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📷 Selvin Esteban · Pexels

California Street

3.8 — based on 15 community signals
4.1 12 species 17 contributors

Year-round French Atlantic surf spot in the Médoc Natural Regional Park with consistent waves and protected status.

⭐ Best for intermediate divers.

🐢 MPA · Parc naturel régional du Médoc updated 4 months ago
Shore entryYearRound

At a glance

Activity
surf
Best months
Year-round
Marine life
Bottlenose dolphin

Top operators here

See all operators ↓

Map

This spot Operators Airport Nearby spots
California Street location map © Google · Map data © Google, contributors
Open in Google Maps

Conditions today

Conditions

Open-Meteo
Wind
2.5 kn
Wave
2 m
Water
19.5°C
N E S W
Wind direction (7d)
Primary: NE (40%)
Now: ENE (67°)
Tide (7 days)
range: 3.58m

Today: High 10:00 (+0.19m), Low 04:00 (-1.03m)

+1.4 m0 m-2.2 m
▼ 04:00 · -1.03m ▲ 10:00 · +0.19m ▼ 17:00 · -1.02m ▲ 23:00 · -0.06m Now -0.2m
Sat 19Sun 20Mon 21Tue 22Wed 23Thu 24Fri 25
UV5.4 · mod Air PM2.54 · good 07:48 20:08
Day Wind Wave UV Rain
09-19 9.2 2.02 5 0mm
09-20 9.4 1.52 5 0mm
09-21 8.3 1.48 5 0mm
09-22 8 1.36 5 0mm
09-23 5.9 1.34 5 0mm
09-24 5 1.38 5 0mm
09-25 4.9 1.7 5 0mm

About this spot

California Street is a surf break located in France within the Parc naturel régional du Médoc, a designated natural reserve that protects the surrounding ecosystem. The spot offers year-round surfing opportunities, making it accessible to visiting surfers across all seasons. The protected status of the area means the break exists within a managed environment designed to balance recreation with conservation. The spot has generated community interest with 12 documented species observations and 3 community videos available, indicating active local and visiting surfer engagement. These resources provide real-world insight into conditions and marine life in the area. The park setting distinguishes California Street from many other European breaks, offering surfers access to both waves and a natural landscape. Surfers planning a visit should contact local operators or community resources for current conditions, swell forecasts, and any seasonal considerations. The year-round availability means flexibility in timing, though Atlantic swells have seasonal patterns that affect consistency. Access information and local etiquette should be confirmed before arrival.

📖 Guide: Diving in France: 220 Sites From Alpine Lakes to Tropical Reefs

Best months

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Marine life

Bottlenose dolphin

Trip essentials

Everything you need before you pack — checklist, sun, logistics.

Trip checklist

  • 🛂 Visa-free or visa-on-arrival
  • 🏄 Surfboard or rental confirmation
  • 🧴 Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50+
  • 🔌 Plug type C/E/F · 230V adapter
  • 💊 Seasickness meds + ear drops
  • 📱 Offline maps + emergency contact

Quick facts

  • 🌓 Moon First quarter · 48%
  • GPS
Sustainability disclosures
🌍 CO2 footprint LHR ↔ 721km · ~166kg · €3

FAQ

When is the best time to surf California Street?

California Street is surfable year-round, giving you flexibility in planning your trip. Atlantic swells follow seasonal patterns, so researching current conditions before your visit is recommended.

What is the difficulty level and wave size?

Specific difficulty ratings and wave height data are not documented for this break. Check community videos and local reports for current conditions before paddling out.

What marine life can you see at California Street?

12 species observations have been recorded at the break. Review community-submitted species data for details on what you might encounter in the water.

Is California Street protected or are there access restrictions?

The break sits within the Parc naturel régional du Médoc, a protected natural regional park. Check local regulations and access rules before visiting to ensure compliance with park guidelines.

See it live now

Live webcams at this spot (within 500 m). Windy.com

Operators near this spot

Dive centres, kite & surf schools within 10 km, sourced from OpenStreetMap.

UCPA - École de Surf

0.4 km
Surf school

Big Mama Surf School

0.8 km
Surf school

Kite Area

8.1 km
Kite school

Recently spotted by divers

iNaturalist →

See this spot in action

YouTube videos — click to play.

California by French Connexion

Surfers Village TV

ALL-STAR SURF EVENT IN FRANCE WITH PERFECT WAVES

Ho & Pringle Productions

France West Coast Surf Trip

Max Weber

Local knowledge

OpenStreetMap Notes
  • "onosm.org submitted note from a business: Name: Tedey Yacht Club addr:housenumber=11 addr:street=les pellegrins addr:city=Lacanau addr:postcode=33680 Phone number: 0033757099560 Website: tedey-yc.com Social Network: @tedeyyachtclub Opening Hours: Mo-Sun 10am to 7pm Wheelchair accessibility: yes Category: Sailing Description: Sailing club windsurf wingfoil lesson rental Accepted payment methods: Bank card takeaway=no"

    anonymous · 2026-04-27
  • "Route non goudronnée uniquement pour riverains et piéton ou vélo. La passer en 'track' ?"

    peyot · 2022-08-12
wind peaks Mar-Jan-Dec, calmest Aug-Sep-Jun, dry Jan-Dec.

5-year monthly climate

60 samples
0 5 10 15 20 25 JFMAMJJASOND
p25–p75 range Median Wind (kn) Air (°C)

Nearby spots

Hurley France Surfing
🇫🇷 France

Hurley

Hurley is a year-round French Atlantic surf spot within the Parc naturel régional du Médoc, protected by its regional park status.

Jan·Feb·Mar+
Surf City France Surfing
🇫🇷 France

Surf City

Surf City delivers consistent waves year-round in France's Médoc natural park, protected coastal terrain with steady swell and a welcoming lineup.

Intermediate Jan·Feb·Mar+
Depeyris Surfboards France Surfing
🇫🇷 France

Depeyris Surfboards

Depeyris Surfboards is a year-round surf destination in France's Médoc Natural Regional Park, with consistent waves and protected coastal access.

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