Montalivet
A quiet Médoc beach that works well when Lacanau closes out.
Montalivet needs a decent swell to work, but it's a good alternative when Lacanau is too big and closing out. You can see the peaks well from the car park.
Outside summer it's usually empty.
Spot facts
| Wave type | Beach break |
|---|---|
| Direction | Lefts and rights |
| Level | All levels |
| Best swell | W, NW, SW |
| Best wind (offshore) | E, SE, NE |
| Tide | Low to mid |
| Size | 1–2 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 Montalivet
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 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 and a calm vibe.
Surfing style
Beach break.
Hazards
Rip currents.
Map
Shapers near Montalivet
Order a board designed for these waves from a local shaper.
Other spots nearby
Grayan-et-l'Hôpital
The best option in the northern Médoc in big swell: long, powerful waves by the bunkers.
Soulac-sur-Mer
At the mouth of the Gironde: very hollow barrels only when everything else is closing out.
Hourtin
Low-tide barrels on one of the quietest beaches in the Médoc.
Carcans
A small beach village north of Lacanau, with quality banks.
Indicative information gathered from surf guides and surfers' experience. Conditions change with the sandbanks: check the forecast and ask at the beach.