Hossegor & Capbreton · France
Surfing Labenne Océan
A beach break in Hossegor & Capbreton, France, for intermediate surfers.
Labenne Océan is the main beach of Labenne, a few kilometres south of Capbreton and far less busy.
The sandbanks move a lot, and when they line up the waves can be really good. Getting out can be hard work, and the currents are sometimes strong, so check it from the dune first. It doesn't handle big swell well and rarely gets above two metres. Wind from the east is what you want.
It's quieter than Capbreton all year, and in summer there are lifeguards and a few surf schools. The car park and a couple of snack bars are behind the dune, and the pine forest behind it has cycle paths back to Capbreton.
When to surf
Labenne Océan
Labenne Océan is at its best from year-round. Conditions it likes: W swell, E wind.
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 Labenne Océan
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.
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