Casernes' beach in Seignosse South West France
Surfing conditions at Casernes Beach
Swell and Sandbars
What skill level is needed to surf at Casernes Beach?
Level | Ideal Conditions | Recommended swell | Recommended area | Period |
Beginner | Small, consistent white caps; no wind (glassy) | 0,5m to 1m | Outside the monitoring zone (July–August) | May–August |
Intermediate | Clean beach break, well-defined peaks | 1m to 1,2m | North or South peak depending on conditions | June — September |
Advanced / Expert | Consistent swell, hollow waves, offshore wind | 1,2m to 2m | Main peak; choose on-site | All year round |
Longboarder | Small, slow swell, long waves | 0,5m to 1,2m | Mild peaks, best at high tide | Spring — Fall |
A beach designated as a Nature Site
A Wild and Protected Spot in the Landes Region
The recently renovated access to Casernes Beach offers numerous parking spaces on a gravel surface and in a wooded area, bike racks, wooden signage, and benches equipped with surfboard holders. At the top of the dune are restrooms, a modular first-aid station, and a new helicopter landing pad. The wooded dune and protective forest, home to some fifty plant species, was redesigned under the supervision of the National Forest Service to better preserve it while improving access to the beach.
It thus remains the wildest in the area, which earned it the designation of “Nature Site” in the recent Beach Plan of the Coastal Public Interest Group. Casernes Beach? A gem waiting to be discovered!
A relaxed atmosphere is guaranteed
Great beach breaks for all skill levels
The last beach in the town of Seignosse before the forest north of the seaside resort, it always has a sandbar that works south and/or north of the beach access: whether you’re an experienced surfer or a beginner, there’s something for everyone. During the season, it welcomes guests from the surf camp, who, like passing surfers, enjoy this lovely spot. You’ll find it on your right as you arrive, facing the ocean.
Additional benefits of this Surf School/Surf Lodge partnership
- Board rental and storage right on the beach;
- Try out boards from the Surf Test Center without missing a second of riding!
Finally, a lifeguard station is set up in July and August.
Eco-mobility: A Small, Well-Deserved Effort
Just a few hundred meters’ walk from the parking lot shaded by pine trees, Casernes Beach is the only one in the area that’s so sheltered. The relaxing stroll is part of the experience, and those few meters you have to walk help make it one of the least crowded beaches on the coast!
If you’re coming from neighboring towns, the free Yégo Plages bus (Line S) drops you off at the Seignosse Océan Tourist Office. From there, it’s a pleasant and quick ride by bike or a short walk through the Conservatoire of the Littoral forest.
If you have an electric vehicle, in partnership with the Natural Surf Lodge surf camp, two charging stations are available in Seignosse—one at Villa Baïna and the other at Place Victor Gentille.
Comparison: Casernes Beach vs. Nearby Spots in Seignosse
Beach / Spot | Town | Wave type | Crowds | Recommended Skill Level | Special Features |
Plage des Casernes | Seignosse | Beach break, shifting sandbars | Low — the wildest | All skill levels | Nature Site, NSS on-site, shaded parking lot |
Les Bourdaines | Seignosse | Powerful beach break | Moderate | Intermediate/Expert | Iconic WQS spot, hollow waves |
Les Estagnots | Seignosse | Versatile beach break | High in summer | All levels | Close to town, many amenities |
La Gravière | Hossegor | World-class beach break, barrels | Very high | Experts only | WCT spot, dangerous in big swell |
La Nord / La Centrale | Hossegor | Beach break / reef | High | Advanced / Expert | Consistent, high-quality waves |
Capbreton | Capbreton | Beach break + breakwater | High | Beginner / Intermediate | Milder waves, surf school |
Natural Surf School on Casernes Beach
Natural Surf School has been located on Casernes Beach for over 20 years. On the right side facing the ocean, the surf shack welcomes both beginner and experienced surfers from April through November. Surf lessons for all skill levels, video and in-water coaching, and board and wetsuit rentals.
→ Surf lessons and camps in Seignosse
→ Surf coaching in Hossegor and Seignosse with Natural Surf Lab
→ Natural Surf Test Center for surf equipment rentals
How to get to Casernes Beach
Accessibility, Parking, and Practical Information
On-site facilities and services
Equipment / Service | Availability | Details |
Parking | Year-round | Numerous parking spaces on stabilized ground, in a wooded area, with shaded spots — recently renovated |
Bike Racks | Year-round | Bike racks available at the base of the dune |
Restrooms | During the season | Restrooms at the top of the dune — paved access |
First Aid Station | July — August | First Aid Station + Helicopter Landing Pad — DSA |
Supervised Swimming | July — August | Marked area, supervised from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. |
Natural Surf School Hut | May — September | Surf school, equipment rental, coaching — on the right side facing the ocean |
Dining / L'Autre Endroit | May — September | Beach restaurant — An electric shuttle provides round-trip transportation for people with limited mobility |
Access for People with Disabilities | Partial | Access path has been renovated — contact city hall for more information |
