Overview
Mimizan-Plage is a rivermouth beach break on a quiet stretch of the French coast, with four beaches spread on either side of the river. The rivermouth helps sculpt some good sandbars, and the waves here are good enough to have produced bodyboard champion Nicolas Capdeville.
When It Works
The break picks up swell from west to north, with northwest swell the best match, and peels over sand into both lefts and rights. It's a consistent spot, though the banks are changeable, so it pays to keep checking before you drive down. It works from 0.3 m / 1 ft to 2.4 m / 8 ft.
Wind and Tide
Look for east offshore wind. The beaches can work through low, mid, and high tide, with a rising tide generally the better call, and the sandbars tend to be at their best from mid to high. One thing to note: offshore winds can carry foul smells from nearby paper factories.
Local Tips
The waves suit intermediate surfers, and you can expect a moderately busy lineup when it's on. Keep in mind that the Courant de Mimizan brings estuary pollution around the rivermouth.
Access
There's a car park with free parking, plus restrooms and showers. A lifeguard covers the beach, and you'll find camping, a surf school, and a surf shop close by.
