Surfing Anglet: guide to the 11 Basque beaches

Anglet lines up 4 km of beaches between the mouth of the Adour and Biarritz, split into 11 named sections (north to south: La Barre, Les Cavaliers, Les Dunes, VVF, Marinella, Madrague, Océan, Sables d'Or, Petite Madrague, Corsaires, Club). That variety means there's almost always a bank firing somewhere.

This is THE learning and progression spot of the southwest. The schools put 50,000 people through here every year. It's also a playground for experienced surfers when the big swells roll in, especially at Cavaliers and VVF.

, Small days (≤ 1 m), light wind: Marinella, Sables d'Or, Océan. Mellow banks, beginner-friendly.

, Mid days (1 to 1.5 m), E wind: VVF (the most consistent), Madrague. Short tubes and clean shoulders.

, Big days (≥ 1.8 m): Les Cavaliers (a properly hollow bank), Les Dunes (wild and raw). For experienced surfers.

, S onshore wind: bail south (Petite Madrague, Corsaires) where the cliffs offer a bit of shelter.

Anglet in July-August is a packed crowd. To get some peace, go for dawn patrols (sunrise → 9am, glassy water and an empty beach) or the late-afternoon sessions after 7pm when the tourists are at dinner.

Parking: paid in season (1 to 2€/hr), free elsewhere. The VVF car park is the handiest but fills up fast. The northern car parks (Cavaliers, Dunes) are less jammed.

Anglet's flagship schools: ESCA (École de surf de la Côte des Aigles, at Cavaliers), Anglet Surf School (VVF), Hastéa (Marinella). All offer private lessons, week-long camps and gear rental.

For going it alone with a rental: Quiksilver Boardriders near Marinella, Rip Curl in Biarritz, 10 min away by car. 4/3 wetsuits year-round, 3/2 in summer (June to September).