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Hossegor, France

A year-round playground for both seasoned surfers and budding shredders. It’s no wonder this seaside town in southwestern France is known as Europe’s surf capital. Expect pine-backed beaches, creative foodie spots and a pumping après-surf scene.

WHERE TO STAY:

Southwest Surf House

A chilled-out social surf house at beach-breaking Les Estagnots. Embrace the good life with long and lazy beach days, yoga-filled mornings and sunset skates plus serious soul food to match.

Les Hortensias du Lac

Landes-style interiors meet mid-century Hamptons chic at this petite lakeside hotel. Drift between the light-flooded suites and parasol-shaded infinity pool before sunny meals at the family-friendly restaurant overlooking the lake. Soothe surf-sore muscles at the spa (complete with whirlpools, saunas, a hammam and Nordic bath) or join a morning yoga class at the water’s edge.

WHERE TO EAT:

Slow Hossegor

The best brunch spot in town: hit up this organic zero-waste café in the Zone Pédebert for homemade colourful-conscious food – superfood lattes and fresh fruit smoothies, rainbow bowls, vegan pastries and loaded-up pancakes.

Le Papa Perché

The cool kids flock to this beachside bistro in Capbreton for the best sunset scene. The seasonal menu uses fresh ingredients from the farms and fields of Les Landes and the Basque Country. Saint-Jean-de-Luz merlu and salty oysters from the lake are served with a crisp cold glass of wine to diners watching the last waves of the day.

WHAT TO DO:

Hossegor is a real swell magnet: west-facing into the Bay of Biscay, where a deep underwater trench catches the Atlantic rollers, which means there are rideable waves almost every day of the year. From epic a-frames and barrelling sandbar breaks to secret spots up the coast in Seignosse, there’s something for everyone. Pros head to the hollow and heavy-lipped pits at world-famous La Graviere, while beginners and softer peaks and slower take-offs at sheltered La Sud.

September and October are the golden period for balmy water temperatures and clean off-shore conditions. But for serious surfing, skip the summer crowds and catch the best breaks during the winter months – La Nord awakens from its seasonal slumber and turns into Hossegor’s mythical big wave spot, with epic swells, strong shorebreaks and shifting sandbanks to contend with.

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