Hossegor & Capbreton · France
Surfing La Piste
A beach break in Hossegor & Capbreton, France, for intermediate and advanced surfers.
La Piste is the stretch of Capbreton south of the old wartime bunkers that sit on the sand.
As soon as there's a bit of swell it throws fast, hollow waves, mostly rights, and on the right day there are barrels to be had. The access path is a little hidden but the beach has facilities. Better for surfers who are comfortable with quick, steep takeoffs. It gets busy.
Autumn and winter swells bring the best waves, and higher tides usually suit it. The bunkers on the beach are a landmark and a good place to check the waves from. If it's closing out, the groynes further north at Le Prévent give more shelter.
When to surf
La Piste
La Piste is at its best from September to April. Conditions it likes: W swell, E wind, high tide.
October to March: Prime
Biggest, most powerful groundswell, quieter off-season
April to June: Good
Reliable swell, milder crowds
July to August: Quiet
Smaller swell, packed beaches and high prices
The year across Landes (Hossegor)
Waves near La Piste
Les Océanides
under 1 kmHossegor & Capbreton · Beach Break · Intermediate / Advanced
Le Santocha
under 1 kmHossegor & Capbreton · Beach Break · Intermediate / Advanced
Le Prévent
under 1 kmHossegor & Capbreton · Beach Break · Beginner / Intermediate / Advanced
Straight-line distances. By road it is usually further.
Getting there
Where to stay: Hossegor puts you closest to La Gravière and La Nord, with apartments, campsites and surf hostels among the pines. Capbreton has the harbour, a livelier choice of restaurants and the beaches around the jetties. Seignosse, just north, is cheaper and quieter. July and August are busy and expensive; in autumn there is plenty of choice.
Transport, costs, where to stay and the rest of the waves in the area are in the Hossegor & Capbreton guide.
Hossegor & Capbreton surf guideSurf it often and something here is wrong? Tell us and we will fix it.