Gros-Jonc
Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France: Excellent water quality
Gros-Jonc is a Blue Flag beach in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France, meaning it meets strict standards for water quality, environmental management, and safety. The beach is open year-round, though April through June offer the best conditions with fewer crowds. July and August are peak season. Before swimming,…
Quick Overview
Plan Your Visit to Gros-Jonc
The key facts before you go
About the Beach
What is Gros-Jonc?
Gros-Jonc is a Blue Flag beach in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France, meaning it meets strict standards for water quality, environmental management, and safety. The beach is open year-round, though April through June offer the best conditions with fewer crowds. July and August are peak season.
Before swimming, check current water safety conditions with local authorities. The Blue Flag designation, awarded annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education, makes this a solid choice for families and swimmers who care about environmental standards.
It sits alongside other certified beaches in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, part of a broader network of other Blue Flag beaches in France certified annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education.
Sunrise, Sunset & Beach Direction
Gros-Jonc faces south toward Bay of Biscay. The best light for photography and swimming is typically in April, May, June. Direct sun hours follow that facing.
Planning
When to Go: Month by Month
| Month | Air Temp | Water Temp | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 8°C | 12°C | Low |
| Feb | 9°C | 12°C | Low |
| Mar | 10°C | 12°C | Low |
| Apr | 12°C | 13°C | Med |
| May | 15°C | 15°C | Med |
| Jun | 18°C | 18°C | Med |
| Jul | 20°C | 21°C | High |
| Aug | 20°C | 21°C | High |
| Sep | 18°C | 20°C | Med |
| Oct | 16°C | 18°C | Low |
| Nov | 12°C | 16°C | Low |
| Dec | 9°C | 14°C | Low |
When is the best time to visit Gros-Jonc?
The best time to visit Gros-Jonc is April, May, June. Air temperatures peak around 19.7°C in summer. Peak water temperature reaches 20.5°C in July.
How crowded does Gros-Jonc get?
Like most Blue Flag beaches in France, Gros-Jonc sees its highest visitor numbers in July and August. The beach maintains a pleasant atmosphere even in peak season.
Is Gros-Jonc open year-round?
The beach itself is accessible year-round, though staffed facilities including lifeguards typically operate only during the official season (typically July–September). The Blue Flag is displayed during the certification period only.
The Water
Swimming and Beach Life at Gros-Jonc
Is Gros-Jonc safe to swim?
Gros-Jonc is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict bathing water standards set by the EU Bathing Water Directive. Water quality is rated Excellent.
What is the water temperature at Gros-Jonc?
Peak water temperature at Gros-Jonc reaches around 20.5°C in July, making it comfortable for swimming during the summer months. In winter (January), air temperatures average 8.3°C.
What is the beach like at Gros-Jonc?
Gros-Jonc on the Nouvelle-Aquitaine coast of France. It meets all Blue Flag criteria for environmental management, water quality, safety, and facilities.
Gros-Jonc sits on the Bay of Biscay: explore all Blue Flag beaches on the Atlantic.
Transport
Getting to Gros-Jonc
How do I get to Gros-Jonc by car?
Gros-Jonc is approximately 1.36 km from Le Bois-Plage-en-Ré. Follow local road signs to the beach. Check Google Maps or a local map for the most current directions.
What is the nearest airport to Gros-Jonc?
The nearest airport is La Rochelle Île de Ré Airport (LRH), approximately 14.4 km away.
Can I get to Gros-Jonc by public transport?
Public transport options vary by season. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules connecting to Le Bois-Plage-en-Ré. The nearest recorded bus stop is 610 m from the beach.
Is there a train to Gros-Jonc?
Gros-Jonc lists La Rochelle - Porte Dauphine as the nearest railway station, 17.73 km away. Check current timetables before travelling.
Map
Find Gros-Jonc
Open the map or get directions to the Gros-Jonc pin. Amenity names are listed here only when OpenStreetMap has a mapped feature nearby.
Map loads when you ask. Tiles stay off the first paint.
Map: OpenStreetMap (ODbL)
On the beach
Facilities at Gros-Jonc
- Toilets
- Yes
- Showers
- No
- Parking
- Available nearby (surface parking). 211 m away
These details can change. Check on arrival.
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
Practical Details
Practical Information
| At the Beach | |
| Official Season | June – October |
|---|---|
| Beach Type | Coastal beach |
| Nearest supermarket | 3.1 km from the beach |
| Nearest bus stop | 610 m from the beach |
| Visiting Information | |
| GPS Coordinates | 46.1769°N, 1.3817°W |
| Water Quality | Excellent (EU Bathing Water Directive) |
| Blue Flag Operator | Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), France |
Frequently Asked Questions
Gros-Jonc FAQ
Is Gros-Jonc suitable for children?
Gros-Jonc has a child-friendly score of 3/10. It is Blue Flag certified in France. Families should still check what is open on the day.
Is Gros-Jonc free to access?
An entry fee is not listed for Gros-Jonc. Check with the beach operator before you travel. It is a Blue Flag certified beach in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France, recognised for meeting international standards for water quality and environmental management.
When is the best time to visit Gros-Jonc?
The best time to visit Gros-Jonc is April, May, June. The peak season typically runs High season: July, August, when weather conditions and facilities are at their best.
Peak water temperature reaches around 20.5°C in July. Outside peak season, the beach is quieter but some facilities may be reduced.
What is the water quality at Gros-Jonc?
Gros-Jonc is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict EU Bathing Water Directive standards. Water quality is rated Excellent.
Blue Flag certification is awarded and reviewed annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). Beaches must pass water quality tests throughout the season to retain their status.
How do I get to Gros-Jonc?
Gros-Jonc is located in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France. It is approximately 1.36 km from Le Bois-Plage-en-Ré. The nearest airport is La Rochelle Île de Ré Airport (LRH), 14.4 km away.
By car is the most flexible option. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules to the area.
Explore More
Nearby Blue Flag Beaches
Editorial
From the Zeach Blog
Everything you need to know about what makes a beach qualify for Blue Flag status, from water quality to environmental education.
Read moreOur editorial team's pick of the standout Blue Flag beaches in France, rated for family friendliness, scenery, and facilities.
What the flag actually means, how certification works, and why a Blue Flag is a genuinely reliable signal, not just a marketing tool.
Read moreSources
- Foundation for Environmental Education: Blue Flag programme
- FEE site listing for Gros-Jonc
- FEE France (Pavillon Bleu)
- European Environment Agency: bathing water quality
Last verified September 2026. National operator pages and FEE listings are the primary certification sources.