Le Gurp

Grayan-et-l'Hôpital · Gironde · France

Today’s forecast: the current surf forecast for Le Gurp (wave height, swell, wind, tide and a 0–10 rating for every hour of the next 16 days) are only shown on SurfCams. They change every hour, so this text doesn’t contain them. To check today’s surf, open https://surf-cams.com/spot/le-gurp.

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Le Gurp is a long, wild beach near Grayan-et-l'Hôpital, between Soulac and Montalivet, lined with German wartime bunkers that have slid down onto the sand. It is a sand-bottom beach break with several peaks, best known for a long, hollow left near the bunkers that can give real barrels. It holds big swell better than most of the Médoc and is the regional back-up when Lacanau and the beaches to the south are too big. Waves often look smaller from the beach than they are, and the currents are strong, so it is better suited to fit, experienced surfers.

Level
Advanced
Break
Beach break, sand and rock
Waves
Lefts
Crowd
Some company
Season
autumn, winter, spring
Boards
A shortboard on normal days and a step-up for the big swells it is known for.

When it works

✓ A west to north-west swell of 2–3 m with long period, an east or south-east wind, and low to mid tide.

When it doesn't

✕ High tide, when the bunker remains are hidden underwater, and any westerly onshore wind.

Watch out for

  • currents
  • rips
  • rocks
  • localism

Best months

January, February, March, April, October, November, December

Local tips

Come here when Lacanau is over about 2.5 m; the left by the bunkers is the main draw. At high tide the concrete blocks are submerged and invisible, so learn where they are at low tide first. Use the channels next to the banks to get out and expect to be swept along the beach. The regulars have a reputation for being protective, so keep a low profile, respect the line-up and do not leave valuables in the car.

Getting there

Reach it by the route de l'Océan from Grayan-et-l'Hôpital or along the coast road from Montalivet; a large free car park sits behind the dune at the end of the road, a short walk from the sand. The beach is lifeguarded in summer and part of it is used by the nearby naturist centre.

Travel notes

How often it works
It only works once in a while, usually when Lacanau is too big. Then it is one of the best spots on this coast.
Crowd and vibe
Even with waves it is rarely crowded. The regulars are known to be protective, so stay low-key and respect the line-up.
Camping and vans
The municipal Camping du Gurp is about 1 km away. Euronat, a naturist resort, is about 2.5 km. Nearest campsite about 1 km away.
Facilities
There is a large free car park behind the dune and a summer lifeguard post. Don't leave valuables in the car.
Water quality
The Le Gurp monitoring point was rated good every season from 2022 to 2025, all six 2026 samples were good, and the beach holds the 2026 Pavillon Bleu.

Ideal conditions

Swell
W–NW best, WSW–NNW works
Size
1.5–3 m offshore swell; starts at 0.8 m, holds to 4 m
Period
9 s minimum, best from 13 s
Wind
Offshore ENE–SE; handles onshore up to 12 km/h
Tide
low, mid best, avoid high
Faces
WNW (286°)

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