There is a thriving seasonal surf town in the southwest of France that will steal your heart if you give it the chance. From the start of summer to the final competition day of the WCT (World Championship Tour [surfing]) in October, you will find a place that is rich in waves, alive with beach goers, and bursting with boutique fashion. This very special place is Hossegor, France.
Hossegor is a charming little town that is perfectly manicured and fragrant with pine and palm trees. It is part of the Cote d’ Argent coastline, which is 230 kilometers or 145 miles of uninterrupted, squeaky sand beaches. It is also the host of one of the best beach breaks in the world. For a small town, it can hold a lot of people without feeling like it might burst at the seams at any moment. It is a place where you can get lost in the rapture of the sea, the pristine beauty of the forest, and the melting pot of European cultures, while you settle in and reconnect with yourself.
You can always find an empty patch of sand when there is 145 miles of it.
The Epic Surf
The surf in this part of France is not typically for beginners. The Atlantic Ocean is a powerful and beautiful beast here. The sandbars are forever shifting, the currents are often strong, and the shore break is a force to be reckoned with all on its own. However, if you are a somewhat experienced surfer and a no fear attitude, you are likely to score some of the best waves of your life. There are countless well-known and marked surf spots in this immediate area, including the world famous La Graviere. While there are plenty of surf shops, quality board rentals are slim pickings. It is best if you have your own wetsuit and board, unless you plan on buying them new here.
The Pro Competitions
In the beginning of October (October 6-17 to be exact), the Quicksilver Pro (enter to win a trip to this years here :)), and this past year the Roxy Pro, comes to town for almost two weeks. It is an incredibly exciting time to be in Hossegor. The weather is cool and crisp in the autumn months. The waves are usually firing, and the best names in professional surfing step up to the plate and put on a jaw dropping performance riding barreling monsters with “ease” and perfection. The stage for this surf competition is intimate because the waves break so close to the shore. You will also see all of the pros throughout these days and nights just mixing in with the normal Hossegor scene.
The Roxy Team, including Stephanie Gillmore and Monica Eleogram, signing autographs in front of the Roxy store. Girl Power!
Where to Shop In Hossegor
It is highly advisable that you budget in some shopping money when you come to Hossegor. Not only does every major surf brand have a storefront here, but there are also amazing little boutiques all throughout the downtown area. There is definitely a bohemian, gypsy, hippie undertone to the fashion represented in Hossegor. It would be easy to reinvent your wardrobe here.
Hossegor is a place where you can eat a baguette sandwich, buy a new silk kimono, go for a surf, and watch the world’s best compete for the title of champion all in one day. It is recommended that you just hit the repeat button and stay for least a week.
Yes, I am interested. Please tell me the price, how many people and nearest airport coming from LAX.
Thank you,
Francesca Hunter
Hello! We don’t organize trips here at Gypset Girl. We only research and write about them. Thank you for your interest! 🙂