
Biarritz
Biarritz is beautiful — and priced accordingly. It’s a city that knows its worth, especially in summer. Accommodation can get expensive fast, particularly if you’re after private rooms or anything with a view. Restaurants lean toward the higher end, and a night out can easily run you more than you planned.
That said, there are some budget options if you dig a bit deeper — hostels, surf camps, and apartment rentals on the edges of town — but nothing’s exactly cheap.
Hossegor
Hossegor is still a surf town at heart, and that shows in the prices. You’ll find more affordable accommodation, cheaper eats, and better value across the board — particularly if you’re happy with a simple beach lifestyle.
Board hire, group dinners, beers — it all just hits the wallet a little softer here. You can definitely still find expensive cocktails and beach cabanas will have a premium, but if you knwo the local spots, you can save some money.
Access & Transport
Biarritz
One of Biarritz’s biggest advantages is how easy it is to get to. It has its own airport (BIQ), with direct flights from major cities across Europe — Paris, London, Geneva, Lisbon, and more. From the airport, you can be in the city centre in 10–15 minutes. No car needed, and everything’s walkable once you’re there.
If you want convenience, Biarritz is hard to beat.
Hossegor
Hossegor doesn’t have its own airport, but it’s still pretty accessible. The closest airport is Biarritz, and from there it’s around a 35–45 minute drive to Hossegor/Seignosse. You can rent a car, take a shuttle, or train to Bayonne and taxi from there.
Once you’re here, a bike is the best way to get around — everything’s within a few km: the beach, town, forest, lake. No traffic, no stress.
Biarritz
The Local Crowd
Biarritz
Biarritz draws a wide mix: Parisians escaping the city, families on holiday, older locals, and the odd Basque grandpa who’s been bodyboarding the same peak since 1963. You’ll find plenty of surfers, but also a lot of people who are just there for the atmosphere, the food, or the Aperols.
It’s surfy, yes — but it’s not a surf town in the purest sense anymore. It’s more of a lifestyle hub with a surf flavour.
Hossegor
Hossegor is unapologetically surf-driven. The locals surf, the expats surf, the summer tourists surf. The whole place orbits around the ocean. You’ll meet a mix of French, Spanish, Dutch, Aussie, German, and Brit surfers — people chasing waves, or just hanging out in a place that doesn’t take itself too seriously.
There’s still a strong local presence, especially around Capbreton, but the vibe stays relaxed. Everyone’s in it for the waves (or the croissants after).
Hossegor Beach
Final Thoughts: Which One’s Right for You?
So — Hossegor or Biarritz? You really can’t go wrong, but the best choice depends on what you’re chasing.
Choose Biarritz if you want:
Easy airport access and no need for a car
A more polished, city-meets-sea vibe
Nightlife, boutique shopping, and a café every 20 steps
Mellow waves and gentle surf schools
Choose Hossegor if you want:
A true surf town built around the beach
More consistent, higher quality waves (even for beginners)
Forests, beaches, and barefoot living
A laid-back, surf-soaked vibe with real character
Or do both. Spend a week in Hossegor to surf your brains out, then roll down to Biarritz for a couple of nights to clean the salt out of your ears with oysters and espresso.
If you’re still undecided — or if you’re leaning Hossegor but want to make sure you end up in the right spot — feel free to reach out. We are always happy to help people make the right choice for their next trip.
