Jonville
- Freestyle, Freeride
- Best for
- Beginner to Expert
- Skill Level
- Flat, Chop
- Spot Type
- 12–25 kts
- Wind Range
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
Jonville is a shallow, flat-to-choppy wind-sports beach on the east side of the Cotentin. Water quality is consistently described as clean, and the spot’s big feature is its strong relationship with tide: conditions can be very shallow at mid-tide, while the beach geometry changes with higher vs lower water levels. Because of this, launch and riding plans need to match your tide choice and depth management. For wind direction, reports converge on south as the most favorable direction, with the usable spectrum also extending into SE, E, NE, and SW depending on the sport and the exact conditions that day. Afternoon thermal/sea-breeze patterns in spring and summer are commonly reported, which can enhance easterly or southerly components. Wind is described as typically in the low-to-mid teens up to the mid-20s knots, with some sessions described as steady and others as lighter-gusty. Safety needs special attention. Rocky hazards near the point/east side and stones/rock areas identified around higher tide, plus oyster beds in the wider area, make route selection and exit strategy critical. Currents (including tidal currents) are noted as present and can be strong or difficult at certain times; northerly winds are specifically flagged as problematic due to offshore effects. High tide and staying within marked/typical riding zones are repeatedly emphasized. Local session guidance highlights moving north for a clearer launch, and avoiding the far east end at low tide to reduce rock contact risk. Mid-tide is often described as a good compromise for flatter water behind sandbars, but the best approach varies with your discipline and your ability to manage shallow water and current.
- Flat water with chop; clean water quality
- South/S-SE/E winds commonly work well, with afternoon thermal enhancement in spring and summer
- Major tide-driven depth changes (including very shallow mid-tide)
- Club-supported environment with guidance and safety procedures
- Flat, clean water for kitesurfing/windsurfing with seasonal reliability.
- Works across a range of wind directions, with better/best options depending on discipline.
- Club-oriented spot infrastructure and on-site community support.
- Afternoon thermal enhancement in spring and summer can improve easterly/southerly components.
- Shallow water and depth changes with the tide (mid-tide particularly shallow).
- Tidal/strong currents reported, plus rocky/oyster-bed hazards.
- Some wind directions can be turbulent/dangerous (notably northerlies/offshore effects; west turbulence from dunes).
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- S, SE, E, NE, SW
- Offshore directions
- N, NNE, NNW
- No-go directions
- N, NNE, NNW
- Wind Range
- 12–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Thermal — Thermal-pattern sessions; can enhance easterly/southerly components on sunny spring/summer afternoons.
- Reliability
- Reliable during spring and summer high pressure or frontal passages.
- Gust Factor
- Light gusts — Also described as steady in some reports.
- Best Months
- April, May, June, July, August, September, October
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 9–14 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Flat, Chop
- Beach
- Sand — Sand beach; oysters/rocks and stones noted in the broader area.
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Small — Small waves reported; surfing descriptions also mention clean waves up to about 2 meters at NE–E depending on tide and wind.
- Chop Level
- Light chop — Chop reported alongside flat-water use (flat-to-choppy depending on wind and tide).
- Launch
- Small — Small sandy launch with rocks near stairs; described as wider at mid-to-low tide and narrower at high tide.
Through the year
Busy on weekends and during summer holidays; quiet in winter.
Late autumn and winter (November to February) see the most frequent storm systems.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Flat water with waves possible depending on wind direction; strong/shifting currents and rocky hazards make tide/exit planning important. One report highlights suitability for beginners on shallow, flat conditions at mid-tide; another notes intermediate+ skill needed for current and risk management.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–14 m²
Freride and slalom/free-ride characteristics across the bay; very shallow conditions at mid-tide require careful depth management. NW may be expert-only in one description due to current/off-wind effects.
- Sail Sizes
- 5.5–7.5 m²
Generally flat and protection-friendly for foiling, but depth must be monitored at low tide; minimum depth reported.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes — Foil-friendly reported, with caution for strong currents/tide.
- Min Depth
- 1.0 meter
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Jonville in the full forecast view.
Jonville wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 3–24 ktsGusts 39 kts
- Direction
- SW229°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 2424 kts
- Windy days
- 4/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.1–1.3 m3s period
- Temperature
- 8–17 °C
Over the next 7 days, Jonville is forecast for daytime winds of 3–24 kts, peaking around 24 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 39 kts. The prevailing direction is SW. Waves run 0.1–1.3 m with a period of about 3s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- strong_current
- rocks
- stones_in_bay
- oyster beds nearby
- offshore winds in northerly directions
- scattered rocks near the point to the east
- tidal currents
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal — Lifeguards described as seasonal.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Yes — Rescue described as available in the area; also specifically mentioned as not always present in one report.
- Emergency Info
- Emergency services available in nearby Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue or Cherbourg.
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild — Overall described as a club-oriented community; no strong localism restrictions reported beyond general respect for zones.
Rules of the spot
High tide recommended. Respect any designated kite/safety zones and swim zones during summer months. Follow club guidance and safety boat instructions where applicable.
- max_300m_distance
- seasonal beach usage restrictions in peak summer
- Move north for clearer launch.
- Avoid the far east end of the beach at low tide to stay clear of rocks.
- Best at mid-tide for flatter conditions behind sandbanks.
- Never go beyond 300m.
- West wind can be dangerous due to dune turbulence.
- Strong/tidal currents can be present at all tide levels—plan your session and exit early if needed.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Cherbourg-en-Cotentin
- Nearest Town
- Quettehou
- Nearest Airport
- Caen-Carpiquet Airport (CFR) – 105 km
- Parking
- Public/available parking close to the beach and campsite entrance.
- Public Transport
- Limited local bus service; a car is highly recommended for transporting gear. Rail access is available via Cherbourg or Valognes.
- Access
- Take N13 to Valognes. From here take D902 northeast to Quettehou and keep driving north and follow signs to Jonville.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- French
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Campsite accommodation is available directly at the spot; additional campsites, gîtes, and small hotels are available in Réville and Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue.
- Food & Drink
- Restaurant and bar available at the campsite and nearby in Réville.
- Equipment Rental:
- Limited rental may be available in Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue; some rental is also described through local nautical centers and schools in the Réville area.
- Gear Storage
- Limited storage options available through local clubs for members or students.
- Gear Repair
- Basic repair services available in Cherbourg-en-Cotentin and through some local schools.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
The wider Réville/Cotentin area blends maritime history, clean coastal scenery, and nearby heritage sites around Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue and the Val de Saire coast.
Historic fishing port known for granite architecture and a wild coastline.
UNESCO World Heritage site with 17th-century fortifications and maritime museums.
Long-distance hiking trail circling the Cotentin Peninsula with dramatic views.
Traditional cuisine with views over the Val de Saire coastline.
Long-distance hiking trail around the Cotentin Peninsula.
Maritime museum and aquarium in Cherbourg.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Jonville?
The best overall months at Jonville are May, June, July, August, September. The best wind months are April, May, June, July, August, September, October.
Which wind directions work at Jonville?
Jonville works with S, SE, E, NE, SW winds. Offshore directions are N, NNE, NNW. No-go directions are N, NNE, NNW.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Jonville?
Recommended equipment sizes at Jonville: Kitesurfing: 9–14 m² · Windsurfing: 5.5–7.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 12–25 kts.
What skill level is Jonville suitable for?
Jonville suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Beginner to Advanced · Windsurfing: Beginner to Advanced · Wingfoiling: Beginner to Advanced.