What size does L' Aubraie work best at?

3–6 ft is the working range. Below that it goes flat; above, it stops being fun and the lineup thins out.

When is the best season to surf L' Aubraie?

Peak season runs through the months when the swell window aligns and trade winds blow offshore. See the month strip in Wave fit for the working window.

What type of wave is L' Aubraie?

L' Aubraie is a a-frame breaking wave over mixed. Short hollow beach-break peak with reef influence.

Vendée, Northwest France, France

L' Aubraie

46.515, -1.824

Edited by Thomas Jackson

Verified May 2026

Editor-reviewedCross-checked against 1 reference

A-frame · MixedIntermediate → Advanced3–6 ftJan – Dec

A compact beach-break with a reef-influenced peak sits inside a nature preserve just north of Les Sables-d'Olonne, offering consistent hollow surf when the main bay goes flat. SW to NW swell at 3-6ft activates the best section over a small reef plateau, with offshore winds from the E or SE keeping it clean. Low to mid tide is the sweet spot, high tide kills the shape and generates awkward backwash. Best suited to experienced surfers comfortable with hollow, punchy conditions on a short canvas. Bottom: beach with reef plateau. Season: autumn through spring. Consistency: reliable when Atlantic swell is running. Wind picks up hard in the afternoons, especially in summer, so dawn patrol is the call here. The spot sits within a protected nature reserve, so carry your rubbish out without exception.

Wave fit

Skill suited

Intermediate → Advanced

BegIntAdv

Best months

Jan – Dec

Character

Short hollow beach-break peak with reef influence.

Conditions

When it works

Optimum tide

High tide only

Trip planning

Quick facts

Water temp

11° to 20°C

Wetsuit

3/2 summer, 4/3 winter

What to bring

Shortboard 6ft to 6ft 4in for hollow peaks
Fish or small step-up for the 5-6ft range

Lineup

Mellow lineup

Where it sits

Location

Loading map...

About this break

What it's actually like

Crowd Access Nearby Alternatives

Crowd & Localism

One of the quieter breaks in the area. Both weekdays and weekends tend to see few surfers, and outside the summer camping season you may have the lineup entirely to yourself. No reported heavy localism. Standard courtesy applies.

Access & Facilities

Drive north into the La Chaume district of Les Sables-d'Olonne and follow the edge of the Forêt d'Olonne. The break sits at the start of the woods where the nature reserve begins. A seasonal campsite is adjacent. Public bus access is possible from the town centre. No permanent facilities on the beach. Pack water and food.

Nearby Alternatives

When L'Aubraie is maxed out or blown out, head into Les Sables-d'Olonne bay itself for something more sheltered. The Vendée coastline north and south holds numerous beach-break options that pick up the same Atlantic swells with slightly different exposures.

10-day swell, wind and tide