🌊 10 Things You Need to Know Before You Go Surfing in France

(A completely serious, not-at-all biased field report from our Rainbow Surf Retreats reconnaissance mission)

We just got back from a scouting trip to the southwest of France — Hossegor, Capbreton, Biarritz — and, frankly, we’re still a little dizzy. Between the croissants, the culture, and the sheer number of attractive men holding surfboards, we don’t know whether we fell in love with France or just temporarily lost our grip on reality.

So here it is: the 10 things you need to know before you go surfing in France. Or at least, the 10 things we wish someone had told us before we were emotionally wrecked by a topless French surfer saying “bonjour.”

1️⃣ All Men Are Hot — Like, Default Setting: HOT!

It’s as if someone coded France with “default = hot.”

Maybe it’s the tan, maybe it’s the effortless confidence, maybe it’s the saltwater and existentialism combo — but you will look around and question every life choice that didn’t lead you to being born French. And no, you’re not imagining it: even the guy waxing his board next to a van could be in a cologne ad.

2️⃣ The French Touch Makes Everything Look Better. EVERYTHING!

France could make a trash can look poetic. The architecture, the colors, even the way they stack bread in a basket — it all looks like it belongs in a museum. Surfboards leaning against stone walls? Art. A baguette tucked under someone’s arm? Art. A man arguing with his baguette? Still art.

3️⃣ They Complain About Everything (Even Feeling Great)

The French have a unique national sport called le complain.

The waves are too clean, the croissants are too buttery, the sunshine is too aggressive.

If you hear someone grumbling, don’t worry — it’s not anger, it’s tradition. And honestly, they do it so gracefully, it’s almost charming.

4️⃣ The Beaches Go On Forever

Hossegor, Capbreton, Biarritz — miles and miles of golden sand with peaks everywhere.

You could paddle out and barely see another surfer. It’s like someone stretched out paradise just to make sure everyone gets their own wave. You’ll still get dropped in on, but at least you’ll have space to cry about it in private.

5️⃣ The Cheese Situation Is So Confusing: Stank vs Taste

How can something smell like old gym socks and taste like heaven?

We don’t know either, but once you start, you’ll never go back to supermarket cheddar. Just try not to eat too much before surfing — Brie and duck dive don’t mix.

6️⃣ Free Water. Yes, Free.

Every restaurant brings a jug of tap water to your table — unasked, free, and cold.We cried a little. After being charged €6 for “still or sparkling” everywhere else in Europe, this felt like socialism done right.

7️⃣ Bread That Could Heal Nations

You haven’t really lived until you’ve had a real baguette from a real boulangerie.

Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, carried like a fashion accessory.

Warning: you’ll become that person who starts every morning with “Where’s the bakery?” and refuses to eat bread anywhere else again.

8️⃣ The World’s Surf Capital Is… Hossegor

Every major surf brand has their HQ here. Quiksilver, Billabong, Rip Curl and local brand (and our favorite) Oxbow — all within arm’s reach. You can literally surf, right after you shop for a wetsuit, and you don't even have to cry over how expensive it is. the outlet stores are there too. It’s basically Disneyland for surfers, except everyone’s cooler and slightly judgmental.

9️⃣ The Dog Poop Thing

We love dogs. We love France.

But apparently, “picking up after your dog” didn’t make it into the French constitution. Even though there are dog poop bags dispensaries are on every corner of the streets and beaches.

Keep your eyes peeled — or better, on the ground — because you will play hopscotch with dog poop at some point. It’s part of the experience.

🔟 The Menu Copy-Paste Phenomenon

No matter where you go, the menu will offer two sacred dishes — burgers and poke bowls. Surf café bingo: avocado, sesame, and brioche buns. Don’t fight it. You’ll end up loving it.

🏖️ Why We Fell in Love with Surfing in France

Between the waves, the wine, and the waistlines, surfing in France is dangerously seductive. It’s the perfect mix of world-class surf, beach-bum energy, and unapologetic style.You’ll leave tanned, full, slightly in love, and definitely carrying a baguette under your arm.

🌈 Join us in France soon — the Rainbow Surf Retreats crew is bringing the joie de surf to Hossegor, Capbreton & Biarritz!