Learn to surf
Surf schools along the beach run lessons from spring to autumn on soft beach-break waves.
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Grande Plage d'Hendaye
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One of 178 Things to Do in France
In short
Hendaye's Grande Plage is a long, gently sloping sandy beach on the French Basque coast right beside the Spanish border, popular with families and anyone learning to surf. It is free and open around the clock, with lifeguards only in high season. Half a day suits a swim or a surf lesson.
The Grande Plage d'Hendaye is a 3.5 km sandy beach in Hendaye, the last French town on the Basque coast before Spain, in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques. Its sand slopes gently into the sea and its soft waves draw many beginner surfers. It suits families, beginner surfers and visitors crossing between France and San Sebastián.
Facing Spain across the Txingudi bay
The Grande Plage runs along the bay of Hendaye from the Deux Jumeaux rocks towards the Bidassoa river and the Txingudi bay, which separate the town from Spain. Across the water lies Hondarribia, about 2 km away. Neo-Basque villas line the seafront promenade on the Boulevard de la Mer.
Henry Martinet's 1881 resort
The resort was laid out from 1881 by the architect and developer Henry Martinet. A sea wall, a casino and a neo-Moorish bathing house followed by 1885, and a tramway arrived in 1906. Upriver, on the Île des Faisans in the Bidassoa, the Treaty of the Pyrenees was signed in 1659.
Is Hendaye good for learning to surf?
Yes. Soft waves breaking over sand make it a common place to learn, and several schools teach on the beach from spring to autumn. Mid tide with a small swell usually gives beginners the easiest conditions; experienced surfers head to more exposed spots along the Basque coast. Kayak and paddleboard hire are also available, and each June a free event offers introductions to surfing, sea kayaking and paddleboarding.
The Deux Jumeaux and the Domaine d'Abbadia
At the eastern end, two rock stacks cut away from the cliffs, Les Deux Jumeaux (Dunbarriak in Basque), stand offshore. Above them the Domaine d'Abbadia is a protected headland with coastal paths over the Corniche Basque. On it stands the neo-Gothic château and observatory of the explorer Antoine d'Abbadie, designed by Eugène Viollet-le-Duc and built from 1864 to 1879. Château visits start at €10.50 with online booking, and an escape game costs €15 per player.
Free access and the Handiplage label
Access is free. Lifeguards are on duty in high season, and the beach holds the Handiplage label, with equipment to help people with reduced mobility reach the water; ask at the lifeguard post. Seafront cafés and surf schools line the promenade.
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Key information
🏖️Length: About 3.5 km of golden sand
🏄Known for: Gentle beach-break waves for beginners
🪨Landmark: Les Deux Jumeaux rock stacks
♿Label: Handiplage
🎟️Entry: Free
💰Currency: Euro (€ EUR)
🕕Time Zone: CET (UTC+1) · CEST (UTC+2) in summer
Explore the area
Domaine d'Abbadia 2 km
Hondarribia (Spain) 2 km
Hendaye railway station 2 km
Saint-Jean-de-Luz 13 km
✦
Plan your visit to Grande Plage d'Hendaye
Dates, opening hours and how to get there are below. Booking ahead secures your preferred day.
Highlights Include:
Beach
- Gently sloping sand
- Seafront promenade with neo-Basque villas
- Views to Hondarribia
Activities
- Surf schools for beginners
- Kayak and paddleboard
- Coastal walks at Abbadia
What They Offer
Facilities
Lifeguards in high season Handiplage access Surf schools
Entry
Free, open all year
Visit duration
Half a day
Timed entry required No
Domaine d'Abbadia
Walk the protected headland for views of the Deux Jumeaux and the Gothic Revival château.
Hop to Spain
A small boat crosses the Bidassoa to Hondarribia.
Accessibility
The beach holds the Handiplage label for visitors with reduced mobility.
