September in the Basque Country (Euskadi) is a blessing. Back to school season means less crowd on the beach and in the water, while the weather still kicks ass, and water temperature flirts around 24 degrees.

So, here I am, a married man, proudly bringing you some shots from the amazing area of Guethary, in the French side of the Basque Country. Guethary, Bidart, St Jean de Luz have some of the greatest waves in the World, and certainly in Europe. Those waves have seen the birth of the surf culture in France in the late 50s/early 60s.

Today, surfing is a real culture there, just like in Australia. Good weather almost all year around, waves, outdoors: simple pleasures keeping people happy and healthy.

I have been spending time in the warehouses of VIRAL SURF in Bidart, specialist in surfboard making supplies. If you're in Europe and need ''spare parts'', blanks, tools, fins, painting, resins, glass fiber, you name it…VIRAL SURF is the one-stop shop !

We also bumped into Pilou Ducalme, one of Europe's finest big wave rider. Pilou's been the first one to shoot Belharra, paddling !! Belharra works only one in a looong while, when all conditions line up. But when it's on: it's a monster ! For the ones who don't know what Belharra looks like, have a look at this: it was one of Billabong's XXL challenge.

Next up-date Tuesday from the Cap Ferret.

Until then, have a nice week-end !
Franck