Palavas-les-Flots is a laid-back surf spot located on the southern coast of France. It's well-known among local surfers but can also attract tourists, especially in the summer months. The town is close to Montpellier and offers a blend of beach culture and water sports. It has a variety of surf breaks that cater to different skill levels, making it accessible for beginners and more experienced surfers alike.

When it comes to surfing, Palavas-les-Flots is quite versatile. The optimal swell direction here is southeast, but it can handle swells coming from the east and south as well. The waves can start working with swell sizes around 1 ft (0.3 m) and break over sand, which is perfect for beginners. You can find consistent right-handers at La Mairie, and if you head west from the harbor, you'll discover a sequence of spots. Coquilles is popular due to a big jetty that helps with the line-up access. On either side of the Prévost canal, you'll find both rights on the left side and lefts on the right side. The best surfing conditions usually happen with a northwest wind and across any tide, whether it’s low, mid, or high.

It’s worth noting that the area often gets crowded, especially during peak times. To maximize your surf sessions, it usually requires a couple of days of onshore winds to get the waves working nicely. If you're looking for some hollow shore break, Maguelone can be a good option, and for those interested in camping near the waves, it provides an easy setup.