List of the 5 top surf spots in Brittany
Brittany is a region known worldwide for its numerous surf spots. The ideal position of the Breton peninsula facing the ocean and wind and thanks to the currents, gives it optimal characteristics to create waves of high quality.
Brittany is considered as one of the 4 Paradise surf places on the planet. Its wild coasts and less crowded beaches than average surf spots is unique in the world.
The Presbytere is a large cottage in Brittany available for self-catered rentals near the Pointe de La Torche, surf spot number 1 in Brittany.
Each year, the house converts into a surf house to host surfers from around the world, visiting Brittany for its waves and surf camps.
To know more about when to visit Brittany, what to do in Brittany around Le Presbytere, contact us!
Below you will find the top 5 surf spots in Brittany.
1 - La Pointe de La Torche - Best surf spot in Brittany : for all levels
La Torche is without a doubt THE best surf spot in Brittany. It is also the most famous, which makes it very popular in summer. Fortunately, there are other secret spots (Tronoen and Porz Carn) right next to it that allows you to have the waves to yourself!
This site has strong currents which can make swimming dangerous, which is why some parts of the beach are monitered in the summer for your safety.
The surf spot of La Torche has a very advanced position in the Atlantic. There are no islands or offshore reef which block the breaking waves. The waves here are known for their extraordinary length that allows the most experienced surfers to surf a long time on the same wave! The waves can reach up to 3.5 meters on days with strong winds. A current that runs along the top of La Torche creates a corridor that allows you to easily pass the bar.
There is also a multitude of such schools around La Torche because the quality of the waves is good for beginners too in certain places. Some of these surf schools also offer Surf Camps.
Around La Torche, you will find different types of accommodation, hotels, bed and breakfast, large homes and gites.
La Torche is a unique wild site for surfing holidays in Brittany, and it is not for nothing that the town of Plomeur was named Surf Village! Le Presbytère is a perfect gite in Brittany for rent to cater for you during your vacation at La Torche.
2 - GUIDEL - near Lorient : for all levels
Guidel is another of Brittany's popular surf spots. The site is located just a few kilometres from Lorient and has 3 spots scattered on three different beaches. Kaolins, Maeva and Le Loc'h. The site is well known and accessible for all levels but can be considered complicated to surf as it can only be done at low tide or at the beginning of the high tide to make sure to check the schedule for the tides in advance.
The swell is medium to long depending on the winds and the waves are accessible for all levels of surfers. beginners will also find some surf schools in the area. You can surf in Guidel all year but the most favourable conditions are from September to April. Guidel is not considered to be a dangerous surf spot but it gets very busy quickly during the summer months.
3 - Peninsula of Quiberon : a wild coast for confirmed surfers
The peninsula of Quiberon is yet another top surf site in the region. Due to this it is one of the most populated surf spots. The city of Plouharnel has also been dubbed Surf Village, just like Plomeur and its legendary Pointe de La Torche, where the gite Le Presbytère is located. The peninsula contains several kilometers of beautiful beaches which are more or less accessible. This coast is also reserved for confirmed surfers as it can be a bit dangerous.
In the winter season (which is the most popular with experienced surfers) the waves are strong. The current is meanwhile quite weak. The 4 most famous beaches of Quiberon peninsula are Port Blanc, Port-Marie, Port-Rhu and Port-Bara. Port-Bara is the most accessible for all levels of surfers. There are also 2 surf schools on site that offer courses and surf camps.
It is prohibited to bathe on the wild coast and in order to surf one must have a licence issued by the FFS. It is therefore reserved for very experiences surfers.
4 - L'Île aux Vaches : Surf spots for very experiences surfers
The surf spot of Ile aux Vaches has long been a secret spot known only to locals. But this has changed and it is not one of the most famous in Brittany for very experienced surfers. It is usually surfed at high tide when currents are strong, making the exercise very physical. Beware of the rocks at the bottom! The swell often forms impressive and very deep tubes. The show of the waves is often amazing!
5 - La Palue, the legendary surf spot of the Crozon peninsula: for good surfers
Not to include La Palue in the top 5 surf spots in Brittany would be criminal! This magical wild place placed between two cliffs is located in Finistère on the peninsula of Crozon. The sandy beach runs for 2 km and remains moderatly crowded compared to other surf spots. This spot is reserved for good surfers.
The site is really beautiful, surfing here is a treat. It is also rather physical exercise as the currents are strong ( even very strong at certain times of the tide). The sandbanks formed offshore help to form beautiful waves which break on the beach to the delight of surfers. At La Paule there are waves at all times. When the surf spot is too crowded, do not hesitate to discover other places on the peninsula: Goulien, Dinan, Kerloc'h, Pen'had. You are also only a few dozen kilometres from the legendary surf spot of Pointe de La Torche.