France means Hossegor and the long beaches of the Landes: powerful beach breaks that are at their best in autumn, when the sandbanks are good and the summer crowds have gone. Portugal is more varied, with points, reefs and beaches, and because the coast faces both west and south there's usually somewhere working. It's also a little cheaper and warmer in winter. For autumn barrels, go to France. For a winter trip, or a mix of levels, go to Portugal.
Which one should you pick?
Autumn barrels
France. Hossegor and the Landes beaches are at their best from September to November.
Winter trip
Portugal. It's milder, and with coast facing west and south there's usually a sheltered spot when the storms hit.
Variety of waves
Portugal, with points, reefs and beaches. France is almost all beach break.
Summer with the family
France. The Landes beaches have lifeguards and surf schools all summer, and small waves for learning.
Budget
Portugal is a little cheaper day to day.
When to go
Both are at their best from September to April. Both are in good shape from September to June.
| Month | Portugal | France |
|---|---|---|
| January | Prime (Ericeira) | Prime (Landes (Hossegor)) |
| February | Prime (Ericeira) | Prime (Landes (Hossegor)) |
| March | Prime (The Algarve) | Prime (Landes (Hossegor)) |
| April | Prime (The Algarve) | Prime (Finistère (Brittany)) |
| May | Good (The Algarve) | Good (Landes (Hossegor)) |
| June | Good (Porto & the North) | Good (Landes (Hossegor)) |
| July | Quiet (The Algarve) | Quiet (Landes (Hossegor)) |
| August | Quiet (The Algarve) | Quiet (Landes (Hossegor)) |
| September | Prime (Porto & the North) | Prime (Finistère (Brittany)) |
| October | Prime (Ericeira) | Prime (Landes (Hossegor)) |
| November | Prime (Ericeira) | Prime (Landes (Hossegor)) |
| December | Prime (Ericeira) | Prime (Landes (Hossegor)) |