Once a fishing village located in French Basque country near the Spanish border, this beautiful city of beaches is known as the ‘California of Europe’. The city of Biarritz became famous in the 19th century when Empress Eugenie, the wife of Napolean III, fell in love with this area and built a palace on the beach, now the world-class Hotel du Palais. Recognized as one of the most famous coastal resorts in the world and the surf capital of France, the number of visitors to this area greatly increases during the summer months. It offers fine beaches, golf, ‘cesta punta’ or a game played with a ball and scoop-like racket, nightly folkloric performances, casinos, or a stroll through displays of Basque music and handicrafts.

Come to a city that is immersed with the "surfing" culture. The "surfing spirit" is a daily occurence in the city and its region. Biarritz is host to many professional surf competitions like the Biarriz Surf Festival which brings together the worlds greatest names in surfing for one week each year. The French and Surfing program is offered from March through October of every year for a minimum of two weeks. This program is open to all French and surf levels. For approximately one and half hours per day (Monday-Friday) participants will receive training adapted to individual aptitudes and objectives from instructor Pol Plantec, a highly skilled surfer who created the HASTEA surfing school and his state qualified team at the "Plages des Basques".

Participants: Mostly Europeans of all ages, with a good mix between 25-40

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