La Grande Côte
The alternative when the Côte Sauvage closes out: lefts towards the estuary that sometimes barrel.
La Grande Côte, in Saint-Palais, is a little more sheltered than the Côte Sauvage. When it closes out there, there are often good waves here, sometimes barrelling on the left side of the beach, towards the estuary.
The currents at the mouth of the Gironde are strong.
Spot facts
| Wave type | Beach break |
|---|---|
| Direction | Lefts and rights |
| Level | Intermediate |
| Best swell | W, NW, SW |
| Best wind (offshore) | E, NE, N |
| Tide | Mid |
| Size | 1–2 m |
| Best season | Autumn and winter |
| 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. How many litres? Work out your volume with the volume calculator.
What to bring to surf La Grande Côte
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 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 with lefts.
Hazards
Estuary currents.
Map
Shapers near La Grande Côte
Order a board designed for these waves from a local shaper.
Other spots nearby
Royan
Royan's city cove: it only works in big storms, and then it's easy and pleasant.
Les Mathes
By La Coubre lighthouse: powerful banks that hold decent size.
La Tremblade (Côte Sauvage)
The best-known access to the Côte Sauvage, between pine forests and dunes.
Grand-Village-Plage (Île d'Oléron)
A long, quiet beach in south-west Oléron.
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.