La Couronne (Carro)
Reefs on the Côte Bleue west of Marseille, among the best waves in Provence.
Between La Couronne and Carro, on the Côte Bleue, the rocky coast has several reefs that work with a south-east swell and the mistral, which blows offshore here. It's one of the higher-quality wave areas in Provence.
There are peaks for different levels, but most break over shallow rock.
Spot facts
| Wave type | Reef |
|---|---|
| Direction | Lefts and rights |
| Level | Intermediate |
| Best swell | SE, S, E |
| Best wind (offshore) | N, NW |
| Tide | All tides |
| Size | 0.5–2 m |
| Best season | October to April |
| Crowd | Medium |
| 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 La Couronne (Carro)
The water is around 13 °C in winter and 23 °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 AmazonFor water from 17 °C.
View on AmazonKeeps your board from drifting off or hitting someone.
View on AmazonThe classic fish fins: speed in soft waves.
View on AmazonRock or urchins on the bottom: protect your feet going in and out.
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
A local crew from Marseille and Martigues. Respect priority and don't turn up in a big group.
Surfing style
Reef waves with fast sections.
Hazards
Shallow rock, sea urchins and getting in and out over the rocks.
Map
Shapers near La Couronne (Carro)
Order a board designed for these waves from a local shaper.
Other spots nearby
Marseille
Marseille's city beaches, which wake up with the mistral's westerly swell.
La Seyne-sur-Mer (Var)
Toulon's surf beach, on the Saint-Mandrier isthmus, with an easterly swell.
Hyères (Var)
The beach on the Giens isthmus, a windsurfing mecca that picks up the mistral swell.
Sète (Hérault)
The sandy lido between Sète and Marseillan, where Montpellier's surfers meet.
All spots in the French Mediterranean →
Indicative information gathered from surf guides and surfers' experience. Conditions change with the sandbanks: check the forecast and ask at the beach.