Lacanau & Le Porge · France
Surfing Carcans-Plage
A beach break in Lacanau & Le Porge, France, for intermediate and advanced surfers.
- TypeBeach Break
- LevelIntermediate / Advanced
- Size2-7 ft
- Best monthsSep-Apr
- Crowd2/5
The wave
Carcans-Plage is a quiet beach north of Lacanau, with dunes and pine forest running down to the sand. It picks up the same groundswell as the rest of the Gironde coast, with far fewer people.
Local contests have been held here for years. It's an easy drive from Lacanau or Bordeaux.
45.08, -1.17 · Clean groundswell · Open in Google Maps
When to surf Carcans-Plage
Carcans-Plage is at its best from September to April. Conditions it likes: Clean groundswell. 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 Carcans-Plage
| Wave | Area | Type | Level | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lacanau-Océan | Lacanau & Le Porge | Beach Break | Beginner / Intermediate / Advanced | 11 km |
| Le Porge | Lacanau & Le Porge | Beach Break | Intermediate / Advanced | 25 km |
| Montalivet | Cap Ferret & Le Verdon | Beach Break | Beginner / Intermediate | 32 km |
| Le Mascaret | Cap Ferret & Le Verdon | Tidal Bore | Intermediate / Advanced | 48 km |
| Cap Ferret | Cap Ferret & Le Verdon | Beach Break | Beginner / Intermediate | 52 km |
| Le Verdon | Cap Ferret & Le Verdon | Beach Break | Intermediate | 55 km |
Straight-line distances. By road it is usually further.
Getting there and staying around Lacanau & Le Porge
Transport, costs and the rest of the waves in the area are in the Lacanau & Le Porge surf guide →
A week here costs from about $327 with flights from Europe, or around $861 travelling comfortably. See other surf trips under $500 →
Carcans-Plage: common questions
When is the best time to surf Carcans-Plage?
Carcans-Plage works best from September to April. Ideal conditions: Clean groundswell.
Is Carcans-Plage good for beginners?
No. Carcans-Plage is a wave for intermediate and advanced surfers. The closest beginner-friendly spot we cover is Lacanau-Océan in Lacanau & Le Porge, about 11 km away.
How crowded is Carcans-Plage?
Carcans-Plage is usually quiet: 2 out of 5 on our crowd scale.
Where is Carcans-Plage?
Carcans-Plage is in Lacanau & Le Porge, in the Gironde region of France (45.08, -1.17). The nearest wave we cover is Lacanau-Océan, about 11 km away.
Last updated October 2026. Seasons, costs and conditions change, so check the details before you book.
One strange surf spot a week
The Lineup: one strange surf spot each week, from hippos on the beach in Gabon to lefts under the volcanoes of Kamchatka. Free, and nothing else lands in your inbox.