Surf photos at the Grande Plage, Biarritz
The casino beach, in the heart of Biarritz, with everyone watching. Were you in the water at the Grande Plage? Pick the day and the time: your photos are in there.
Sessions at La Grande Plage
Dead flat. No sessions here.
Either nobody shot this slot, or you’ve got the wrong spot. Happens to the best of us.
Latest surf photos in the Basque Country
Wave forecast at La Grande Plage
Today
| Time | Swell | Dir. | Wind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.3 m13 s2nd 0.6 m · 5 s | NW | 16 km/h E | |
| 1.2 m13 s2nd 0.5 m · 5 s | NW | 12 km/h ENE | |
| 1.1 m13 s2nd 0.5 m · 5 s | NW | 4 km/h NNW | |
| Now | 1.0 m13 s2nd 0.4 m · 5 s | NW | 8 km/h NW |
| 1.0 m13 s2nd 0.4 m · 5 s | NW | 10 km/h NW | |
| 1.0 m12 s2nd 0.5 m · 5 s | NW | 8 km/h SSW |
Source: Météo-France, MFWAM model (Licence Ouverte), forecast issued 2 November at 1am. Offshore swell (spot facing NW): at the shore, the waves also depend on the sandbanks and the tide.
La Grande Plage surf spot in Biarritz
- Getting there
- Right in the town centre: underground car parks nearby, direct beach access from the promenade.
- Directions to the spot →
- Good to know
- Town beach break over sand, lefts and rights: surf schools, lifeguarded swimming areas and big summer crowds. Shorebreak at high tide.
- Best tide
- Mid tide
- Level
- Beginner to advanced, depending on the swell
More about La Grande Plage
Below the casino, the Grande Plage is the most visible spot in Biarritz: here you surf in front of the whole promenade. Surf schools share the water with the regulars, and the shorebreak wakes up at high tide.
Find your Grande Plage session by day and time, scroll through the photos and download yours in HD.
La Grande Plage: your questions answered
What conditions do you need to surf at La Grande Plage?
La Grande Plage likes a west to north-west swell with an offshore east to south-easterly wind, and it’s slightly sheltered from southerly winds. It needs a decent bit of swell to wake up its sandbanks, and in stormy conditions it stays surfable, especially around mid tide.
What kind of waves are there at La Grande Plage?
Short, powerful waves breaking over sandbanks shaped by the rocks at the southern end of the beach. They’re less powerful than in Anglet, but this is the benchmark wave for Biarritz locals who like it short and punchy.
Can you surf anywhere at La Grande Plage in summer?
No: in season, a surf zone and a lifeguarded swimming zone are marked out with flags. They’re often moved depending on the tidal coefficient and the state of the sea, so check the flags when you arrive; climbing on the rocks is not allowed.
Which surf contest is held at La Grande Plage?
La Grande Plage hosts the Maider Arosteguy, founded in 1984 and billed as the oldest surf contest in Europe. It’s traditionally held over the Easter weekend, with youth categories plus men’s and women’s opens.