La Gachère
A wild beach that picks up swell better than its neighbours.
La Gachère is a dune beach in beautiful natural surroundings, next to the mouth of the Auzance river. It picks up swell better than other beaches in the area.
It's fun and there are usually few people.
Spot facts
| Wave type | Beach break |
|---|---|
| Direction | Lefts and rights |
| Level | All levels |
| Best swell | W, SW, NW |
| Best wind (offshore) | E, SE, NE |
| Tide | All tides |
| Size | 1–2 m |
| Best season | All year |
| 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 when it's small. How many litres? Work out your volume with the volume calculator.
What to bring to surf La Gachère
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 and a calm vibe.
Surfing style
Fun beach break.
Hazards
Currents near the river mouth.
Map
Shapers near La Gachère
Order a board designed for these waves from a local shaper.
Other spots nearby
Les Sables-d'Olonne
A beach in a protected natural area, with the best peak over a small rock shelf.
Les Sables-d'Olonne
The Les Sables-d'Olonne spot: a rock peak by the jetty, better than the city beach.
Brétignolles-sur-Mer
Vendée's most famous wave: powerful rights and lefts over rock slabs.
Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie
Saint-Gilles' Grande Plage: soft-breaking waves, good for longboarding and learning.
Indicative information gathered from surf guides and surfers' experience. Conditions change with the sandbanks: check the forecast and ask at the beach.