Cap Ferret & Le Verdon · France
Surfing Montalivet
A beach break in Cap Ferret & Le Verdon, France, for beginner and intermediate surfers.
- TypeBeach Break
- LevelBeginner / Intermediate
- Size1-5 ft
- Best monthsYear-round
- Crowd2/5
The wave
A long, family-oriented beach town further up the Gironde coast, known as much for its naturist tradition as its surf, with beach breaks that stay reliably fun across a wide range of swell sizes. Montalivet's waves break over sand in accessible, well-shaped peaks that suit a broad range of levels.
The nightlife-lit main beach draws the biggest crowds, but nearby stretches offer quieter alternatives when the town itself feels busy in high summer. Being further north on the Gironde coast, it catches the same dependable groundswell as Lacanau and Le Porge with noticeably fewer visiting surfers.
Keep it for a small-to-moderate swell for the friendliest conditions, and treat it as an easy-going, family-friendly stop on a longer Gironde road trip, rather than a destination in its own right for serious wave-hunters.
45.3667, -1.15 · Small-mod swell · Open in Google Maps
When to surf Montalivet
Montalivet is at its best from year-round. Conditions it likes: Small-mod swell. This is how the year looks across Gironde:
| Months | Verdict | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| October to March | Prime | Consistent, powerful groundswell, quiet off-season |
| April to June | Good | Reliable swell, milder crowds |
| July to August | Quiet | Smaller swell, busy beaches, Lacanau Pro in August |
In season: January · February · March · October · November · December
Waves near Montalivet
| Wave | Area | Type | Level | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Le Verdon | Cap Ferret & Le Verdon | Beach Break | Intermediate | 24 km |
| Carcans-Plage | Lacanau & Le Porge | Beach Break | Intermediate / Advanced | 32 km |
| Lacanau-Océan | Lacanau & Le Porge | Beach Break | Beginner / Intermediate / Advanced | 43 km |
| Le Porge | Lacanau & Le Porge | Beach Break | Intermediate / Advanced | 57 km |
| Le Mascaret | Cap Ferret & Le Verdon | Tidal Bore | Intermediate / Advanced | 59 km |
| Cap Ferret | Cap Ferret & Le Verdon | Beach Break | Beginner / Intermediate | 84 km |
Straight-line distances. By road it is usually further.
Getting there and staying around Cap Ferret & Le Verdon
Transport, costs and the rest of the waves in the area are in the Cap Ferret & Le Verdon surf guide →
A week here costs from about $327 with flights from Europe, or around $861 travelling comfortably. See other surf trips under $500 →
Montalivet: common questions
When is the best time to surf Montalivet?
Montalivet works best from year-round. Ideal conditions: Small-mod swell.
Is Montalivet good for beginners?
Yes. Montalivet suits beginner and intermediate surfers.
How crowded is Montalivet?
Montalivet is usually quiet: 2 out of 5 on our crowd scale.
Where is Montalivet?
Montalivet is in Cap Ferret & Le Verdon, in the Gironde region of France (45.3667, -1.15). The nearest wave we cover is Le Verdon, about 24 km away.
Last updated October 2026. Seasons, costs and conditions change, so check the details before you book.
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