Surfing in Brittany
In this surf guide to Brittany, you will discover:
- Why Brittany is an excellent destination for a surf vacation
- All the surf spots in Brittany (including a map with the surf spots)
- 4 highlighted surf spots: La Torche, La Palue, Baie de Trepasses, Quiberon
- Where to stay: charming campsites and accommodations near the coast
Once you’ve surfed in Brittany, you’ll want to come back again.
Have you ever considered Brittany for surfing?
Most likely.
Have you tried it before?
Perhaps.
But there’s also a good chance that you haven’t.
What a shame.
You’re missing out on something special for your surfing experiences.
Different surfing experience
Surfing in Brittany offers a completely different surfing experience compared to other surf regions in France. You’ll have a great time here. Due to possible rain, many tourists tend to avoid this region. Yes, it can be chilly and wet. But it’s not as bad as it sounds. Besides, the natural beauty alone is reason enough to visit Brittany. And the surfing opportunities are truly endless. All year round.
Advantages of Surfing in Brittany:
- The water is crystal clear.
- There are numerous (protected) bays.
- It’s a beautiful mix of French and Celtic culture.
- Brittany catches both north, south, and west swells. You’re rarely without waves.
- And last but not least, the tranquility and nature are unparalleled. Even in the heart of summer, you can easily find an empty lineup.
And the number of surf spots in Brittany is almost countless. There are 22 surf spots mentioned in the map provided, but there are still many more to discover. Some secret spots couldn’t be placed on the map. So, there’s plenty to explore.
The list of 22 surf spots in Brittany
| Nr | Spot | Spot Type | Underground | Wind Direction | Tide | Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | St Malo | Beach Break (BB) | Sand | SW | All | All |
| 2 | Plevenon | Beach Break (BB) | Sand/ Rocks | Z | L-M | All |
| 3 | Cap Frehel | Beach Break (BB) | Sand/ Rocks | SE | L-M | Intermediate/Advanced |
| 4 | Perros Quirrec | Beach Break (BB) | Sand | Z | H-M | All |
| 5 | Locquirec | Beach Break (BB) | Sand/ Rocks | SW | H-M | All |
| 6 | Santec (le Dossen) | Beach Break (BB) | Sand/ Rocks | SE | All | All |
| 7 | St Pabu | Beach Break (BB) | Sand/ Rocks | SE | H-M | All |
| 8 | Landunvez | Beach Break (BB) | Sand/ Rocks | SE | L-M | All |
| 9 | Lampaul – Plouarzel | Reef Break (RB) | Rocks | E | L-M | All |
| 10 | Le Conquet | Beach Break (BB) | Sand | SE | H-M | All |
| 11 | Porsmilin | Beach Break (BB) | Sand/ Rocks | N | H-M | Intermediate/Advanced |
| 12 | Le Petit Minou | Beach Break (BB) | Sand/ Rocks | NW | L-M | All |
| 13 | Pointe de Dinan | Point Break (PB) | Sand/ Rocks | NW | H-M | Intermediate/Advanced |
| 14 | La Palue | Beach Break (BB) | Sand | E | All | All |
| 15 | Cap Sizun Bays | Beach Break (BB) | Sand/ Rocks | W | All | Intermediate/Advanced |
| 16 | Baie de Trépassés | Beach Break (BB) | Sand | SE | L-M | All |
| 17 | St Tugen | Beach Break (BB) | Sand/ Rocks | NW | All | All |
| 18 | Gwendrez | Beach Break (BB) | Sand/ Rocks | NW | L-M | Intermediate/Advanced |
| 19 | Penhors/ Plovan | Beach Break (BB) | Sand | NW | All | All |
| 20 | La Torche | Beach Break (BB) | Sand | E | All | All |
| 21 | Guidel | Beach Break (BB) | Sand | NW | L-M | All |
| 22 | Quiberon | Beach Break (BB) | Sand/ Rocks | E | L-M | All |
Explanation:
| Abbreviation | Explanation |
|---|---|
| BB | Beach Break |
| RB | Reef Break |
| PB | Point Break |
| NE | North-East wind |
| SE | South-East wind |
| E | East wind |
| S | South wind |
| SW | South-West wind |
| N | North wind |
| L-M | Low to mid tide |
| H-M | High to mid tide |
| All | All tides |
Where can you learn to surf in Brittany?
And what are the most famous surf spots?
Below you will find an explanation of some well-known surf spots in Brittany:
La Torche:
Perhaps the most famous surf spot in Brittany. It has even been nominated for the Olympics, which means it can get quite crowded. However, it offers plenty of opportunities in terms of surf shops and surf lessons. So, there are pros and cons.
