Hourtin Plage
Low-tide barrels on one of the quietest beaches in the Médoc.
Hourtin Plage is a Médoc beach surrounded by pines, with far fewer people than Lacanau. At low tide the banks get hollow and can produce big barrels.
Rip currents are strong: you need to know the ocean well.
Spot facts
| Wave type | Beach break |
|---|---|
| Direction | Lefts and rights |
| Level | Intermediate |
| Best swell | W, NW |
| Best wind (offshore) | E, SE, NE |
| Tide | Low |
| Size | 1–2.5 m |
| Best season | Autumn |
| 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. How many litres? Work out your volume with the volume calculator.
What to bring to surf Hourtin Plage
The water is around 12 °C in winter and 20 °C in late summer. This is what we'd bring for this spot's water, level and boards.
The autumn-to-spring suit for water at 12–16 °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 barrels.
Hazards
Strong rip currents.
Map
Shapers near Hourtin Plage
Order a board designed for these waves from a local shaper.
Other spots nearby
Carcans
A small beach village north of Lacanau, with quality banks.
Vendays-Montalivet
A quiet Médoc beach that works well when Lacanau closes out.
Grayan-et-l'Hôpital
The best option in the northern Médoc in big swell: long, powerful waves by the bunkers.
Lacanau
Gironde's surf capital, with peaks in front of the town and an international contest every summer.
Indicative information gathered from surf guides and surfers' experience. Conditions change with the sandbanks: check the forecast and ask at the beach.