Hourtin Plage

Hourtin · Gironde · France

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Hourtin Plage is a small resort on a very long, open stretch of the Médoc coast, with a classic Gironde beach break spread over many sandbanks. The waves are consistent and can be technical, from half a metre to well over 2 m depending on how the banks are set up; when they are good, it works as well as Lacanau. The beach is so wide that a ten-minute walk from the access usually leaves you with a peak to yourself. Expect powerful, bowly waves and strong rip channels (baïnes), so it suits surfers who can read currents.

Level
Intermediate
Break
Beach break, sand
Waves
Lefts and rights
Crowd
Some company
Season
spring, summer, autumn
Boards
A shortboard for the powerful, hollow banks; a longboard or foam board in summer.

When it works

✓ A west to north-west swell of 1–2 m with a north-east to east wind, at low to mid tide when the banks are in shape.

When it doesn't

✕ Onshore westerly wind, and long-period or very big swells that close out across the banks.

Watch out for

  • rips
  • currents
  • shorebreak
  • crowds

Best months

March, April, May, June, September, October, November

Local tips

Don't stop at the main access: the best waves are often away from the crowd, so walk up or down the beach. Use the baïne rips to get out to the outer peaks, but stay well clear of them when coming in. Low tide can give heavy, hollow waves on the right banks, while on other banks it simply closes out, so watch a few sets first. The line-up is friendly as long as visitors respect the locals.

Getting there

From Bordeaux head for Lacanau and Carcans, then follow signs to Hourtin and Hourtin-Plage at the end of the road through the forest; parking is behind the dune a short walk from the beach. In summer a surf zone is marked by lifeguards, and there is a surf club and a surf shop at the resort.

Travel notes

How often it works
Wannasurf calls it regular. The beach picks up most west swells, and low tide can give heavy, hollow waves.
Crowd and vibe
Weekdays are often empty, and weekends bring a few surfers. Summer gets crowded at the main access, but a short walk finds space, and locals are friendly to respectful visitors.
Camping and vans
Camping de la Côte d'Argent in Hourtin-Plage is about 1 km away. Nearest campsite about 1 km away.
Facilities
There is parking behind the dune, a lifeguarded surf zone in summer, and a surf club and surf shop in the resort.
Water quality
The Hourtin Océan monitoring point was rated good every season from 2022 to 2025. In 2026, six of seven samples were good and one was only average.

Ideal conditions

Swell
W–NW best, SW–NNW works
Size
1.2–2.5 m offshore swell; starts at 0.7 m, holds to 3.2 m
Period
9 s minimum, best from 12 s
Wind
Offshore NE–SE; handles onshore up to 12 km/h
Tide
low best, avoid high
Faces
W (273°)

Live cam

No cam at this spot yet: the forecast and the guide are on the map.

Nearby spots

All spots in Gironde · All spots

Sources