#500 European Rank
Plage de Lacanau
Lacanau-Océan, Gironde, France•Atlantic Ocean• Best Season: June, July, August, September
Photo: Grand Parc - Bordeaux, France from France (CC BY 2.0) · Wikimedia Commons source
Day-of-Visit Snapshot
3-Second Operational AnswersEDITORIAL SCORE
4.36/ 5.0
SEA TEMPERATURE
21.2°C
August 30-year average
DAILY BUDGET
€66/day
SAND & SHORELINE
Golden Sand
Gradual Drop
Live Open-Meteo European Feed
Morning Beach Pulse & Marine Telemetry
Wind-Exposed
Moderate Surf
Exposed to Onshore Surf & ChopCove aspect: Faces W (270°) · Wind: W (270°)
Onshore wind (12 km/h) is pushing open-sea swell directly into the bay, creating active breaking waves and reduced visibility.
Significant Wave Height
...
Exercise Caution
Swell Profile
...
Reading buoy...
Live Surface Wind
...
W (270°) · ONSHORE
UV & Air Temperature
...
UV 5 · Moderate (SPF 30)
Cove Aspect & Shelter Compass
Seaward Orientation vs. Live Wind DirectionCove Faces W (270°)
Onshore Wind • Waves and surface chop pushed into the beach
Shoreline Facing (θ_aspect)
W (270°)
Open Sea Exposure
Surface Wind Vector
W (270°)
12 km/h · Δθ = 0°
Spatial Geometry: Wind from W pushes unobstructed over the open sea directly onto the W-facing coast, generating breaking chop.
Morning Coastal Brief for Plage de Lacanau: Noticeable shorebreak; recommend caution for small children and non-swimmers. Onshore wind (12 km/h) is pushing open-sea swell directly into the bay, creating active breaking waves and reduced visibility. Models update sub-daily via Open-Meteo European marine models.
Interactive Oceanographic Climatology
Seasonal Sea Warmth & Bathing Climatology
30-Year NOAA OISST v2.1 Monthly Normals (1991–2020) · Lacanau-Océan, Gironde, France
Refreshing
Early August
21.2°C
Air ~31°C
Comfortable for active swimming; brisk initial entry
Brisk initial immersion; comfortable for sustained active swimming. Ideal for morning laps and water sports.
Drag to scrub 12-month temperature curveEarly August · 21.2°C
| Month | Sea Surface Temp | Air Temp | Thermal Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 11.8°C | 17°C | Crisp & Bracing |
| February | 11.0°C | 18°C | Crisp & Bracing |
| March | 11.3°C | 20°C | Crisp & Bracing |
| April | 12.8°C | 23°C | Crisp & Bracing |
| May | 15.3°C | 26°C | Crisp & Bracing |
| June | 18.3°C | 29°C | Crisp & Bracing |
| July | 20.4°C | 31°C | Refreshing |
| August | 21.2°C | 31°C | Refreshing |
| September | 19.8°C | 29°C | Refreshing |
| October | 17.8°C | 26°C | Crisp & Bracing |
| November | 15.3°C | 22°C | Crisp & Bracing |
| December | 13.2°C | 19°C | Crisp & Bracing |
NOAA OISST v2.1 30-year climatological normal (1991–2020).Explore all France Sea Temperatures
Swimmability Window · NOAA Climatology
Swimmable 7 Aug – 19 Aug (>21°C) · 12 days
Planning around peak water warmth (21.2°C)?
Lock in coastal villas and boutique stays near Plage de Lacanau for the optimal June–July–August–September swimming window.
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Quick Summary
Preview
🏖️ Plage de Lacanau (Lacanau-Océan, Gironde, France)
🌊 Water temperature: 21.2°C
⛱️ Beach access: 100% free public sand • Sunbeds: €0–€0
🧭 Wind & shelter: Faces W (sheltered from E winds)
📍 Guide: https://shores.cc/beach/plage-de-lacanau-fr/Tip: Add this beach to your home screen to quickly check morning wind and water conditions before heading out.
