The Pin Sec beach, lost in the middle of an immense pine forest, 10 km from the town of Naujac-sur-Mer, is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful beaches on the Atlantic coast. 4 km of golden sand, the skyline interrupted only by the remains of the Atlantic Wall… Wild and authentic, success has never dented the natural beauty of this ideal surfing spot, untouched by urban development. On site, there’s just enough to welcome those who love direct contact with nature: a campsite with a rootsy, friendly atmosphere where the surf-camps are legendary, wooden bungalows for eating out, and surf schools for practising the king of Médoc sports.
Surfing at Pin Sec
The Pin Sec beach and its surf camps
The surfers’ temple at Naujac-sur-Mer
With the fierce waves of the Atlantic Ocean, surfing is the king of sports here, and the Pin Sec beach is a historic landmark for surfers. Since the 1970s, five surf clubs have set up shop at Le Pin Sec, and the Naujac-sur-Mer campsite at the foot of the dune was born to welcome them. The campsite has a rootsy atmosphere andhas preserved itsnatural spirit, with mainly wooden facilities.
A whole section of the campsite is dedicated to surfers, and thousands of young surfers from all over the world meet up every year at the Pin Sec surf camps, renowned for their friendly atmosphere.
The wild and authentic side of the Silver Coast for a magnificent sunset
The Pin Sec beach is one of the wildest and most natural beaches on the Côte d’Argent. It seems to be lost in the heart of a vast pine forest, 10 km from the village of Naujac-sur-Mer, and its golden sands stretch for almost 4 km with no sign of urbanisation on the horizon! Since 1986, the Littoral law has protected the site from excessive construction. There’s a real mutual respect here between man and nature. A spirited, authentic beach, it is regularly cited as one of France’s most beautiful beaches, from which you can admire sumptuous sunsets.
The Pin Sec beach campsite is also the ideal holiday destination for families and those who love direct contact with nature, without too many facilities or artificial features. A cool, friendly atmosphere adds to the soothing scent of the pine trees. Travelling by van and shunning the toboggan-karaoke atmosphere ? Then you’ve found your next destination! There’s even a big gathering of VW T1 T2 Combis in September: the Naujac Bus Camp. The vintage postcard is worth a look…
It’s nice to get back to basics, to be as close to nature as possible, and friendships are made naturally !
Access to the beach is via a path built above the dune. After admiring the panorama from the top, head for the ocean to enjoy one of the many ‘nature’ activities on offer at this remarkable site.
Sports enthusiasts will enjoy surfing, of course, as well as a variety of outdoor sports: swimming, cycling, running, aerial yoga, hang-gliding, etc. Families will appreciate the supervised swimming in summer and the distance from the road, allowing children to play in complete safety. Fans of idleness can sunbathe in peace and quiet, in the regenerating scent of the pine trees, with the symphony of the waves as their only background noise.
Bunkers in the Atlantic and the origin of the name of Pin Sec beach
Two historical anecdotes to impress your friends
They add to the photogenic appeal of Pin Sec:ancient remains of the Second World War blend into the spectacular panorama along the beach. These are the former bunkers of the Atlantic Wall, which the tide is gradually silting up.
Take the time to talk to the people of Naujac, who will tell you thatthe area was one of the last to be liberated by French troops in 1945, and they will tell you about the thousand lives these bunkers have had since peace has fortunately returned. You can also admire how local graffiti artists have reappropriated these historic remains. They add colour to the panorama, a far cry from the conflicts of yesteryear.
The old Naujac locals will also tell you about the origin of the name of the Pin Sec beach… and save you the trouble of looking for the famous “dry pine” on the sand! According to the “memoirs” of Naujac-sur-Mer, a commune created in 1865, there used to be a beautiful dry thorn tree that served as a landmark on the beach. But it disappeared a long time ago, probably swept away by a tide.
The beach is supervised from mid-June to mid-September. A single road provides access to the beach by car and bicycle from the centre of Naujac-sur-Mer.
Facilities are provided on site at the foot of the dune, without detracting from the natural aspect of the site: a number of wooden bungalow-restaurantsare available for refreshments, surf schools have all the equipment you need to learn how to surf, and parking spaces for cars and bikes are provided.
Pets are not allowed on the beach during the summer months. Please refer to the regulations posted at the entrance to the beach.
Rose-Marie
