Things You'll Need:
- Surfboard
- Wetsuit
- Car
- Map
- French Phrasebook
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Step 1
Surf in the city at Saint Gilles Croix de Vie. The concrete promenade that extends into the ocean provides a great place to watch the surf, as well as a jumping point if you don’t want to paddle as far. A very consistent break, the waves can be mushy without a stiff northeastern wind. Because it’s in the city, Saint Gilles Croix de Vie gets crowded in the summer, but a 10-minute walk will provide some empty breaks.
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Step 2
Head south to La Sauzaie. This reefbreak tends to be short and powerful, offering both right- and lefthanded waves. It is usually better than any of the surrounding breaks, which means it can become crowded. Contests are the norm here, and the locals are protective of their break. Show them respect and you’ll be fine.
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Step 3
Move through the woods and out to Sauveterre. The beach of Sauveterre is at the end of a path through the woods. Breaking over two separate reefs, both righthanded waves are long and excellent. The closest wave, Pic du Phoque, is the larger of the two when a big swell rolls through. However, with a ten-minute paddle you can reach Pic du Large, which holds shape in big swells.
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Step 4
Take your pick of Les Conches or Bud-Bud. Both breaks are located in the town of Longeville. Les Conches is the more popular of the two because of the parking lot adjacent to the beach. If you walk south though, you’ll find Bud-Bud, which is more powerful and usually less crowded.
