Top 9 France Surf Trips

1.Lérins Islands Sailing Discovery, snorkeling and paddle SUP

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 110 reviews · 3h 30m · from $100Our pick

Sail from Antibes with a French or English-speaking skipper, often Valentin, toward Île Sainte-Marguerite and Fort Royal. You’ll learn basic sailing, stop for snorkeling and paddleboarding, admire Riviera yachts, and enjoy a comfortable 9-person boat. Swimming stops run May 15 to September 15.

“This activity was INCREDIBLE! The water was so blue and a perfect temperature for exploring and relaxing. However, there were some unhappy people on board, which was a bummer! Part of the group couldn’t swim and thought that they’d be able to explore the island while others snorkel/swim. (Obviously not!) And then others weren’t strong swimmers and were upset that the boat didn’t dock in shallow water (Obviously, it can’t!). If you’re looking for an island-hopping on-land activities, this isn’t for you! All this to say — this activity is amazing! You’re on a sailboat in the Mediterranean and sailing along the coast — and then jumping off the boat…”

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2.Cours de surf sur la côte Basque.

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 54 reviews · 2 hours · from $53Best value

Meet your instructor in Biarritz for a two-hour surf lesson at Marbella Beach, between the Basque Coast and Mylady Beach. You will spend 30 minutes getting fitted and learning the basics, then 90 minutes in the water. French, English, and Spanish instruction is available.

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3.1.5-Hour Group Surf Lesson

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 46 reviews · 2 hours · from $53

Meet Axel at the surf school by Marbella Beach’s flagged lifeguard station for a two-hour session, including 1.5 hours in the water. You’ll use a soft board, wear a provided wetsuit, and practice beach skills before riding beginner-friendly waves with an English, French, or Spanish-speaking instructor.

“Small group with individual attention to basics (taught on land) with practice in surf after the break point. My girls ages 13 and 16 both got up a few times on the board. Safe. Beautiful beach. Hardest part was watching them carry the boards down and up the stairs especially after the lesson. All fine and they are stronger for it 👍”

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4.Surf lessons on the Côte des Basques beach

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 45 reviews · 1 day · from $53

Meet Lagoondy at its bungalow by Biarritz’s Côte des Basques beach for a 1h30 lesson in English, French, or Spanish. Qualified instructors teach beginners and returning surfers, with boards and wetsuits supplied. Baptiste has earned special praise for clear advice and a friendly spirit in the water.

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5.Nice: Villefranche-sur-Mer E-Bike and Paddleboard Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 33 reviews · 4 hours · from $94Top rated

Join Tibo or Thibaut for a four-hour e-bike ride from Nice to Villefranche-sur-Mer, with scenic stops, local stories, paddleboarding, snorkeling, beach time, and a cold drink. Groups are capped at six, and the route can be adjusted to your pace and interests.

“My partner and I had the best time with Tibo on this experience. We were so surprised at the knowledge and the quality of the trip. As first timers in Nice, I could not recommend this more as a go to activity. 4 hours was the perfect amount of time, and we appreciate that Tibo took us to some extra places also which felt so personalised. If you’re hesitating to book, don’t! Definitely book this one.”

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6.Marseille: stand-up paddle tour – discover the calanques

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 33 reviews · 2 hours · from $53

Meet Julien at Les Goudes for a two-hour stand-up paddle tour toward the Calanques. Paddle past La Maronaise, stop at Baie des Singes for snorkeling and games, and choose a sunset departure for softer light. Beginners are welcome, and photos, safety gear, and waterproof bags are included.

“inget. Allt har varit så som det ska. Kan inte bli bättre”

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7.Private tour on a sailboat Swim and stand up paddle Antibes cape

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 24 reviews

Join Nicolas for a private sailboat outing from Port Vauban in Antibes. Cruise around Cap d’Antibes, stop near Billionaires Bay or La Garoupe, then swim, snorkel, and use the paddleboard. Drinks, water, soda, masks, and snorkels are included. The boat carries groups of up to eight.

“This was a fantastic experience with a friendly and competent crew. We enjoyed a swim and paddleboarding in a beautiful bay following a short trip along the coast. The access, instructions and ease of boarding made this very hassle free with two small children.”

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8.Private surf lessons in the Basque Country

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 12 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $108

Meet your instructor at Plage du Centre in Bidart for a 90-minute private surf lesson in English. From age six, you’ll learn safety, bodysurfing, paddling, standing up, and basic board control with equipment and a shower included.

“Great private surf lessons with Etienne. Our 7 and 11 year olds had a great time learning to surf. Our boys loved it and learned so much! Recommend the private experience especially with kids or beginners you will get so much more out of it!”

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9.2 peoples Personal Surf Lesson in Biarritz

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 7 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $216

Book a two-hour private surf lesson for two in Biarritz with an English-speaking instructor. You’ll receive equipment, warm up on the sand, learn techniques suited to your level, practice in consistent waves, and return to the meeting point after a short debrief.

“Un coach très avenant !!! J'ai passé un bon moment. Il est venu me chercher devant l'hôtel et m'a redéposé après le cours”

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