Every year, as the summer sun warms the sands of Lacanau, a wave of excitement sweeps across the beach. It's not just the promise of perfect surf that has everyone buzzing, but the anticipation of an event that has become a highlight of the surfing calendar - the Lacanau Pro.
For over four decades, this small town on the French Atlantic coast has been the stage for one of the world's oldest professional surfing competitions. Every August, the world's best surfers descend on Lacanau to compete in the thrilling waves and showcase their skills in front of an enthusiastic crowd. But it's not just the high-stakes competition that draws people to Lacanau Pro. The unique blend of sport, nature, and camaraderie makes this event a must-visit for any surfing enthusiast.
As a surfer, the Lacanau Pro offers an opportunity to watch the world's best in action, learn from their techniques, and be inspired by their daring feats. As a camper, it's a chance to immerse yourself in the stunning natural beauty of Lacanau, wake up to the sound of the waves, and share stories around the campfire with fellow surf enthusiasts.
But the Lacanau Pro is more than just a surfing competition or a camping trip. It's a celebration of the surfing lifestyle, a testament to the enduring appeal of this sport, and a tribute to the spirit of the surfing community. Whether you're a seasoned pro, an amateur surfer, or a fan of the sport, the Lacanau Pro is an event that promises unforgettable experiences and memories that will last a lifetime. So, pack your surfboard, camping gear, and love for adventure, and join us as we dive into the world of Lacanau Pro.
The journey to Lacanau, the home of one of the world's oldest pro surfing competitions, is an adventure in itself. Lacanau is located on France's Atlantic coast, a commune in the Gironde department in southwestern France.
If you're travelling from the UK, the most straightforward route is flying to Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport, approximately 50km from Lacanau. You can rent a car from the airport or take a taxi to Lacanau. The drive is scenic, taking you through the beautiful landscapes of the Gironde department.
Another option for those who prefer the open road is to take a ferry from the UK to France and then drive to Lacanau. The journey from Calais to Lacanau is approximately 880km and takes around eight hours. The route takes you through some of France's most beautiful regions, including Normandy and the Loire Valley, before reaching the Atlantic coast.
Once you arrive in Lacanau, you'll find a town that lives and breathes surfing. The Lacanau Pro competition is a significant event on the town's calendar, attracting the world's best surfers. But it's not just about the competition; the whole town comes alive during the event, with live music, food stalls, and an infectious festive atmosphere.
The competition occurs at the main beach in Lacanau, a beautiful stretch of sand perfect for surfing. The waves here are consistent, making it an ideal location for a surfing competition. Whether you're a seasoned surfer or a beginner, there's something for everyone at Lacanau Pro.
The origins of the Lacanau Pro date back to the early 1970s, when a passionate group of surfers in the idyllic seaside town of Lacanau came together with a bold vision. United by their deep love of surfing and desire to push the sport forward, they decided to organise a competition that would bring together top surfing talent from across the globe.
The inaugural event was met with great excitement and saw a modest but enthusiastic turnout. Little did the founders know this humble beginning would plant the seeds for an enduring legacy in professional surfing.
As the years went on, the Lacanau Pro underwent remarkable growth, reflecting the increasing popularity of surfing worldwide. Through tireless commitment and contagious passion, the event attracted more participants, spectators, and sponsors, cementing its prestige as one of the most important surf competitions globally.
Today, the Lacanau Pro stands as a pillar of excellence and sportsmanship in surfing, drawing elite competitors from every corner of the world. Year after year, the event continues to raise the bar, pushing boundaries and redefining the standards of high-level competitive surfing.
While constantly evolving with the sport, the Lacanau Pro remains a bedrock, preserving its original spirit while embracing progress.
The Lacanau Pro unfolds as a thrilling 10-day surfing spectacle from 11-21 August, captivating surfers and fans in the picturesque beach town of Lacanau on France's Atlantic coast.
Lacanau's stunning shoreline and idyllic mix of sun, sand and surf create an electric atmosphere, drawing thrill-seekers to experience the power of the waves. The town buzzes with energy during the event as professional surfers gather to showcase their prowess.
The competition unfolds at one of Lacanau's most acclaimed surf spots, carefully chosen to provide the perfect canvas for surfing. As morning swells form barrels, competitors ride the surging walls, carving graceful arcs and executing daring manoeuvres that astound spectators.
Beyond the competition, attendees can enjoy beachside concerts, cultural exhibitions and more. The event fosters camaraderie amongst surf enthusiasts of all backgrounds united by their passion. It also inspires newcomers by witnessing the artistry of world-class surfing.
As day turns to night, excitement still lingers, paving the way for more exhilarating action across ten days of celebration. An unforgettable journey of surf, sun and community that continues to inspire the global surfing world. Whether a seasoned pro or a newcomer, the Lacanau Pro promises an experience unlike any other.
The closest major city is Bordeaux, which is served by the Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport, with numerous airlines operating regular flights.
From Bordeaux, Lacanau is approximately 60 kilometres away. There are several routes you can take to reach Lacanau:
By Car The most straightforward route by car is via the D6 road. From Bordeaux, you would take the D1215 out of the city, then switch to the D6 at Salaunes. The D6 will take you directly to Lacanau. The journey typically takes around an hour, depending on traffic.
By Bus If you prefer public transport, regular bus services from Bordeaux to Lacanau are operated by TransGironde. The Line 702 bus departs from Bordeaux's Saint-Jean train station and takes you directly to Lacanau. The bus journey takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.
By Bike For the more adventurous, there's a fantastic cycle route from Bordeaux to Lacanau. The Vélodyssée cycle route is part of a larger network stretching across Europe. The route from Bordeaux to Lacanau is approximately 60 kilometres and takes you through beautiful forests and scenic paths.
Camping offers a chance to connect with nature and fellow surf enthusiasts. The Aquitaine region, where Lacanau is located, is dotted with a variety of campsites, many of which are listed on our website.
These campsites offer a range of facilities, from basic pitches to luxury glamping options. Whether you're looking for a simple camping experience or a more luxurious stay, you will find something that suits your needs.
About 6 km. east of Sarlat, les Grottes de Roffy is a pleasantly laid out, family site. There are 140 marked pitches, some very large...
Camping Soulac Plage is a member of the established Sandaya group and can be found at the northern end of the Médoc. The large site...
Its location on the Atlantic coast, 600 m. from a lovely sandy beach, makes this site extremely popular. Set in ten hectares of heavily wooded...
Included in our guides:
2023, 2018
Le Paradis is an excellent, well-maintained riverside site, halfway between Les Eyzies and Montignac in the Valley of the Vézère. The site is landscaped with...
Included in our guides:
2023, 2022, 2021, 2020
Camping Club International Eurosol is an attractive, friendly and well-maintained site deep in the Landes pine forests of Aquitaine. The fabulous golden sandy beach is...
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