La Nord is Hossegor's heavy hitter—arguably Europe's most powerful beach break, where deep-water canyons funnel Atlantic swells into peaks that explode with oceanic force. This is not a wave for the timid: thick lips, heavy holddowns, and a reputation for humbling surfers who've never experienced true European power. The Landes coast's unique bathymetry creates conditions that rival reef breaks in intensity, while the shifting sandbars ensure no two sessions are identical. Autumn is prime season, when clean swells arrive and the summer crowds have departed.
Water temp
17°C
Wetsuit
3/2mm fullsuit
Difficulty
6/10
Crowd level
8/10
Access: Beach parking available.
Peak: Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Secondary: Apr, Aug
Autumn and winter best. Summer can be flat.
Verified by Surfline
How well swell angle matches the spot
Wave height in the ideal range
Each spot has different period requirements. Points and reefs can handle longer periods than beaches.
Offshore/glassy conditions