Yes, surfing IS a thing on the French Riviera! It may not be the big Atlantic waves of Biarritz on the west coast, but it’s something truly, deeply, special… as the dedicated locals will tell you. A new film – ‘Demain, ça rentre‘ (Tomorrow, it returns) – captures the unique surf culture and philosophy of those dedicated individuals who surf the Mediterranean.
Directed by Nicolas Loth, and produced by La Bordure, ‘Demain, ça rentre’ features four of his friends who share their passion for surfing on the Côte d’Azur. (See trailer below.)
As per the film’s synopsis, surfing in the Med means “working on patience and, ultimately, finding your inner child. Because yes, in the Mediterranean, there are fewer waves than in the Southwest, but when it comes in… Thomas, Yann, Christophe and JD forget everything and leave all behind to find themselves in the water!”
Together, the four protagonists help viewers discover another approach to surfing beyond the clichés of 3-metre high waves and bleached blond surfers.
“The idea is not to show off,” says Nicolas. “I would like, in a poetic and philosophical way, to show why surfing in the Mediterranean is so unique.” Rather than the power of the waves, it is their gentleness that he captures on film, as well as his friends “dancing on the water”.
Nicolas was introduced to surfing on the Med by his brother-in-law JD, and recalls that first rainy winter’s day in Antibes at a spot known as Le Virage (The Bend). As he grabbed his board and entered the water with JD – in front of shocked onlookers – he felt a “deep feeling of freedom”, and says it was a life-changing moment.
Speaking to Le Figaro, Nicolas said there are about 100 surfers along the Riviera coast, and on a good day, you’ll find up to 50 of them gathered near Cap d’Antibes. There are other spots too (see further down).
Best Time to Surf on the Côte d’Azur
The best time of year to surf on the Rivera is the colder months, between October and May (so a wetsuit is pretty much a must!) when storms hit the coast and waves can reach up to two metres.
Paddling out on that cold water brings a “real feeling of belonging”, Nicolas says in a press release. “Of belonging to a community (of crazy people?) and belonging to an element, water.”
After watching the premiere earlier this week, local surfer Axel J. praised the documentary for capturing “the ‘no-brainer’ spirit, the quest for waves and its setbacks” on the Côte d’Azur.
You can watch Demain, ça Rentre in:
- Antibes on Friday, 29 November 2024 at 8.30pm, at Cinema Casino (opposite La Place hotel). UPDATE: WATCH ON FRIDAY 6 DECEMBER AT 8.30PM or SUNDAY 29 DECEMBER at 6.30pm:
More info here: https://www.cineazur.fr/antibes/film/616160/ - Fréjus on Saturday, 30 November 2024 at 8.45pm.
More info here: https://cinemavox-frejus.com/FR/fiche-film-cinema/Memsx0672HC09589536/demain-ca-rentre.html
Best Surf Spots on the French Riviera
According to the PACA tourism site, some of the best surf spots in the region are:
- Palm Beach, Cannes
- Gazaniaire beach in the Cannes Bay (southerly swell with tubes)
- Aerospatial spot in Cannes-la-Bocca (higher waves beside the jetty)
- Saint-Laurent-du-Var, especially near the mouth of the River Var (but watch out for strong currents)
There are also great spots around Cap d’Antibes (and I’ve even seen surfers riding waves at Plage Salis on special days).
