St-Laurent du Var is a surf spot located near Nice, France. It’s right next to the airport and can get pretty crowded, especially on weekends. The area offers a mix of surfing options, primarily thanks to the Var rivermouth, which can create some unique wave conditions. When the swells are right, it's a place that can attract both surfers and kiteboarders. With its proximity to urban areas, you might find it busy, but there are still opportunities for a good session.
This spot works best with swells coming from the south, but it can handle southeast and southwest swells too. The waves usually break over sand, which can be a bit of a mixed bag. Generally, it’s an intermediate spot where long barrels can happen on rare, glassy days, especially when the conditions align nicely. You can catch lefts that look fun, but be mindful of the potential for strong rips. The spot can handle swell sizes starting from about 1 ft (0.3 meters) and is more consistent than you might expect given its protected location. Winds from the northeast are preferred, and it’s not picky about tide heights, working well at low, mid, and high tides.
In addition to the rivermouth waves, you’ll also find onshore beach breaks near the nautical center, hippodrome, and harbor. These can create a big A-frame when the swells hit hard. It’s a good idea to be prepared for a mix of conditions depending on the day, and you’ll likely share the waves with other surfers and kiters, especially when the conditions are fun.