An Introduction To Les Sables-d’Olonne Surf
- Author | Matt K
- Updated | April 23, 2025
Les Sables-d’Olonne surf, situated on France’s picturesque western coast, is a favorite destination for those seeking consistent waves and charming coastal scenery. Perfect for surfers who enjoy exploring without a car, this vibrant town provides easy access to a variety of Les Sables-d’Olonne surf spots by foot or bike.
The primary surf spot, Plage de Tanchet, is just a short walk from the town center, offering steady waves suitable for all skill levels. For those looking to explore further, Plage des Grottes, with its scenic backdrop and mellow breaks, is also easily reachable on foot.
A quick bike ride opens up even more options, including Plage du Château, which offers more dynamic conditions for intermediate surfers, and Plage de la Paracou, a quieter spot known for its tranquil atmosphere and longboarding-friendly waves.
With its well-maintained bike paths, scenic routes, and a relaxed coastal vibe, Les Sables-d’Olonne surf town is a great base for surfers to experience France’s Atlantic waves while embracing a car-free lifestyle.
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In This Guide
Best Time To Surf Les Sables-d’Olonne
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Peak Les Sables-d’Olonne Surf Season | October to March
Suited For Intermediate & Advanced
Les Sables-d’Olonne surf peaks from October to March, with northwest & west swells delivering consistent 3 to 8-foot waves. The beach & reef breaks in the area come to life during this season, providing a mix of fast, hollow waves & long, peeling walls. The main beach break offers fun, punchy waves, while more sheltered reefs handle larger swells & provide cleaner conditions.
Les Sables-d’Olonne surf is highly reliable during peak season, making it one of the best times to score quality waves with fewer crowds. The winter months bring the biggest swells, with heavy surf demanding experience & strong paddling skills.
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Shoulder Les Sables-d’Olonne Surf Season | April, May & September
Suited For All Skill Levels
During April, May & September, Les Sables-d’Olonne surf offers more manageable conditions, with waves in the 2 to 5-foot range. While the winter swells fade, the area still receives consistent surf, making it an excellent time for intermediate surfers.
The variety of breaks ensures options for different abilities, with the main beach providing fun peaks & the surrounding reefs offering longer rides. Les Sables-d’Olonne surf in the shoulder season is a great mix of fun waves & smaller crowds, making it an ideal time to enjoy quality surf without the intensity of peak winter swells.
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Low Les Sables-d’Olonne Surf Season | June to August
Suited For Beginners & Intermediate
June to August are the slowest month for Les Sables-d’Olonne surf, with wave heights averaging 1 to 3 feet. While this isn’t the best time for experienced surfers, it’s perfect for beginners looking to learn in gentle, forgiving waves.
The warm water & fun, rolling waves create a great environment for first-timers & longboarders. Les Sables-d’Olonne surf during summer may lack power, but the friendly conditions make it an inviting time to enjoy the beach & get in some relaxed sessions. Crowds peak in July, but early mornings can still offer quieter waves before the beaches fill up.
Les Sables-d’Olonne Surf Temperature, What To Wear & Rainfall Guide
Les Sables-d’Olonne Surf Temperature:
18–21°C (64–70°F)
What To Wear:
A 2 mm spring suit works for most surfers. While the water is cooler than the southwest coast, boardshorts/bikini are sometimes fine for short midday sessions in peak summer.
Rainfall:
Expect around 6–9 rainy days per month. Most days are clear & dry, with only light drizzle or overnight showers.
Les Sables-d’Olonne Surf Temperature:
16–20°C (61–68°F)
What To Wear:
A 3/2 mm full wetsuit is ideal for autumn. Conditions remain mild in September but cool quickly from mid-October onward.
Rainfall:
Rainfall increases from 8 to 11 days per month. Autumn brings more instability, especially in November, with short but frequent downpours.
Les Sables-d’Olonne Surf Temperature:
11–14°C (52–57°F)
What To Wear:
A 4/3 mm wetsuit with boots is recommended. Gloves & a hood are useful, especially for longer sessions & windy conditions.
Rainfall:
This is the wettest period, with 10–13 rainy days per month. Prolonged rain & grey skies are common in mid-winter.
Les Sables-d’Olonne Surf Temperature:
13–17°C (55–63°F)
What To Wear:
A 3/2 mm wetsuit is necessary. The water remains cool well into April, & the added warmth helps make sessions more enjoyable.
Rainfall:
Rainfall drops to 7–9 rainy days monthly. Spring sees a gradual shift toward sunnier, more stable conditions with fewer interruptions.
