The Natural Surf Lodge Story — The Becret Family, Soustons, Since 2003
Natural Surf Lodge was founded in 2003 by Claire and Stéphane Becret — surf instructors and ocean enthusiasts — in a traditional Landes farmhouse set on an airial in Soustons (40140), in the Landes region of South-West France. What started as a small bed and breakfast has grown into a recognised immersive surf camp concept, holding the "Qualité Tourisme" label from 2013 and upgraded to "Destination d'Excellence" by Atout France — France's national tourism development agency — in 2026.
Set between the Étang Noir nature reserve and the surf beaches of Seignosse and Hossegor, the Lodge is run today by Claire and Stéphane, their sons Justin (professional surfer, 3x French Champion, currently on the WSL international QS circuit) and Marius, and a close-knit extended team. Natural Surf School, the Lodge's surf school, has been EFS-certified (École Française de Surf — French Surf Federation quality label) since 2005 and operates on Plage des Casernes in Seignosse. Main address: 280 chemin de Bathurt, 40140 Soustons. Contact: info@naturalsurflodge.com / +33 (0)6 74 16 02 28.
The beginning — a Landes farmhouse, love at first sight
In 2003, Claire and Stéphane Becret — both surf instructors and lifelong ocean enthusiasts — came across a traditional Landes farmhouse set on an airial in Soustons: a vast, tree-lined clearing surrounded by century-old oak trees, a characteristically Gascon habitat. It was love at first sight.
What began as a small bed and breakfast gradually became an immersive surf holiday concept — coached surf lessons, accommodation in the heart of nature, community life lived at the rhythm of the tides. Twenty years later, Natural Surf Lodge is one of the reference surf camps on the Landes Atlantic coast, now holding the “Destination d’Excellence” label awarded by Atout France in 2026. Today the offer spans five accommodations across Soustons, Seignosse and Hossegor, adapting the surf camp experience to every type of guest: solo travellers, couples, groups of friends, families.
Claire and Stéphane Becret — founders and hosts
Claire and Stéphane are at the origin and heart of everything. They do not simply manage a surf camp — they share their way of life. Stéphane, a state-qualified surf instructor and co-founder of Natural Surf School, renovated the farmhouse himself using natural and recycled materials, room by room, over several years.
Claire runs the welcome, the daily life of the Lodge, the local organic breakfasts and the Tuesday braséro evenings. Together, they ensure the Lodge’s spirit remains intact week after week: conviviality, genuine respect for the natural environment, and quality coaching.
A family that grows with the rhythm of the waves
The soul of our ecolodge in the Landes region is also the new generation growing up there.
- Justin, who fell in love with the ocean at a young age, embodies the energy of surfing.
- Marius, the true guardian of the place, lives in total connection with the surrounding nature.
Between the blue of the water and the green of the forest, this family balance is the foundation of the unique atmosphere you will find at our surf camp.
“The Ocean is our Nature” — the values of the Lodge
Three values have structured Natural Surf Lodge’s identity since 2003:
Conviviality — deliberately small groups, community life, shared evenings, a tribe spirit rather than a hotel.
Respect and care for the natural environment — “Destination d’Excellence” label (Atout France, renewed August 2026), “one session = one piece of litter” initiative after every surf lesson, local and organic food, natural and recycled materials throughout the renovation, zero-waste approach, heat pumps (COP 6), solar panels and geothermal energy, rainwater collection tank, composting toilets, electric vehicle for short journeys, off-peak timer for washing machines, natural wind-drying — because every detail counts.
Sharing and diversity — solo travellers, couples, families, groups of friends, all nationalities. The intergenerational and cosmopolitan spirit has been part of the Lodge’s DNA since the very first week.
The team — the Lodge’s original pillars
A surf camp of this quality in Seignosse could not exist without the expert hands working behind the scenes to make your stay unforgettable. The Lodge is an extended family where everyone plays a key role in ensuring your comfort:
- Greg, the historic figure and moral pillar of the place.
- Grandpa Christian, the wizard of the airial, who looks after the facilities and makes our garden a green oasis.
- Granny Yo, kindness incarnate, who ensures that the housekeeping and laundry are always impeccable.
- Grandpa Jean, our logistics expert, who manages transport and ensures reasonable consumption, in line with our ecological values.
- Granny Régine, in charge of the kitchen and the accounts, making sure everything runs smoothly.
- Mathilde, who provides the valuable link between Casernes beach and life at the Lodge.
The loyal team — guardians of quality
All current Natural Surf Lodge and Natural Surf School team members were trained in the house spirit and share its values. Lou-Ann (Master’s degree in sports and adventure tourism, 2025), Indhy (BPJEPS surf instructor diploma, 2020), Nanook and Justin (BPJEPS, 2021) all joined after completing their training with the Lodge. This continuity is deliberate — the people who surf these waves every day and have grown up in this ecosystem are the ones best placed to pass it on.
And you — the essential ingredient
Beyond our team, what makes Natural Surf Lodge so special is you. Solo travellers, families, groups of friends... you come from all over the world to share these moments.
It is your presence, your smiles and your interactions that transform this accommodation into a surf camp with a cosmopolitan and civic-minded soul. You are not just customers, you are part of the Lodge's history for the duration of your stay.
Welcome home. Mahalo.
