Grand-Village
A long, quiet beach in south-west Oléron.
Grand-Village has a long beach open to the south-west, with sandbanks that work at mid tide. There are usually very few people outside summer.
It holds a fair amount of size, although in big swell it closes out in many places.
Spot facts
| Wave type | Beach break |
|---|---|
| Direction | Lefts and rights |
| Level | All levels |
| Best swell | W, SW |
| Best wind (offshore) | E, NE, SE |
| Tide | Mid |
| Size | 1–3 m |
| Best season | Autumn to spring |
| Crowd | Light |
| Localism | Low |
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; a funboard in small swell. How many litres? Work out your volume with the volume calculator.
What to bring to surf Grand-Village
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 AmazonThe safest, easiest board to learn on here.
View on AmazonKeeps your board from drifting off or hitting someone.
View on AmazonThe classic fish fins: speed in soft waves.
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 people.
Surfing style
Beach break.
Hazards
Currents and water quality near the strait.
Map
Shapers near Grand-Village
Order a board designed for these waves from a local shaper.
Other spots nearby
Dolus-d'Oléron (Île d'Oléron)
Oléron's surf beach, with Les Allassins 300 m away and always a free peak.
La Tremblade (Côte Sauvage)
The best-known access to the Côte Sauvage, between pine forests and dunes.
Les Mathes
By La Coubre lighthouse: powerful banks that hold decent size.
Saint-Denis-d'Oléron (Île d'Oléron)
Northern Oléron: when it switches on, hollow peaks in very shallow water.
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.