About
La Gravière is a beach on the Atlantic coast of France, next to the main beach at Hossegor, in the wider area around Biarritz. It is best known to surfers and to anyone who enjoys watching the sea at its most dramatic.
What to expect
The spot is known for its heavy, hollow waves, which break over shallow sandbars. When conditions line up, the waves form the hollow tubes surfers call barrels, and the shape of the wave makes the scene a striking one to watch from the sand. Visitors who come for the view often find the best time is when the swell is up and the surf is busy.
Who it suits
- Watchers and photographers, drawn by the shape and power of the breaking waves.
- Surfers, for whom the reputation of the break is the main draw. Heavy waves and shallow sandbars call for experience and respect for the conditions.
- Visitors touring the coast, who can pair a stop here with the beaches and town life of the surrounding area.
Making the most of a visit
Because the waves are heavy, it is worth checking the conditions before you go and keeping a safe distance from the water if you are not a confident swimmer. The beach sits beside Hossegor's main beach, so it is easy to combine a visit with time on the sand and a walk along the shore. Biarritz, a short distance away, offers a range of restaurants, shops and seaside streets to explore once you have had your fill of the sea.