ZOCO Destinations & Locations Worldwide

France

The Aquitane region of France including Girondes & Landes has some of surfings best known breaks: Hossegor, La Gravière, Estagnots, Capbreton, Le Penon, Lacanau... are all names that have been embedded in our surf-vocabulary thanks to the surfing world tour events held here every year. We've all seen Kelly Slater and France's own Micky Picon, Patrick Beven, Fred Robin, Eric Rebiére and Tim Boal tuck into a perfect barrels along these shores. These are some of the worlds best beach breaks and can deliver very heavy, very hollow waves right alongside fun, mellow peaks. This is the longest continous stretch of sandy beach in Europe. The immense amount of sand means sandbanks, loads of sandbanks! These are created and destroyed by the tides, storms and currents only to be replaced by another perfect bank. Each day offers a new possibility...

Aquitane

Aquitaine forms a région in south-western France along the Atlantic Ocean and the Pyrenees mountain range on the border with Spain.

Bordered along the whole of its west coast by the Atlantic Ocean, Aquitaine is bathed in a mild oceanic climate with the influence of the Gulf Stream. The weather here is mild the whole year, making the Bordeaux region a similar climate to the Mediterranean.

These mild temperatures, green, floral environment and plenty of sunshine all add to the enjoyment the regions excellent beaches in spring, summer and autumn, as well as walking in the mountains and wooded valleys.

Surfing and sailing are the major drawcards for the region but there literally hundreds of outdoor activities available here from abseiling to caving to traditinal Basque pelota. If you'd rather do nothing at all, the fine sand of the Atlantic coast is ideal for working on your (all-over) tan. There are also plenty of specialised relaxation and well-being and thalassotherapy centres in Aquitaine.

Aquitaine has a remarkably well-protected natural environment, with highly diverse plant and animal life. There are several nature reserves cin the area including Le Teich Ornithological Park in the Bay of Arcachon and the Marais d’Orx Nature Reserve in the southern Landes; in fact the large number of these reserves is one of the features of this multifaceted coastline.

The region has many interesting geographical features which include the almost straight, vertical line formed by the Atlantic coast as it heads southwards from the Pointe de Grave to Spain; the huge sand dunes along most of the shoreline, including the highest in Europe, the Dune du Pilat (104 metres high) which overlooks over the Bay of Arcachon; and the big lakes just a few miles from the ocean. The Aquitaine Coastline and shores are a way of life, with festivities, trades, crafts, gastronomy and leisure all revolving around the ocean.

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Finding the Right Destination & Location

Not quite sure where you should stay? All our properties are located in boardriding locations and state clearly the watersports or boardsports possible in that location. Each Location page also offers more information on surfing, kitesurfing, windsurfing or watersports in the area. If in doubt contact us, we will do our best to advise what is best for you.