Surf spots around Arvert: Côte Sauvage, Bonne Anse and Nauzan

The Arvert peninsula offers two very different faces for surf: the proper Atlantic swell on the Côte Sauvage, and the gentler waves of the Gironde estuary side at Bonne Anse. Enough to progress without changing spots more than ten minutes apart.

The Côte Sauvage

More than twenty kilometres of beach facing due west, from the Coubre point to La Palmyre: this is the reference spot for experienced surfers in the region, with generally more consistent swell than the sheltered beaches further south. Several access points, notably around La Bouverie, draw most of the crowd in season.

Bonne Anse bay

Sheltered within the estuary, Bonne Anse is much gentler: small waves, a bottom that's exposed at low tide — it's the spot to start out, or to get in your first longboard sessions as a family, away from the more technical swell of the Côte Sauvage.

Nauzan and Saint-Palais-sur-Mer

A little further south, towards Royan, the beaches of Nauzan and the Grande Côte at Saint-Palais-sur-Mer offer intermediate conditions, useful when the Côte Sauvage is too much for beginners. About twenty minutes from Arvert.

Schools and equipment rental

Several surf schools run seasonal outposts at the main Côte Sauvage access points and at Saint-Palais-sur-Mer, with group lessons, week-long courses and board and wetsuit rental. Booking ahead in July-August is recommended for morning slots, which are the most sought after.

Frequently asked questions

Where should you start surfing near Arvert?
At Bonne Anse, where the waves are gentler than on the Côte Sauvage.

What's the best spot for experienced surfers?
The Côte Sauvage, particularly around La Bouverie, for a more proper swell.

Are there surf schools on site?
Yes, several schools offer lessons and rental on the Côte Sauvage and at Saint-Palais-sur-Mer in season.