Best surf spots to ride the waves while in the Vendée
The Vendée 's numerous surfing spots are ideal for practising your passion or simply learning to surf. Surfers, with boards under their arms, head for the top surfing spots and try to tame the huge waves of the Atlantic Ocean! When the “Surf’s up”, you’ll simply “Drop in , pull in, kick out! Well-known for its water-based activities, the Vendée offers you the chance to live the "surf attitude" to the full. Check out some of the best surfing spots here in the Vendée!
The best surf spots for the pros here in the Vendée: Longville sur Mer and Brétignolles sur Mer
Surfing in Longeville sur Mer is an institution! The unmissable Bud Bud surfing spot is undoubtedly the most beautiful location on the Vendean coast known for the quality and power of its waves. Thanks to its numerous sandbanks, this place has nothing to compare with the Landes surfing hangouts. Located near Longeville sur Mer, at Les Conches to be precise, all surfers will tell you that Bud Bud is the ultimate beach break!
However, don't venture out if you're not an experienced surfer: the sea is dangerous on this stretch of the coast. Nature is in most definitely in charge here! So, taking on these waves is a real challenge: welcome to the heavenly hell of the waves. The swell can sometimes reach 1m50!
In the Vendée, another well-known spot on the pro circuit is La Sauzaie, at Brétignolles Sur Mer, which has hosted the world surfing championships several times. This isn't just any venue, so show some respect! Here, you need to be very skilled to avoid the rocks on either side, as this particular surfing spot is located in a small cove. It's a magnificent place, just like all the creeks in the Vendée that are part of the region's wild, natural coastline. It's sure to be a memorable experience.
Some of the best surf spots for beginners in the Vendée
Top Surfing spots in Les Sables d'Olonne
Welcome to La Tanchet, one of Les Sables d'Olonne's two urban beaches. This sporty, family-friendly beach is the ideal place to start surfing while in the Vendée. Never surfed before? Well, you've come to the right place! And it's just across the road from the Institut Sport Océan, where you can take part in a range of water sports and activities, including surfing, either as part of a course or as a private lesson. So, take some time to discover the delights of surfing with your friends during your stay.
A little bonus
If you fancy taking a break, the Vendée is just as welcoming when it comes to a drink or a bite to eat... Head to La Cabane d'Arthur for a refreshing drink, an ice cream or one of their appetising dishes. It's "The place to be"! Relax in a swimming costume, with your feet in the sand overlooking the ocean. Once your batteries are recharged - then head straight back to the water, it's just super!
Another surfing spot in Les Sables d'Olonne, is the beach at Sauveterre, a massive natural area bordered by dunes, where you can surf in harmony with nature, away from the crowds. You can reach it via the Olonne forest - this is what the Vendée is like when it comes to natural beaches! There's a supervised swimming area, a naturist zone and an area reserved for surfing fans so you can enjoy the waves until the sun goes down. You'll love this beach with its wide expanse of fine sand stretching as far as the eye can see!
Surfing spots in Longeville sur Mer – an ideal place to start surfing!
The Plage du Rocher in Longeville sur Mer welcomes you to its dedicated surfing area, where you can practice your favourite sport or even learn to surf. As you cross the national forest, you come to this beautiful, wild, family-friendly beach. It's not far from Bud Bud surfing spot, but it's a lot safer, so it's the ideal place to start surfing in the Vendée.
On the beach, the Esprit Surf school offers lessons for all levels, as well as some yoga sessions overlooking the ocean. It's a must-see beach for anyone visiting the Vendée! A place you’ll want to come back to ...
A little bonus
You can park easily in the car park or in the camper van area. From here, it’s an easy walk to the beach. During the summer, if you want to have a break, why not take advantage of the shaded picnic area and the merry-go-round for the little ones. Nearby, in the small town, you'll find several shops selling the basics as well as a few seasonal boutiques.
Did you know?
The French Surfing Federation created the "Surfing Town" label in 2015 to spotlight towns that want to develop surfing and related disciplines. In the Vendée, two towns hold this label: Longeville sur Mer and Les Sables d'Olonne with 2 stars.
And don't forget: Surfing Saint-Gilles offers Handi Surf lessons! With a range of boards, accompanied by state-certified instructors.