Overview
L'Embarcadère is a soft, playful right that peels down the shoreline from the pier in La Tranche sur Mer. It breaks over a mix of uneven reef and sand, and it's the spot everyone heads for when the surf turns stormy, serving up long, mellow rides. The wave is never too big and always easy to surf, and you can walk back up to the peak between sets.
When It Works
This wall needs a big west swell to come to life, so don't expect any summer action. It draws swell from west to northwest, with west swell the best match, and works from 0.3 m / 1 ft to 1.8 m / 6 ft. Consistency can be a little hit-or-miss, so it pays to catch it when a proper storm lines up.
Wind and Tide
Look for northwest offshore wind, which pairs naturally with the west storm swells that switch this spot on. It breaks on low and mid tide, with a rising tide generally the better call.
Local Tips
The mellow, forgiving wall suits intermediate surfers well. Because it's never too big, always easy to surf, and lets you walk back to the peak, it pulls record crowds, so expect a very busy lineup when it's on.
Access
Surfing isn't allowed here from April to October, though it hardly breaks in those months anyway. Onshore you'll find restrooms, showers, a surf shop, camping, and a car park.
