It’s hard to combine the city lifestyle with easy surf access, but the University of Bordeaux has the best of both.

With 60,000 students, the city certainly feels its student presence. Don’t be put off by wine-quaffing sorts associated with the region. There are plenty of rowdy bars and cheap drink deals on student nights to keep you suitably entertained.

The surf isn’t on your doorstep, but head due west for an hour and you’ll reach the endless shoreline of south-west France with breaks blending into one another from the summer party vibes in Lacanau to the less-crowded Biscarosse Plage. Further down the coast is Hossegor and the super fast tube at La Graviere.

NEAREST SPOTS: Lacanau (47 minute drive), Biscarosse Plage (57 minute drive), Mimizan Plage (1 hour 18 minute drive), Hossegor (1 hour 40 minute drive)