About
Capbreton is a beach on the French Atlantic coast, in the Biarritz area of southwestern France. It is best known to visitors as a beach break, where the waves reward those who come to watch or to surf.
What makes the waves here
The beach sits above the Gouf de Capbreton, an underwater canyon that lies close to shore. Because the water is deep right up to the coast, incoming swells keep much of their power rather than losing it over a long, shallow approach. The result is wave conditions that are distinctive for this stretch of coast, and the description of the spot notes that quality waves can still be found when other beaches are flat or unruly.
What a visit offers
- Watching the swells roll in over the canyon, which is the main draw of the beach.
- Surfing, for those who bring their own board or find one locally, as the beach is a recognised surf spot.
- A day on the sand combined with the wider Atlantic coastline around Biarritz.
Planning your trip
Because the conditions depend on the swell, the waves can differ a great deal from one day to the next, so it is worth checking the sea before you set out. The beach suits visitors who enjoy the ocean itself, whether they plan to ride the waves or simply to spend time watching them. Beyond the sand, the Biarritz area gives you the rest of the coast to explore on the same trip.