Age limits
None
What to pack
Swimwear, sun cream, water
What to wear
Sandals; wetsuit for surfing outside summer
Not allowed
Swimming outside supervised zones when flags say so, littering
Amenities
Lifeguard posts in season, Handiplage equipment, seafront cafés, surf schools
Tips for visiting Grande Plage d'Hendaye
- Book surf lessons ahead in July and August, when schools are busy.
- Walk up to the Domaine d'Abbadia for the best views of the Deux Jumeaux.
- Swim between the flags when lifeguards are on duty.
- Take the train to Hendaye to avoid summer parking.
- Come early or late in the day for softer light on the Deux Jumeaux.
Driving
Hendaye is off the A63 at the Spanish border. Follow signs for the plage along the Boulevard de la Mer; seafront parking is limited in summer.
Public transportation
Hendaye station, about 2 km from the beach, is served by French trains and by the Topo line from San Sebastián; then a short bus ride or walk. With limited summer parking, the train is easier.
Address
The Grande Plage lines the bay of Hendaye at the mouth of the Bidassoa on the Spanish border. Saint-Jean-de-Luz is 13 km up the coast.
Opening Hours
- MondayOpen 24 hours
- TuesdayOpen 24 hours
- WednesdayOpen 24 hours
- ThursdayOpen 24 hours
- FridayOpen 24 hours
- SaturdayOpen 24 hours
- SundayOpen 24 hours
Last entry: None (open access)
Open all year.
Free access; lifeguards in the high season only.
Special events
Each June a free event offers introductions to surfing, sea kayaking and paddleboarding.
Best times to visit
Mid tide with a small swell for beginner surfing; mornings for quiet swims.
Best days to visit
Weekdays outside the school holidays.
Best months to visit
June and September for warm water (about 23°C at the height of summer) and fewer crowds.
Admission tickets
Entry is free.
Grande Plage d'Hendaye: free entry
A long Basque beach on the Spanish border, ideal for learning to surf.
- Free access to the beach
- Surf lessons and hire paid separately
Admission
Free entry: no ticket or booking is needed.
Visitor policy
Cancellation and prepayment
No booking is needed; access is free.
Children and admission
A gently sloping family beach; swim in supervised zones in season.
Groups
No booking needed; surf schools take groups.
Pets
Check the town's seasonal rules for dogs on the beach.
Photography
Personal photography is welcome. Drone flights must follow national drone rules and local restrictions.
Bags
No restrictions.
Smoking
Do not leave cigarette ends on the beach.
Accepted payment
Entry is free; schools and cafés set their own payment methods.
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Travelers are asking
Yes. Hendaye station is served by French trains and the Topo from San Sebastián.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Practical answers for Hendaye's main beach.
Timing & weather
About 3.5 km of continuous sand, from the Deux Jumeaux rocks towards the Bidassoa river and the Spanish border.
Mid tide with a small swell suits beginners best.
Grande Plage d'Hendaye is open Monday–Sunday: Open 24 hours.
General
Yes. The waves are generally soft and break over sand, and several surf schools give lessons on the beach.
Two rock stacks cut away from the cliffs at the eastern end of the beach. Their Basque name is Dunbarriak.
Yes. You pay only for extras such as surf lessons, board hire or food.
Yes. Visits start at €10.50 with online booking, and an escape game costs €15 per player.
Eugène Viollet-le-Duc designed it for the explorer Antoine d'Abbadie. It was built from 1864 to 1879.
Yes, lifeguards are on duty in high season.
The Spanish town of Hondarribia, about 2 km away.
Yes, entry to Grande Plage d'Hendaye is free.
Grande Plage d'Hendaye is in France. The street address and directions are under How to get there on this page.
Bags: No restrictions.
Families & accessibility
Yes. It holds the Handiplage label, with equipment to help people with reduced mobility reach the water.
Getting there
Take the Topo line to Hendaye station, then a short bus ride or walk to the beach.