Surfing in Cap Ferret • Ultimate France

A complete guide to surfing in Cap Ferret

Cap Ferret and its peninsula are nothing short of magical. Picture yourself surfing epic waves while soaking up the vibe of one of France’s most iconic coastal destinations. This spot is not just a detour, it’s a must-visit for anyone who wants to soak up France’s surf culture at its best.

The Cap Ferret peninsula is a surfer’s paradise, offering endless opportunities to learn or improve your surfing. With 25 kilometres of pristine beaches lined with dunes, the coast is dotted with surf breaks, each one begging to be explored. The waves here can be outstanding, but the dynamic sandbanks, shaped by powerful currents near the Bassin d’Arcachon, make every session a unique challenge. To make the most of your trip along this coast, it’s best to be reasonably paddle fit before you arrive.

During summer, the crowds hit the beach as surfers from Bordeaux and beyond arrive in town. While the crowds can make it competitive, it also means there’s no shortage of surf schools to help you carve your first wave or level up your skills. Whether you’re here to rip up the surf, chillout with a view of the sunset, Cap Ferret has everything you need. With a laidback vibe, great waves, and plenty of options to eat, hang out, and learn, this is the ultimate destination for travelling surfers looking for a good time.

The Best Time of Year to go Surfing in Cap Ferret

Cap Ferret delivers surfable waves year-round, but timing is key for the best experience. During July and August, small, mellow waves dominate, making it perfect for beginners. However, onshore winds often pick up in the afternoons, creating choppy conditions that can make sessions tricky.

For more experienced surfers chasing quality waves, May, June, September, and October are the golden months. These shoulder seasons offer consistent swells, reliable offshore winds, and warm water temps, all with fewer crowds at the line-up. It’s the sweet spot for scoring dreamy sessions without the summer rush.

If you’re up for a challenge and don’t mind the cold, winter can be an epic time to surf Cap Ferret. The swells are bigger and more powerful, delivering hollow waves perfect for experienced surfers. Winter sessions also mean there’s a lot less people in the water – you might even have the break to yourself. But be cautious: strong currents and unpredictable sandbanks, known locally as “baines,” can quickly catch you off guard. If it’s your first time here, chat with the locals to get the lowdown on safe entry points and hazards.

Check the Cap Ferret surf forecast for the latest conditions, including wave height, direction, period, wind, and weather. Now it’s your turn, wax up your board, paddle out, and rip it up!

Cap Ferret surf forecast courtesy of surf-forecast.com.

Watch this: Whispers of the Tide in Cap Ferret

Cap Ferret Surf Spot Guide

1. Le Grand Crohot

Spot type: Beach. Offshore wind: Easterly. Bottom type: Sand. Best tide: Low to Mid tide.
Wave size: 0.5 to 2.5 m. Swell direction: West Lat Long: 44.797599, -1.237454.

Waiting for a good one at Le Grand Crohot, Cap Ferret | © OT Lege Cap Ferret

Le Grand Crohot is a solid option near Cap Ferret, offering easy access by car, especially in summer. Unlike the more southern beaches on the peninsula, this spot is less of a hassle to reach when the roads get busy.

On good days, you might score a dreamy peak with well-formed sandbanks delivering epic rides. But beware—when conditions are off, the waves can close out for hundreds of meters, resulting in a frustrating surf session.

During winter, Le Grand Crohot offers a quieter experience, with only a handful of surfers in the water. While a quiet break is always welcome, the conditions here can be inconsistent during the colder months. If you’re up for the challenge and don’t mind spending time chasing good waves, it’s worth a visit.

2. Le Truc Vert

Spot type: Beach. Offshore wind: Easterly. Bottom type: Sand. Best tide: Low to Mid tide.
Wave size: 0.5 to 2.5 m. Swell direction: North/ West Lat Long: 44.714778, -1.252145.

