Chassiron
Rock shelves below Chassiron lighthouse, at the northern tip of Oléron.
Below Chassiron lighthouse, at low tide the sea pulls back almost 1 km and exposes a large rock shelf. There are waves all around the point, on several reefs.
It's a tricky spot: talk to the locals to find out where and when to paddle out.
Spot facts
| Wave type | Reef |
|---|---|
| Direction | Lefts and rights |
| Level | Expert |
| Best swell | NW, W, SW |
| Best wind (offshore) | SE, E, NE |
| Tide | Low to mid |
| Size | 1–2.5 m |
| Best season | Autumn and winter |
| Crowd | Light |
| Localism | Medium |
Surf forecast
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Hour-by-hour forecast for 14 days, with stars for your board and level, and the whole site without ads.
Model forecast for open water a few kilometres offshore: it can't see sandbanks or the shelter of headlands and jetties. The rating (0–5) is worked out from this spot's ideal swell and wind. Use it as a guide and check the sea before paddling out. Data: Open-Meteo (DWD, ECMWF; CC BY 4.0)
Which board to bring
A shortboard or fish. How many litres? Work out your volume with the volume calculator.
What to bring to surf Chassiron
The water is around 11 °C in winter and 19 °C in late summer. This is what we'd bring for this spot's water, level and boards.
For winter water at 8–11 °C.
View on AmazonWarm feet in winter and protection on rocks.
View on AmazonKeeps your board from drifting off or hitting someone.
View on AmazonThe classic fish fins: speed in soft waves.
View on AmazonSeal a ding on the spot and keep surfing.
View on AmazonWarm-water wax won't grip in this water.
View on AmazonAmazon affiliate links: if you buy through them, Shapers Europe earns a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Localism and vibe
Few surfers, who know the reefs very well. Ask and be respectful.
Surfing style
Reef waves.
Hazards
Sea urchins, rocks, currents and a fast-rising tide.
Map
Shapers near Chassiron
Order a board designed for these waves from a local shaper.
Other spots nearby
Saint-Denis-d'Oléron (Île d'Oléron)
Northern Oléron: when it switches on, hollow peaks in very shallow water.
Le Bois-Plage-en-Ré (Île de Ré)
The Île de Ré spot: a rock-bottom wave that's great for longboarding.
Dolus-d'Oléron (Île d'Oléron)
Oléron's surf beach, with Les Allassins 300 m away and always a free peak.
Les Portes-en-Ré (Île de Ré)
A quiet beach at the northern end of Ré, surrounded by nature.
All spots in Charente-Maritime →
Indicative information gathered from surf guides and surfers' experience. Conditions change with the sandbanks: check the forecast and ask at the beach.