Surf Biarritz with Pro Kassia Meador: Insider Guide to France's Bohemian Waves

Oui, si, or bai, no matter which langauge you speak, you'll want to say yes to a spell at the bohemian playground on the southwestern coast of France. To get the inside scoop, our friends at Roxy hooked us up with pro surfer and photographer Kassia Meador, who hosts the longboard invitational during the Roxy Biarritz competition each year.

Best place to stay: Carlina Lodge on Côte des Basques beach.

Best surf break: Côte des Basque Castle Peak when it's good.

Best beach: Grande Plage.

Best spot to recover: Raddison Blu Hotel. 

Best locals-only spot: Ventilo Caffe.

Best breakfast: I like to go to the local market in the morning for fresh fruit and chocolate croissants.

Best lunch: Le Glouby for pizza.

Best coffee: Margaux's Kitchen.

Best juice: Pandora's for fresh juice from the market produce we buy in the morning.

Best dinner: Chez Pilou (3 Rue Larralde; +33-5-59-24-11-73).

Scenes from the beach in Biarritz. Photos: Courtesy of Roxy.

Best escape: Walking around the coves.

Best shop for gear: Core's'Air Surf Shop in Saint-Jean-de-Luz.

Best shop for gifts: There are so many in town. It's fun to just walk around.

I bring all my friends who are here for the first time to: Les 100 Marches for tapas, music, and the locals (square Jean Baptiste Lassalle; +1-33-05-5924-7561). 

Best surprise: The night markets, marchés nocturne, in the main square where the morning markets are held.

I always bring back: I love to bring back sand from different beaches.

When I'm away, I miss: The French lifestyle. The long summer days and the late evening surfs.

I always go back for: My friends Margaux, Pandora, and Farielle. The dance parties. Tea in Margaux's garden. Juice parties at Pandora's and surfing out front on logs.

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Bottom photo by Todd Glaser/courtesy of Roxy.