The question was basically: we’ve booked a house near La Torche, but with strong wind and a solid swell (3m+, 14 sec) coming from the west, where should we go?
Luckily, Brittany has a huge range of options.
Here are some answers.
Find out more about sheltered surfing in South Finistère
Quick Surf Guide – South Finistère Sheltered Spots
- Type: Bays, rivermouths and harbour corners
- Best for: Large W/SW swell + strong onshore wind
- Best tide: Mid to high tide
- Top month: October – 38% clean surf days (La Palue reference)
- Summer: Small and mellow, perfect for beginners
- Autumn/Winter: Alternatives when La Torche is blown out
Why sheltered spots matter
La Torche and Tronoën are famous for their powerful beachbreaks, pulling in swell from the open Atlantic. On good days it’s world-class – but when big W/SW swells hit with strong onshore wind, it quickly turns unsurfable. That’s when you head south, into the bays and harbours of South Finistère, where cliffs, headlands and piers provide shelter and cleaner conditions.
Treustel (Île-Tudy / Baie de Bénodet)
Treustel sits inside the Baie de Bénodet and filters out most of the ocean’s power. It’s a go-to option when La Torche is out of control.
- Type: Beachbreak in a bay
- Best with: S/SSW groundswell + N/NW winds
- Tide: Mid to high tide
- Level: Ideal for longboarders and intermediates
Le Letty (Mer Blanche / Beg-Meil)
A rivermouth lagoon with mellow vibes. When the open coast is stormy, Le Letty often still delivers soft, peeling waves.
- Type: Rivermouth/lagoon with sandbanks
- Tide: Surfable around mid to high tide only
- Best boards: Longboard, fish, or funshape
Lesconil & Le Goudoul
The harbour of Lesconil and the nearby Goudoul beach often serve up fun, glassy waves when everything else is messy. Protected by piers and rocks, these spots are a safe bet for smaller clean sessions.
- Level: Beginner to intermediate
- Vibe: Great for a playful session with fish, foamie or longboard
Cap Coz / Baie de Concarneau
Cap Coz is tucked deep inside Concarneau bay, offering maximum protection from wind and swell. Usually flat – but when big SSW groundswells push through, it can surprise you with longboardable rides.
- Best for: Families, longboarders, beginners
- Works: Only when the open coast is huge
Morgat (Crozon – plan B+)
If you’re up for a 1.5 hour drive, the Crozon peninsula offers several south- to southeast-facing coves (Portzic, Postolonnec) that stay clean even in strong W/SW winds. These are premium escapes when South Finistère is maxed out.
Tips for timing, safety & board choice
- Tide: Most sheltered spots work best from mid to high tide
- Boards: Bring volume – think fish, midlength or longboard
- Safety: Watch currents near harbours and rivermouths
- Strategy: Early check at La Torche → if blown out, move to Treustel or Lesconil → if still messy, go deeper into the bays (Le Letty or Cap Coz) → desperate? Drive to Morgat
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FAQ – Sheltered Surf in South Finistère
1. Is Treustel always smaller than La Torche?
Yes – usually. Only when the swell is very small can it be flat here.
2. Which spot is safest for beginners?
Le Letty and Lesconil are the most beginner-friendly options in heavy swell.
3. Does Cap Coz work often?
No, it’s usually flat. It only lights up on solid groundswells.
4. How big does it need to be for Morgat?
At least 2.5–3m at La Torche before Morgat really starts working.
5. Is parking easy?
Yes, but in summer Le Letty and Lesconil can get busy with limited spots.
