Ile de Ré - Les Grenettes

Ile de Ré – Les Grenettes is a well-known surf spot on the east coast of Île de Ré, in Charente-Maritime, France, near the village of Sainte-Marie-de-Ré.

Spot description

Les Grenettes is a beach break exposed to the Atlantic swell, offering fun waves when conditions line up. It tends to work best on a mid to incoming tide and usually benefits from moderate to large swell with a clean offshore breeze. The sandbanks can shift, so the quality of the waves changes through the season and after storms.

Wave type

• Mostly beach break
• Can produce peaky, rippable lefts and rights
• Often mushy to punchy, depending on swell size and sandbanks

Best conditions

• Swell: W/NW and NW Atlantic swell generally works well
• Wind: Best with offshore easterly winds
• Tide: Often better mid tide to high tide, but this can vary with sandbank shape

Crowd and vibe

• Popular with local surfers and holidaymakers
• Can get busy in summer, especially when the surf is good
• More relaxed in shoulder seasons and when conditions are less consistent

Skill level

• Suitable for beginners to intermediate surfers when the waves are small and organized
• Can be more challenging on bigger days, with stronger currents and heavier surf

Hazards

• Changing sandbanks
• Strong currents on larger swell
• Crowds
• Occasional shorebreak depending on tide and swell

Nearby amenities

• Easy access from nearby roads and accommodations
• Close to Saint-Martin-de-Ré and Sainte-Marie-de-Ré
• Surf schools, rentals, cafés, and parking are typically available in the area