Surf Spots Within 5km or 3 Miles From Les Sables-d’Olonne
| Les Sables-d'Olonne Surf Spots | Distance from Les Sables-d'Olonne | Wave Size | Wave Quality | Skill Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Plage de Tanchet |
Approx. 1km (0.6mi) south |
3-8 foot |
Consistent beach break |
Beginner to advanced |
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Plage des Grottes |
Approx. 2km (1.2mi) east |
2-6 foot |
Mellow beach break |
Beginner to intermediate |
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Plage du Château |
Approx. 3km (1.9mi) north |
3-7 foot |
Long rides with varying breaks |
Intermediate to advanced |
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Plage de la Paracou |
Approx. 4km (2.5mi) south |
2-5 foot |
Sheltered beach break |
Beginner to intermediate |
Further Information To Les Sables-d’Olonne Surf Spots
Ideal Conditions:
- Tide: Mid to high tide
- Wind: East
- Swell Direction: West or southwest
- Crowd Factor: High
Plage de Tanchet is the main surf beach in Les Sables-d’Olonne, offering consistent, fun beach break waves. A west swell with east wind and mid to high tide creates clean, small to medium-sized peaks that suit all levels.
The central peak can get crowded with surf schools and locals, but further south, there’s room to spread out. Though it lacks the power of Hossegor or Lacanau, its reliability and accessibility make it the region’s surf hub.
Rating: 3.5/5
Ideal Conditions:
- Tide: Mid tides
- Wind: East
- Swell Direction: West
- Crowd Factor: Low
Plage des Grottes is a more remote and less crowded beach break that works best with a west swell, east wind, and mid tide. It’s less consistent than Tanchet but offers quiet peaks when the sandbars align.
The vibe is mellow, and while the wave quality can be hit or miss, it’s a peaceful alternative when the main spots are packed.
Rating: 3/5
Ideal Conditions:
- Tide: High tide
- Wind: East
- Swell Direction: West
- Crowd Factor: Low
Plage du Château sits near the southern end of the region and works best on a west swell, east wind, and high tide.
The beach offers slow, crumbly waves that occasionally produce rideable walls. It’s not a top-tier wave but serves well on small days or for beginner-friendly sessions.
Rating: 3/5
Ideal Conditions:
- Tide: Mid tide
- Wind: East
- Swell Direction: West
- Crowd Factor: Low
Plage de la Paracou is a semi-sheltered beach break that favors small to medium west swells and east winds during mid tide.
It’s rarely crowded and offers unpredictable but sometimes fun peaks when conditions align. Not consistent enough to plan around, but a nice fallback option.
Rating: 2.5/5
Travel Time To Les Sables-d’Olonne Surf Spots
| Les Sables-d'Olonne Surf Spots | Walking Time | Biking Time | Public Transport |
|---|---|---|---|
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Plage de Tanchet |
Approx. 15 min. |
5 min. |
10 min.
(Local Bus)
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Plage des Grottes |
Approx. 25 min. |
10 min. |
15 min.
(Local Bus)
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Plage du Château |
Approx. 35 min. |
15 min. |
20 min.
(Local Bus)
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Plage de la Paracou |
Approx. 40 min. |
20 min. |
25 min.
(Local Bus)
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Les Sables-d’Olonne Surf Lessons & Surf Schools
Les Sables-d’Olonne surf schools offer a welcoming & well-rounded environment for surfers of all abilities. Twin Fin Surf School is a popular choice, providing expert instruction in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.
Surfzone stands out for its tailored lessons and dedicated coaching, making it an excellent option for beginners and advanced surfers alike. Olonna Surf Club offers group and private lessons with experienced instructors, ensuring a safe and enjoyable learning experience.
Ecole De Surf provides high-quality surf education, focusing on skill development and ocean safety to help you make the most of your time in the water. From first-time learners to those refining their skills, Les Sables-d’Olonne surf schools provide quality coaching in a relaxed coastal setting.
Les Sables-d’Olonne Surf Camp
Unfortunately, Les Sables-d’Olonne doesn’t have a surf camp of its own, but just a few hours south in Lacanau, you’ll find an all-inclusive surf & yoga camp hosted by Cheeky Family. It’s a vibrant coastal retreat offering everything from daily surf sessions to relaxing yoga flows, & you can find all the details about this experience in the section below.
8-Day Lacanau Surf Camp & Yoga Retreat With Cheeky Family
Lacanau surf camp with Cheeky Family is an all-inclusive experience designed for those who want to surf, stretch, and fully unwind. Set on France’s Atlantic coast, this week-long retreat blends daily surf lessons with energising yoga sessions, delicious meals, and a laid-back communal vibe. It’s the ideal way to immerse yourself in surf culture while recharging by the sea.
