L'Ermitage

A-frame beach peaks between Saint Michel Chef Chef and Saint Brévin on Loire-Atlantique's Atlantic-facing coast deliver a reliable intermediate option when the swell swings WSW. Works best on medium-to-long-period groundswell from the W to WSW quadrant, ENE offshore, and performs strongest at mid to high tide when the sandbars hold shape. Size window runs 3 to 6ft before it closes out, smaller swells produce workable peaks from the northern end of the beach where sandbar formations tend to be punchier and faster. Suits advanced beginners pushing to intermediate and solid intermediates looking for uncrowded peaks. This stretch rarely draws a crowd even in winter, the best season for swell frequency. Bottom: sand. Season: autumn to early spring. Consistency: moderate to good in winter swells. Bring a 4/3 or 5/4 wetsuit from October through April, water temps drop to around 10°C mid-winter and rarely exceed 19°C in summer.