Les Cavaliers
- Shortboard, Longboard
- Best for
- Intermediate to Advanced
- Skill Level
- Small waves, Ocean
- Spot Type
- Crowded
- Crowd Level
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
Les Cavaliers is an exposed, high-consistency beach break at Anglet near the Adour rivermouth/jetty area. Waves are described as fast and bowly with both right and left sections that shape over shifting sandbars, making it a reliable destination when the swell and wind line up. For surfing, the wave is most commonly associated with Northwest swell/wave directions and is reported to hold size well up to around 2.5 meters before degrading. Conditions are often best when offshore winds develop from the east, improving cleanliness and shaping; light NW/SW winds can still be workable depending on the day and sandbar configuration. Safety considerations are important: hazards reported for the spot include wave breakers/rock jetties and rip-current risk, especially near the jetties and during larger swells. The lineup can also be competitive—localism and heavy crowds (particularly weekends and summer) are repeatedly noted—so it’s recommended to have a clear exit strategy and to respect the established surf zones. Seasonally, wind notes highlight June through October as a strong window for activity, while the spot is also described as working around the year for surfing. Water temperatures are typically warm in late summer and colder in winter, and wetsuit guidance commonly references spring/summer layering (around 3/2mm) with thicker protection in winter.
- Very consistent sandbar beach break near the Adour jetty/rivermouth
- Good directional match with NW/WNW swells for surfing
- Surfing generally favored over other sports at this spot due to lineup and hazards
- Very consistent, high-performing beach break with clean sandbar/rivermouth conditions.
- Workable across seasons with a strong autumn/winter window.
- Multiple facilities nearby (including showers and toilets).
- Offshore conditions are achievable with easterly winds for better surf quality.
- Crowds can be heavy, especially on weekends and in summer.
- Localism is reported as a factor for newcomers.
- Rip currents are reported near the jetties and during larger swells.
- Spot-level kiting and foiling can be difficult due to shorebreak/jetties.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- NW, WNW, W
- Offshore directions
- E, ESE, ENE, SE, SSE
- Wind Range
- 12–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Frontal — Primarily driven by Atlantic frontal systems; more frequent wind reported in autumn and winter.
- Reliability
- Moderate (more frequent wind in autumn and winter).
- Gust Factor
- Light gusts
- Best Months
- June, July, August, September, October
- Shadow Zones
- Immediate area downwind of the northern jetty can be turbulent.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Small waves, Ocean
- Beach
- Sand — Wide sandy beach.
- Beach Size
- Big
- Waves
- Medium — Sources describe small-to-medium waves, with working conditions below 1 meter and solid hold up to ~2.5 meters.
- Launch
- Medium — Beach access beside the Adour jetty; instant access (<5 min).
- Launch Difficulty
- Moderate — Easy for access per some notes; launch difficulty can increase for kiting/foiling due to shorebreak and jetties.
Through the year
Extremely crowded during summer (July–August) and on weekends with good swells.
Winter months see frequent Atlantic storms and higher rainfall.
By sport
What to expect for each.
A challenging wave-riding setup that is best with Northwest winds; launches are sandy but require experience due to shorebreak and jetties.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Primarily a wave-sailing location for experienced riders during strong winds associated with frontal systems.
- Sail Sizes
- 4.5–5.5 m²
Possible, but surf/shorebreak make beginner launching difficult.
- Foil Friendly
- Limited
- Min Depth
- 1.5m
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Exposed, very consistent beach break near the Adour rivermouth/jetty area, with both right and left waves over shifting sandbars. Often described as an A-frame beach break with fast, bowly rights.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- W, NW, WNW
- Swell Height
- 0.5–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- Low, Mid — Also works across rising and falling tides; some references prefer low and mid.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Open-exposure beach break with jetties at the boundaries affecting wave behavior near rock edges.
- Wind Effect
- Best with easterly offshore winds; can handle light NW or SW. Offshore east/southeast winds are reported to provide cleaner conditions for surfing.
- Bigger Swell
- Holds size well up to around 2.5 meters, then can degrade/heavy close-out on very large swells.
- Wave Quality
- Excellent
- Wave Power
- Powerful
- Wave Shape
- Peeling — Some descriptions also characterize the wave as hollow over shifting sandbars.
- Peel Speed
- Fast
- Ride Length
- Medium — Typical rides reported around 50–150 meters depending on sandbar configuration.
- Typical Ride Length
- 50–150 m
- Ride Length Details
- Typical rides are commonly described as short-to-medium, with about 50–150 meters being a typical range depending on sandbar setup.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Les Cavaliers in the full forecast view.
Les Cavaliers wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–17 ktsGusts 27 kts
- Direction
- W267°
- Strongest day
- Sun, Oct 2517 kts
- Windy days
- 1/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.9–4.4 m11s period
- Temperature
- 9–22 °C
Over the next 7 days, Les Cavaliers is forecast for daytime winds of 2–17 kts, peaking around 17 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 27 kts. The prevailing direction is W. Waves run 0.9–4.4 m with a period of about 11s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- wave breaker
- rip currents
- rock jetties
- heavy shorebreak
- large crowds
- localism
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Spot-level notes report limited rescue availability, while the wider coast context indicates strong seasonal lifeguard coverage at major beaches.
- Emergency Info
- Lifeguards are reported present during the summer season. Emergency number: 112 (also reported medical/police/fire: 15/17/18). Nearest major hospital: Centre Hospitalier de la Côte Basque in Bayonne.
- Localism / Vibe
- Moderate
Rules of the spot
Summer seasonal bans in swim zones; kiting/windsurfing are regulated during July and August. Check local surf school zones before launching.
- No kiting within 300m of the shore in designated swimming areas.
- Seasonal regulation/prohibitions in swimming zones during lifeguard hours (notably July and August).
- Plan a clear exit strategy due to localism and crowds.
- Favor early sessions for glassier conditions before winds lift.
- Beware of stronger crowds on weekends and in summer.
- Check the local surf school zones before launching and be respectful of the lineup.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Anglet
- Nearest Town
- Anglet
- Parking
- Public parking lots directly adjacent to the beach are reported, but they fill up quickly in summer.
- Access
- North of Biarritz; take Blvd des Plages north of the golf course toward Anglet (instant access <5 min near the Adour jetty/rivermouth area).
- Local Language
- French
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Near — Numerous hotels, apartments, and surf lodges within walking distance in the Chiberta and Chambre d'Amour districts.
- Food & Drink
- Several beachfront snack bars and restaurants near the parking areas.
- Equipment Rental:
- Surfboards and wetsuits are available for rent through local shops; kite gear rental is reported as less common on-site.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Les Cavaliers?
The best overall months at Les Cavaliers are September, October, November, December, January, February, March. The best wind months are June, July, August, September, October.
Which wind directions work at Les Cavaliers?
Les Cavaliers works with NW, WNW, W winds. Offshore directions are E, ESE, ENE, SE, SSE.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Les Cavaliers?
Recommended equipment sizes at Les Cavaliers: Kitesurfing: 9–12 m² · Windsurfing: 4.5–5.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 12–25 kts.
What skill level is Les Cavaliers suitable for?
Les Cavaliers suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Advanced · Windsurfing: Advanced · Wingfoiling: Advanced · Surfing: Intermediate to Advanced.