EEA Bathing Water Directive 2006/7/EC
Bathing Water Purity & Statutory Standards
Status: Excellent
Microbial Water Purity
95th-Percentile Compliant
Escherichia coli & intestinal enterococci within statutory limits.
Bathing Directive Tier
Tier 1: Sufficient & Safe
Monitored across the official European bathing season.
Official European Environment Agency (EEA) water monitoring verifies recreational cleanliness, sewage absence, and safety standards across all 31 member and partner coastal nations.
Score Breakdown
Scenery & Setting4.2 / 5
Water Clarity & Cleanliness4.9 / 5
Sand & Shoreline Quality4.7 / 5
Atmosphere & Safety4.6 / 5
Accessibility & Entry Ease4.5 / 5
Affordability & Fair Pricing3.7 / 5
About Plage de Lacanau
A dune-backed surf beach that has hosted the Lacanau Pro since 1979. Bordeaux's ocean.
Key Beach Facts
Official Records•Access: Accessible by road from Lacanau-Océan with designated boardwalks and paths leading to Central, North, and Super Sud beaches, connected by coastal cycling paths.
•Protected Status / Environment: Dune and maritime pine forest ecosystems subject to coastal erosion management and regulated bathing zones.
•Notable Feature: Renowned surf mecca hosting international surf competitions including the Caraïbos Lacanau Pro since 1979.
Sand Transparency & Sunbed Index
Public sand quota, private lido density, and legal towel placement rights
Wide Open Public Sand
Free Public Sand (100%)Private Concessions (0%)
2-Sunbed + Umbrella Set Rate
Free (100% Public)
No commercial loungers; bring your own parasol and beach mat.
Towel Bather Guidance
Abundant unencumbered shoreline. Free towel placement everywhere with minimal commercial footprint.
Legal Shoreline Rights: 100% open public coastline. No commercial sunbed concessions or umbrella installations permitted.
Arrival Logistics, Parking & Sun Exposure
Micro-logistics, parking payment taxonomy, and topographic shadow schedules.
Parking Payment & Rates
Free Parking
Free Verge / Unpaved Roadside
Follow local municipal parking signage to avoid fines during summer peak hours.
Sun Exposure & Cliff Shadows
Full-Day Unobstructed Sunlight
Open shoreline with full solar exposure from mid-morning through evening twilight.
Footwear & Karst Protection
Unnecessary (Soft Natural Sand)
Fine powder or golden sand allows comfortable barefoot wading into shallow depths.
Amenities & Facilities
Bathrooms
YesShowers
YesFree Parking
YesFood / Tavernas
YesGood for Kids
YesDog Friendly
NoLifeguard on Duty
NoSunbed & Umbrella Rentals
NoNatural Cliff/Pine Shade
YesWheelchair Accessible
NoSnorkeling & Watersports
YesNudist / FKK Friendly
NoGetting There & Local Notes
Getting there:
Located near Lacanau-Océan, Gironde. Accessible via regional coastal roads (45.002°N, -1.203°E).
•Powerful waves and baïne rip currents; bathe between the flags in summer.
•A laid-back surf town in the Médoc pines, an hour due west of Bordeaux.
Nearest Airport & Transit Gateway
INTL · 40m driveConvenient highway or local transit access across Lacanau-Océan, Gironde, France.
Are you a Venue Owner or Promoter at Plage de Lacanau?
Promote your beach club, summer residency, or submit photo & data updates to Shores.
Frequently Asked Questions about Plage de Lacanau
What is the water temperature at Plage de Lacanau?
The peak summer sea surface temperature at Plage de Lacanau averages 21.2°C (70°F), based on 30-year NOAA satellite climatology.
What type of coast or sand is Plage de Lacanau?
Plage de Lacanau is classified as a golden sand shoreline located in Lacanau-Océan, Gironde, France.
Is Plage de Lacanau good for families with kids?
Yes, Plage de Lacanau is suitable for families and children with manageable water entry.
Are there parking and facilities at Plage de Lacanau?
Free parking is available. Restroom facilities are present.
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