Le Phare du Groin du Cou

📍 Local Knowledge

Le Phare du Groin du Cou in the Vendée is a reliable exposed reef break located near the lighthouse in La Tranche-sur-Mer. This spot is known for its consistency and can provide rideable waves throughout the year, drawing from a balanced mix of local windswells and distant groundswells. It performs best with a West swell angle. Because of its reputation and accessibility, it can sometimes get crowded when the conditions are firing. Surfers should exercise caution and be mindful of both strong rip currents and submerged rocks that define the reef. The best sessions occur when that West swell meets Northeast offshore winds, with March and the Spring season being the prime time for consistent, clean waves.