Baie aux Prunes

Baie aux Prunes, or Plum Bay, is a beach on the western Terres Basses that takes the north swell in winter and becomes the island's main surf break when it runs, with rock at both ends and pale sand between. Outside the swell it is calm and quiet. Private houses stand on the slopes behind but the beach itself is public, as all French beaches are. The Terres Basses were once a separate island and were joined to the main body by sand bars over time.

The landscape

• The winter swell - the north groundswell that makes the surf work.
• The rock ends - the headlands closing the bay on both sides.
• The pale sand - the beach between the rocks.
• The quiet - a beach with no facilities and few people.

When to go

December to April brings the north swell for surfing. Summer is flat and calm. Hurricane season runs June to November.

Practical notes

There are no facilities and parking is very limited. When the swell is up the shore break is dangerous for swimmers. Access crosses private residential roads.

Nearby

Baie Longue is south, and Baie Rouge is east.