Surf: General: A chic stretch of sand in downtown Biarritz, this can indeed be a Grande Plage. In clean, medium sized swells the beach can produce excellent, walling, occasionally hollow waves, especially at lower tides - the rocky outcrops to the south and swirling currents helping to sculpt consistent banks fought over by the large, local crew. It can of course also churn out slow, fat rollers – such is the beachbreak roll of the dice. Works through the tides but mid to low is best, the southern casino end is usually busiest but the beach can hold a crowd. Tides: Mid to low tide is best. Size: Waist high to overhead Wind: E to SE Swell: Medium NW to N swells. Bottom: Sandbanks Paddling: As the swell kicks in, so does the rip. Spot Rating: Downtown Biarritz beachie serving up fun, quality, punchy peaks. Beginners are better off round the headland at Cote des Basques. Access: This is downtown Biarritz so parking is super tricky and can be expensive. Crowds: Crowd Factor: Busy, the southern end by the casino is usually the most hotly contested Local Vibe: Hard charging, competitive local crew. Environment: Good Hazards: Crowds, rips and heavy when big. Season: September - March is the most consistent. Summer can be out of control busy on the beach and in the city.