A French Girl's Guide to Surfing

When it come to style, nobody does it better than the French. And while this concept is nothing new to any of us, it’s still something we all wish we could emulate.

Whether it’s their grace in the water, their nonchalant attitude to accolades and praise or their après surf style; complete with artfully tousled hair and effortlessly chic outfit, there’s a certain je ne sais quoi to everything they do.

While we’ve been enjoying the best of South West coast this week, we decided to have a little tête-à-tête with French team rider Justine Mauvin, to try and unlock our own très chic variation that we can take home with us.

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Where are you currently based?

I am based in Bidart it's been a year now

What’s your favorite wave on the French Coast?

Parlementia. The place has something magic with the background and the mountains... This wave is a goddess to me.

You’ve travelled all over the world to surf, what do you think makes the French coast + lifestyle so incredible?

We have both the culture and the playground near by. You can balance between a healthy outdoor lifestyle and the French culture of celebrating life around a glass of wine, you know, one in front of a beautiful sunset after a great surf session :)

What really makes French women's style so special?

They don't pretend to be chic, they are chic. They skip hair and make-up but they like hand-made products, unique pieces, a sobre but elegant detail, a relevant, neutral and refined colour scheme or material.

What's the biggest misconception about French women's style?

We don't wear the beret and the breton stripes at the same time !

What’s the best advice you have been given and can give?

Always be respectful, stay humble and keep your red lipstick in your pocket :)