Endless summer at Le Truc Vert, Lege Cap Ferret | © OT Lege Cap Ferret

Truc Vert is one of the standout spots on the Cap Ferret peninsula, offering a unique journey to the waves. Access is via the Route de l’Océan, a forest road starting from Petit Piquey, with clear signage leading to the beach. After a quick walk through the woods and a climb up the dunes, you’ll arrive at this picturesque break.

The sandbanks at Truc Vert, like many along the peninsula, are notoriously unstable. When the conditions align, the spot can deliver dreamy, well-shaped waves. However, patience and observation are key here—perfect setups don’t happen every day, and reading the changing banks is essential for scoring your session.

Be aware that the strong currents at Truc Vert can be challenging, especially for less experienced surfers. During summer, swell consistency can drop off, so timing is everything. But when it’s on, Truc Vert is a gem that’s well worth exploring.

3. La Garonne

Sunny Surfing Day at La Garonne, Lege Cap Ferret | © Flickr – Jacques Froissant

Just a few hundred meters from Truc Vert, La Garonne offers a quieter surf experience, especially outside the summer season. Most tourists flock to Truc Vert, leaving La Garonne’s waves for those in the know.

In summer, a handful of surf schools set up shop here, making it a great spot for beginners to catch their first waves. To get there, take the Route de l’Océan from Petit Piquey and follow the signs to La Garonne. After a short walk and a climb over the dune, you’ll find yourself on the beach.

Like its neighbouring spots, the sandbanks at La Garonne can be unpredictable. But when they line up, this spot delivers excellent waves with fewer crowds—a hidden gem for those willing to explore.

4. La Torchère

Spot type: Beach. Offshore wind: Easterly. Bottom type: Sand. Best tide: Mid tide.
Wave size: 1 to 2.5 m. Swell direction: West, North/ West Lat Long: 44.675831, -1.257983.

Nestled between the road and the village of Cap Ferret, La Torchère is the area’s most popular beach. That said, it’s still far more laid-back compared to the crowded surf breaks of the Basque coast. Even at the height of summer, you’ll rarely find more than 20 surfers in the water—a dream for those who prefer uncrowded waves.

In winter, powerful swells roll in and it’s not uncommon to have the line-up all to yourself. Whether you’re chasing summer vibes or tackling solid winter surf, La Torchère offers a relaxed yet rewarding experience for surfers of all levels.

5. Le Petit train ou l’Horizon

Known as Le Petit Train or Plage de l’Horizon, this is the go-to surf spot in the heart of Cap Ferret village. It’s the perfect blend of surf and social vibes, offering everything you need for a full day at the beach—great waves, food options, and a lively atmosphere.

The waves here are fun, though they can be a bit inconsistent during summer. What makes this spot stand out is the buzz of activity both in and out of the water. It’s the ideal spot for catching waves, hanging with friends, and soaking up the good vibes.

After a full day of surfing, the fun doesn’t stop—wrap up your session with a night out at Sun, the local nightclub just a stone’s throw from the beach. Le Petit Train is all about good times, great company, and surf sessions you won’t forget!

6. Les Dunes

As its name suggests, Les Dunes requires a bit of effort to reach—you’ll need to trek across the dunes to access the beach and waves. But the journey is part of the charm, offering stunning views of the iconic lighthouse along the way. The payoff? A peaceful lineup with far fewer surfers than the more accessible spots.

For those who’d rather skip the hike, there’s a hack: head to Plage de l’Horizon and walk south along the shoreline for a few minutes to reach Les Dunes. The waves here can be excellent when the sandbanks are cooperating, but the strong currents demand caution, especially since this beach is unsupervised.

Les Dunes is perfect for surfers seeking a mix of adventure, natural beauty, and uncrowded waves—just come prepared to embrace the wild side of Cap Ferret.

Please leave a comment below if you need specific advice for your surf trip to Cap Ferret, or if you have any recommendations to help us improve this guide. Happy holidays!