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Aquitaine: “If there´s a surf area in Europe that needs no introduction, it´s the Aquitaine. Few of you will know its proper name, but this 160km long ruler-straight beach constitutes the largest potential stretch of unridden summer barrels in the entire continent.” This is what my Stormrider Guide said in the 1995 edition about this area. While there still is a lot of places along this stretch of coast that do not get overrun by summer crowds – due to limited road access to large parts of the coast, which means you have to walk – the summer barrel thing is a bit over enthusiastic. As the onshores usually kick in at about 9 in the morning and swells can be tiny for several week periods especially in July and August, the reality that most surfers experience here, is mushy waves perfectly suited for the many surf schools in this area. Bring larger boards, get up VERY early and be ready for some playful but seldom exciting surf. Things change when summer holidays are over. September is still very warm but already benefits of extended offshore conditions and a more active North Atlantic.
The area used to be an assembly of swamps and sandy alluvial land until it became afforested in the late 18th century. Since then it is the largest coherently forest of France (which says a lot about French agricultural policy). Nowadays these forests make nice camp grounds.
Bayonne: Best place to go if you need some culture in contrast to the holiday industry otherwise dominating this area. Very nice historic town, some nice bars and cafes, good shopping opportunities – if you REALLY need that – but best of all, the city hosts a Jazz festival every July that is really worth visiting. Grab some morning waves at the Anglet beaches and spend the rest of the day at the different outdoor music stages and bars listening and dancing to some live music. This festival is even worth missing the next morning surf session.
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