Technical details of spot

Spot functioning

Parking at the foot of the site. Watch the stone border, especially at high tide when there is little room to launch. Northwest spring thermal is the ideal condition — calm, clean, consistent. In summer, check the regulated access rules (seasonal restrictions possible). FFVL-labelled spot.

On the water

Protected flat water inside the Bassin d'Arcachon — no ocean swell. Chop of 0.1 to 0.5m in strong northwest wind. Sandy and muddy bottom, significant tidal range (up to 5m in spring). Very shallow at low tide near the shore. Boat traffic must be monitored at all times.

Required level

Intermediate

Spot opening date

Open all year round

Open year-round. Best season: April to October. Northwest thermal most reliable May to September. Access regulated in summer — verify current conditions with local associations. Crowded in July-August.

Hazards

Tide-affected spot — very little beach space at high tide making launch/landing hazardous near the stone edge. Tidal currents in the Bassin d'Arcachon. Boat and sailing traffic. Shallow areas exposed at low tide. Regulated zone — check current access rules before visiting. Crowded in peak summer.

Wind specificities

Northwest and west thermal winds are the signature of the Arcachon basin — they build from late morning to early afternoon, typically 12 to 22 knots. The Bassin acts as a thermal collector, making the afternoon breeze very consistent on sunny days. South wind provides additional sessions. The city buildings and trees can create turbulence close to shore — move into the Bassin for cleaner air.

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