Pointe de Grignon (Île de Ré)
- Wave, Freeride
- Best for
- Advanced to Expert
- Skill Level
- Medium waves
- Spot Type
- 15–30 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Pointe de Grignon (Île de Ré) is an Atlantic-exposed, tidal beach/reef area where water conditions are described as clean with medium (and sometimes bigger) wave characteristics. The bottom is rocky with oyster beds and shell coverage, which makes this a technically demanding spot for wave sports rather than a casual beach launch. Wind is most often discussed from the NW through WNW (with N also mentioned), and kitesurfing is commonly framed as a wave-focused session for advanced riders. Typical wind is reported around 15–30 knots, with moderate gustiness and moderate overall reliability that depends on Atlantic weather systems. Occasional summer sea-breeze reinforcement may help, but the spot’s wind window remains primarily weather-system dependent. Safety and tide management are central here. Multiple sources emphasize that surfing is only permitted at high tide because low tide exposes rocks. The usable launching/working area can be limited at high tide as well, and conditions may include tidal currents near points. Because sharp rocks and oyster shells are present throughout the ride zone, thick booties (and typically additional protective gear) are strongly recommended. Across disciplines, kitesurfing and windsurfing are described as advanced technical wave riding. Surfing is described as reef/point style and can become heavy or close out on the reef during larger swell. Wingfoiling is characterized as especially challenging due to shallow, rocky ground and highly tide-dependent clearance, so local knowledge and timing matter.
- NW-sector wind can support wave riding for advanced kitesurfers
- Rocky reef/oyster-bed hazards require careful booties and tide planning
- Surfing is restricted to high tide
- Atlantic-exposed setup that can produce quality wave riding
- Strong NW sector wind for wave-focused kitesurfing
- Clean water quality
- Rocky/reef hazards and sharp shells across the riding area
- Surf and usable access are strictly tide-dependent (high tide required by multiple sources)
- Technical, narrow launch/takeoff area
- Limited rescue availability
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- NW, WNW, N
- Wind Range
- 15–30 kts
- Wind Type
- Frontal — Primarily weather-system/Atlantic-front dependent.
- Reliability
- Moderate
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts
- Best Months
- April, May, September, October
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 7–11 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Medium waves
- Beach
- Mixed — Sources describe either sand or mixed (stones and some sand); narrow/stone-dominant launch zone.
- Beach Size
- Tidal
- Waves
- Medium — Some sources describe big-wave potential; wave conditions are generally described as medium with the potential to get larger.
- Launch
- Small — Accessible only at high tide; low tide exposes rocks.
- Launch Difficulty
- Difficult — Some sources rate as easy; others describe technical/narrow access and rocky launch terrain. Overall: tide- and hazard-dependent.
Through the year
Very crowded during French school holidays (July–August); quiet in the off-season.
Late autumn and winter (November to February) see the most frequent Atlantic storms.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Exposed Atlantic swell with a technical, rocky launch/takeoff area; best for experienced riders seeking wave action.
- Kite Sizes
- 7–11 m²
Wave riding is excellent when the swell is up; rocky bottom and technical launch mean it’s only suited for advanced riders comfortable near hazards.
- Sail Sizes
- 4.2–5.7 m²
Challenging because of shallow rocky reef and constant waves; requires local knowledge to avoid the bottom.
- Foil Friendly
- Limited — Minimum depth is highly tide-dependent and typically requires mid to high tide.
- Min Depth
- Variable; requires mid to high tide to clear rocks
- Wing Sizes
- 4–5 m²
Rocky point/reef setting on the Atlantic-exposed side of Île de Ré; works best with careful tide management due to sharp shallows and rocks.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- W, NW
- Swell Height
- 1–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid — Some sources indicate surfing works best at high tide due to exposed rocks at low tide; tide level is critical.
- Shelter
- Exposed
- Wind Effect
- NW wind is cross-shore; W is onshore.
- Bigger Swell
- Can close out or become very heavy on the reef.
- Wave Quality
- Good
- Wave Power
- Moderate
- Wave Shape
- Peeling
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Medium
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Pointe de Grignon (Île de Ré) in the full forecast view.
Pointe de Grignon (Île de Ré) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 4–30 ktsGusts 41 kts
- Direction
- WSW251°
- Strongest day
- Sun, Oct 2530 kts
- Windy days
- 5/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.6–3.6 m10s period
- Temperature
- 11–17 °C
Over the next 7 days, Pointe de Grignon (Île de Ré) is forecast for daytime winds of 4–30 kts, peaking around 30 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 41 kts. The prevailing direction is WSW. Waves run 0.6–3.6 m with a period of about 10s. 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
- Sharp rocks
- Oyster beds
- Shells
- Tidal currents
- Rocks exposed at low tide
- Limited launch area at high tide
- Oyster shells/rocks throughout the riding area
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- No
- Emergency Info
- Nearest emergency services in Ars-en-Ré or Saint-Martin-de-Ré.
- Localism / Vibe
- Moderate — Respect local surfers and kiter priority in the waves.
Rules of the spot
Surfing is permitted only at high tide. Observe rider priority in the waves and heed designated swimming zones when applicable.
- Surfing only permitted at high tide.
- Kitesurfing may be restricted in designated swimming zones during July and August.
- Only go at high tide; rocks make the spot unusable at low tide.
- Wear thick booties to protect against sharp rocks and oyster shells.
- Check tide charts carefully as the beach/usable area can change significantly.
- If unfamiliar with rock positions, only ride at mid-tide.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- La Rochelle
- Nearest Town
- Ars-en-Ré
- Parking
- Free parking available at the entrance in a large lot; spaces are limited. Parking may also be limited near access paths to the beach.
- Access
- Get to Île de Ré, then drive west toward Pointe de Grignon (toll bridge to the island). Parking is limited near the access paths; a larger free lot is available at the entrance area by Route de la Pointe de Grignon in/near Ars-en-Ré.
- Local Language
- French
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Camping sites and holiday rentals are available in Ars-en-Ré.
- Food & Drink
- Restaurants and cafes are located in the center of Ars-en-Ré.
- Equipment Rental:
- Shops in Ars-en-Ré and Le Bois-Plage-en-Ré offer rentals (availability varies).
- Gear Storage
- Gear storage available via nautical centers and schools (seasonal lockers).
- Gear Repair
- Minor repairs available at surf shops in nearby towns.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Historic lighthouse at the western tip of the island with panoramic views.
Protected wetland area popular for bird watching.
Over 100km of paved cycling paths connecting villages through salt marshes and vineyards.
Well-known oyster bar serving local Charente-Maritime seafood.
Baudet du Poitou donkeys wearing traditional trousers in Saint-Martin’s parks.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Pointe de Grignon (Île de Ré)?
The best overall months at Pointe de Grignon (Île de Ré) are April, May, June, July, August, September, October. The best wind months are April, May, September, October.
Which wind directions work at Pointe de Grignon (Île de Ré)?
Pointe de Grignon (Île de Ré) works with NW, WNW, N winds.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Pointe de Grignon (Île de Ré)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Pointe de Grignon (Île de Ré): Kitesurfing: 7–11 m² · Windsurfing: 4.2–5.7 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–5 m². The typical wind range is 15–30 kts.
What skill level is Pointe de Grignon (Île de Ré) suitable for?
Pointe de Grignon (Île de Ré) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Advanced · Windsurfing: Advanced · Wingfoiling: Expert · Surfing: Advanced.