Surfing Hendaye Plage

Hendaye Plage is the long, wide beach at the southern end of the French coast, on the Spanish border at the mouth of the Bidasoa. The waves break over sand in soft, forgiving peaks, much easier than the reefs and jetties further north around Guéthary and Biarritz.

The bay gives it some shelter, so it's often smaller and calmer than the open Landes beaches, which makes it a good choice on big or windy days. It's best from low to mid tide on a small to medium swell, and it's popular with beginners and families. Spain's Basque Country is just across the river.