Surfing, from Lacanau to Cordouan, has been the star sport of recent years. It’s a way of life, where you live to the rhythm of the tide and the waves. Surfing lessons and courses, equipment hire and the Surf Shop will be a must for your holidays. With your surfboard, find the best spot at Carcans Plage, Hourtin Plage, Grayan-et-l’Hôpital, Naujac-sur-Mer, Le Verdon-sur-Mer or Soulac-sur-Mer.
Surf culture
Surf culture in Médoc Atlantique
From Lacanau to Soulac-sur-Mer
Surfing culture, which is omnipresent in the Médoc, embodies a zen and friendly way of life, in harmony with nature. Salty hair, traces of sun cream on the face and bare feet are the surfer’s basics! When you’re surfing, you take the time to enjoy the weather and the waves. The best time to surf, spots away from the summer crowds and relaxation are all on the agenda. Introduced in the 60s by two Médoc locals inspired by Basque surfers, surfing quickly established itself in Lacanau thanks to the quality of its waves and its passionate community. With improved facilities and the creation of the Lacanau Pro in 1979, the town became a European surfing mecca. As well as Lacanau, we love the villages of Carcans Plage, Hourtin Plage, Le Gurp and Le Pin Sec, where we feel that surfing is at the heart of local life…
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Its director, Laurent Rondi, remembers the spirit of camaraderie that prevailed in the small Médoc town of California at the time: “At the end of the 70s, surfing was already present in Lacanau but we lacked the means in terms of equipment, so we used to share a board slipped under the control seat on the beach, dreaming of Hawaii without knowing that Hawaii would soon be here…”.
Laurent Rondi
Elected to the European Surfing Federation
Must-see surf spots
Surfer’s word: Médoc Atlantique has everything it takes to attract surfers from all over the world. The area is renowned for its stretches of sand as far as the eye can see, its wild beaches and the possibility of easily finding yourself alone in the world while being in a region full of life.
Médoc Atlantique offers 3 ways to surf the most beautiful waves on the Atlantic.
Lacanau, the birthplace of surfing, is a must for all surfing fans. Ideal for combining sport and entertainment! Here, you can attend an international competition, the Lacanau Pro, which attracts the best surfers from all over the world every year. Surfing in Lacanau means enjoying regular beach breaks and a vibrant nightlife where you can meet new people.
Heading up towards Hourtin and Carcans-Océan, you’ll find wild, authentic beaches, untouched by excessive urbanisation. Perfect for escaping the crowds in an unspoilt natural setting! The waves are a great challenge for adventurous surfers. Head up to Le Pin Sec in Naujac-sur-Mer for a memorable surf-camp and experience a total connection with nature.
From the Pointe de Grave to Soulac-sur-Mer, the fine sandy beaches stretch as far as the eye can see. You’re in a very special environment, the only one of its kind in the world: where the Gironde estuary meets the Atlantic Ocean. Soulac-sur-Mer is a little less exposed, ideal for families and beginners. For a heavenly setting, we recommend the Arros beach and its natural pools.
You’ll easily find a surf school in every commune on the Atlantic coast! Enthusiastic instructors welcome students of all levels, whether you’re getting on a board for the first time at the age of 50, looking to improve your skills or looking for a family challenge.
Surfing is a veritable culture at Médoc Atlantique, so it’s only natural that it should punctuate the calendar and provide a series of sporting and convivial highlights bringing together surfers from all over the world. Caraïbos Lacanau Pro, Surf & Golf Trophy... place your bets !
Whether you’re an enthusiast or just curious, the Caraïbos Lacanau Pro is the event not to be missed. History, programme, news, we tell you more about this highlight of the surfing world, so you can experience 15 days at the rhythm of surfing.
Don’t worry if you’ve forgotten: you’ll find all the equipment you need for your favourite sport in the many surf shops. Why not treat yourself to a customised surfboard? You can also visit the local craftsmen and women to pick up souvenirs inspired by surf culture and the ocean: jewellery, home decor, etc. Surfing also has its own particularly fashionable style of dress !
Laurent Rondi