What’s Included
This 8-day Lacanau surf camp includes 7 nights of accommodation at the Cheeky Family Hostel, complete with vibrant communal areas, outdoor terraces, hammocks, & a fully accessible setup.
You’ll receive 6 surf lessons (each 2 hours long), 3 rejuvenating yoga sessions led by a certified instructor, & full access to all required surf equipment including wetsuits & boards. The food is just as much a part of the experience: enjoy 7 continental breakfasts & 12 freshly prepared meals.
With flexible surf lesson times tailored to ocean conditions & expert local instructors guiding you in the water, you’ll make real progress while enjoying a laid-back beach lifestyle. Find Out More
Discover your ideal surf camp below—compare options across France and around the world!
Les Sables-d’Olonne Surfboard Hire
Les Sables-d’Olonne surfboard hire services are easy to access & well-equipped, offering a solid selection of boards to match the town’s mellow & manageable beach breaks. Rentals are available close to the main surf zones, making it convenient to gear up.
Twin Fin Surf School offers a variety of surfboards for hire, catering to all experience levels and wave conditions. Surfzone provides reliable board rental services, making it easy to gear up and hit the waves.
Olonna Surf Club is another great option for surfboard rentals, offering well-maintained equipment to ensure a seamless surf session. Whether you’re after a softboard for learning or a more responsive board for cruising, Les Sables-d’Olonne surfboard hire shops make it simple to get the gear you need.
Les Sables-d’Olonne Surf Report & Surf Cam
While you’re enjoying your time, staying updated on Les Sables-d’Olonne surf conditions is key to making the most of your sessions. Websites like Surf-Forecast and Surfline provide detailed weather and Les Sables-d’Olonne surf reports, including swell size, wind direction, and tide times, to help you plan your day.
For those wanting a real-time view of the waves, Surfline offers live surf cameras at many popular breaks. However, access to these cameras requires a paid subscription. Despite the cost, Surfline’s cameras can be a valuable tool for surfers who want to check conditions before heading out. With these resources, you’ll always be in the know about the best times to hit the water.
How To Get To Les Sables-d’Olonne Surf
- Nantes Airport (NTE) To Les Sables-d’Olonne
Distance: 100km (62mi)
To reach Les Sables-d’Olonne surf, the most convenient route is to fly into Nantes Airport (NTE). Below is a guide with estimated costs & various transportation options to help you choose the best way to get to Les Sables-d’Olonne based on your preferences & budget.
Public Transport | Cheapest Option
- Time: 2.5-3.5 hrs.
- Cost: Approx. $20-30 USD per person
Details:
Start by taking the airport shuttle or TAN Line 38 bus to Nantes train station (Gare de Nantes). From there, take a regional TER train directly to Les Sables-d’Olonne. Trains run several times a day and take about 1.5 to 2 hours.
The entire journey is smooth, with good connections if you check timetables in advance. It’s a scenic and cost-efficient way to get to the coast.
Shuttle Service
- Time: 2-2.5 hrs.
- Cost: Approx. $50-$70 USD per person
Details:
Shuttle services, including private and shared rides, are available to Les Sables-d’Olonne and can be pre-booked online. They typically run on request or limited schedules, so booking early is essential during busy periods.
These shuttles are well-suited to tourists carrying luggage or surfboards, and offer a comfortable alternative to public transit.
Accommodation In Les Sables-d’Olonne
| Accommodation Type | Description | Price Range (EUR)* | Price Range (USD)* |
|---|---|---|---|
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Hostels |
Dormitory-style accommodation |
N/A |
N/A |
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Mid-range Hotels/Serviced Apartments |
Studio apartments, motels, or 1-bedroom units |
€60 to €150 |
$65 to $160 |
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Luxury Stays |
Luxury beachfront resorts or high-end apartments |
€180 to €400+ |
$200 to $430+ |
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*Rates are per night and subject to change. |
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Find Your Perfect Stay
When planning your stay at Les Sables-d’Olonne, Tripaneer should be your first stop, offering a seamless booking experience for surf camps and unique local adventures that truly capture the spirit of the coast. Tripaneer’s curated options ensure you start your journey with the best blend of excitement and comfort.
For those interested in a wider array of accommodation, Booking.com presents a range of luxurious beachfront properties and cozy apartments just steps away from the sand, while Hostelworld caters to budget-conscious travellers with its selection of affordable hostels and social surf lodges.
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Discover Les Sables-d’Olonne: What To Do When The Waves Are Flat
When the surf is flat in Les Sables-d’Olonne, there are still plenty of exciting activities to discover. Here are 3 recommended things to do to make the most of your time.