Les Sables-d'Olonne
Les Sables-d'Olonne is where France's sailing obsession meets its surf culture—a beach town famous as the starting point for the Vendée Globe round-the-world race that also offers consistent Atlantic surf. The waves are beginner-to-intermediate friendly, with multiple peaks along the town beach. While it lacks the raw power of the Landes region to the south, the accessibility, facilities, and maritime culture make it a popular stop on Atlantic coast surf trips.
Les Sables-d'Olonne surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- WNW (290°)
- Direction range
- 260° - 320°
- Size range
- 0.8m - 3m
- Ideal size
- 1.8m - 2.5m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 13s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- E (80°)
- Offshore range
- 40° - 120°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- mid
- Optimal range
- 0.6m - 2.2m
- Danger above
- 2.8m
Water temp
16°C
Wetsuit
4/3mm fullsuit
Difficulty
4/10
Crowd level
8/10
Access: Urban beach with full facilities. Vendée Globe home port.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Les Sables-d'Olonne?
The Les Sables-d'Olonne profile favors mid tide, ideally between 0.6m and 2.2m on the local tide chart. Compare this preference with the forecast tide and local conditions before choosing a session. The profile also flags a high-tide limit above 2.8m.
What wind direction is offshore at Les Sables-d'Olonne?
The Les Sables-d'Olonne profile uses wind from E (80°) as its preferred direction, with an offshore range of 40° to 120°. Wind speed matters too: light winds outside that range can still produce surfable conditions, while strong offshore winds can make takeoffs difficult.
What swell size and direction work best at Les Sables-d'Olonne?
The Les Sables-d'Olonne scoring profile favors swell from WNW (260° to 320°), a swell-height range of 0.8m to 3m, and a reference period of 13s. These are model inputs, not guaranteed breaking-wave heights or a promise that the surf will suit every ability.
When is the best time of year to surf Les Sables-d'Olonne?
The main season at Les Sables-d'Olonne is Sep-Nov. A secondary window runs Apr, May. Autumn best. Famous for Vendée Globe sailing race.
How do I get to Les Sables-d'Olonne?
The spot profile lists NTE as a nearby airport. The estimated road transfer is 90 minutes. Urban beach with full facilities. Vendée Globe home port.
What kind of wave is Les Sables-d'Olonne?
Les Sables-d'Olonne is a beach break, a peak with lefts and rights. Difficulty is rated 4/10.
Best Season
Peak: Sep-Nov
Secondary: Apr, May
Autumn best. Famous for Vendée Globe sailing race.