La Sauzaie is a popular surf spot located in Brétignolles sur Mer. It's known for its short but exciting waves that break over a seaweed-covered reef. This spot stands out because it usually has bigger and more powerful waves compared to the nearby beaches. The area is often busy with surfers, especially since it hosts regular contests, so be prepared for a competitive atmosphere.
The surf here offers some solid opportunities, especially when the swell comes from the west, though it can also handle southwest and northwest swell directions. It can break nicely at sizes as small as 2ft (0.6m) and tends to create fun, tubular sections that appeal to intermediate surfers. You'll find a mix of lefts and rights with a few backdoor options at the peak. Just keep an eye on the tide: mid to high tide is usually the best for catching waves. It can handle a bit of onshore wind, but at high tide, be cautious as it can get close to the rocks and cliffs, especially on smaller days.
When you’re there, look out for landmarks like the yellow La Sauzaie buoy and the wooden totem called Le Motaï, which is hard to miss. If you are looking for a bit of variety, the super shallow rights of ‘Killer’ are just to the north. With lots of little slots to explore, La Sauzaie definitely keeps things interesting on the water!