Overview
La Gravière is the legendary Hossegor tube spot, breaking over sand on the site of an old gravel pit. It throws heavy, thick-lipped lefts and rights very close to shore, and it often closes out.
It has hosted pro-surfing competitions in huge conditions, including the 2011 Quik Pro. The wave can reform over the shallow inside bars after showing white-caps outside, and it is known for snapping boards.
When It Works
The spot picks up swell from west to north, with northwest as the optimal swell direction. It works from 0.9 m / 3 ft to 4.6 m / 15 ft and is moderately consistent.
Swell period matters a lot here: it can be messy and inconsistent, or lined-up and bombing through. As swell height rises, the rip speed usually rises too.
Wind and Tide
The offshore wind direction is east.
Low, mid, and high tide can all be in play, but a rising tide is better. The tidal range can radically affect the window for ideal conditions.
Local Tips
This is an expert-only wave. It is humbling for almost everyone except barrel specialists and pros, especially on big days when the current can sweep surfers south before they can get into the sets.
It is a busy spot.
Access
Facilities are down the beach at Hossegor’s Front de Mer.
There is free roadside parking along Boulevard de Front de Mer (D79), with slatted access paths through the stabilised dunes. You can also park at La Nord and walk up the beach.