Pros:
- Favorable wave conditions
- Suitable for all surfing levels
- Plenty of surf schools and lessons available
- Many accommodations and campsites nearby
Cons:
Crowded water, especially during the high season, so it’s advisable to book accommodation in advance
Tips:
Check out this house in La Torche, located directly on the beach.
Or this smaller house, perfectly situated.
Baie de Trepasses:
Located at the westernmost point of Brittany. As with almost all spots in France, early mornings are generally the best time to surf. Check out our Baie de Trepasses Surf Report.
Pros:
- Beautiful and rugged nature
- Surf school and lessons available on-site
- Suitable for all skill levels
Cons:
- Cooler water and outdoor temperatures compared to other spots
- Limited accommodations directly at the spot
- It requires a bit of a drive to reach the spot
La Palue:
La Palue is located on the Crozon Peninsula, where nature and tranquility prevail. Surfers appreciate the peaceful atmosphere found here. This spot quickly catches any ripple in the water. Nearby, you’ll also find charming towns like Morgat and Camaret sur Mer.
Pros:
- Even with really small swell, there are still waves to be found
- Suitable for all skill levels
- Relaxed vibe and beautiful nature
- Multiple beautiful surf spots nearby, such as Pointe de Dinan and Cap de la Chevre
Cons:
This applies to all spots in Brittany, but the weather can be unpredictable. It tends to be cooler and rainier compared to the rest of France.
Tips:
For accommodation, we recommend this house, although it is a few kilometers away from the surf beach. Even better, bring your tent or camper and camp directly on the beach of La Palue.
Quiberon:
Quiberon, also known as La Cote Sauvage, sounds appealing, right? This is in South Brittany, where the weather is warmer. However, it can also get crowded. This peninsula is situated 14 km into the ocean, which allows it to pick up a lot of swell. Check out our Quiberon Surf Report.
Pros:
- Plenty of waves, especially for intermediate and advanced surfers
- Even with very small swells, you can still find waves here
Cons:
Crowded conditions and traffic jams during the summer
Surfing for beginners
Brittany is also perfect for beginner surfers.
Brittany is a region where beginners can learn to surf excellently. With its many bays, you can always find shelter from the wind or when the waves are too big.
Beginners will initially go for the beach breaks, such as those in Plovan and Penhors. Because this region is so quiet, you’ll have plenty of space to quickly learn how to surf. You won’t have to worry about other surfers much. Beginners progress rapidly.
Surfing accommodation in Brittany
We already mentioned a view above, but worth mentioning are also:
- Les Bulles Bleues, a Chambres d’hôtes in Finistère Sud
- Philadelphia Guesthouse in Morgat, an eco friendly surf house In Crozon Peninsula
- Embruns d’Herbe in plogoff: This “slow camp” at the edge of the world also offers a breath-taking view of the moors and the ocean.
- Naeco in Audierne, near the port of Audierne and you can also opt for a tent-lodge or a cabin.
- Auberge des Dunes in Quiberon, A waterside location at the entrance to the Quiberon Peninsular.
- Gites Blue Sale near Plovan, a charming house with a great garden (almost) until the beach.
Rather a campsite near the beach in Brittany?
Camping Kerlaz is located near La Torche, but it has a much quieter surf spot nearby. It’s a lovely small camping site that also has a surf school connected to it. Please refer to our complete review for more details.
Camping Pors Peron is a beautiful small camping site within walking distance of a beach that resembles Ibiza. It’s cozy and stunning, and occasionally there are waves as well. For the real surf spots like Baie de Trepasses, you’ll need to drive a short distance. Make sure to check out our comprehensive list of surf campings too.
Wetsuit in France?
The northern coast of France presents a challenging environment for surfers. Even in summer, you’ll want a 3/2mm wetsuit to comfortably ride the waves.
Winter surfing in Brittany and Normandy is not for the faint of heart – a thick 5/4mm wetsuit is essential, along with gloves, boots, and a hood to keep you warm in the frigid waters.
Check the full wetsuit guide for France.
Brittany’s surfing FAQs
What are some of the most famous surf spots in Brittany?
Some famous surf spots in Brittany include La Torche, La Palue, Baie de Trepasses, Quiberon, and many more. Each of these spots offers unique surfing opportunities and caters to different skill levels.
Are there surf lessons available for beginners in Brittany?
Yes, there are surf lessons available for beginners in Brittany. With its many bays, you can always find shelter from the wind or when the waves are too big. Beginners can start with beach breaks, such as those in Plovan and Penhors. Due to the tranquil environment, there is plenty of space to quickly learn how to surf without worrying about other surfers.
What are the advantages of surfing in Brittany compared to other surf regions?
ome advantages of surfing in Brittany include the crystal-clear water, numerous protected bays, the blend of French and Celtic culture, and the ability to catch waves from different directions. Even during the busy summer months, it's easy to find a quiet spot to surf due to the pristine nature and expansive coastline.