Grinding A-frames peel off the sandbanks at Les Cavaliers, one of the Côte Basque's most consistent and punchy beachbreaks, just south of the Adour rivermouth in Anglet, Southwest France. W and NW swells are the engine here, ideally hitting at low to mid tide with offshore E or SE winds to produce hollow, fast lefts and rights that regularly hit shoulder-high to double-overhead. The breakwaters compartmentalizing this stretch of sand help marshal the banks, which is a big part of why the quality stays reliable. Intermediate to advanced surfers will feel at home, beginners should look elsewhere, especially on weekends when the lineup gets genuinely compressed. Bottom: sand. Season: October to February is prime, but rideable year-round. Consistency: high. Arrive at dawn on weekdays if you want space, because this peak draws a skilled local crew who know exactly who belongs here.
Weekends bring ultra-crowded conditions. Weekday mornings are more manageable but still moderate. The local crew is skilled and tight-knit, they surf together regularly and will notice if you're out of place. Respect priority, don't snake sets, and keep your surfing honest. This is not a spot to learn etiquette.
Access is straightforward from Anglet. A channel along the jetty makes the paddle-out easier than many beachbreaks. Rip currents are the main hazard, so read the water before paddling. Water quality is rated fair. Facilities and amenities are available nearby in Anglet and Biarritz.
When Cavaliers is blown out or maxed, the string of beachbreaks continuing south toward VVF Anglet may hold a cleaner section. Biarritz's town beaches offer more shelter in certain wind directions. La Barre, the once-famous rivermouth wave just to the north, was destroyed by jetty construction and no longer breaks.
Forecast by Windy.app
