5 Best Surf Spots of Brittany, France

Best Places to Surf in Brittany

Brittany, is the peninsula that sticks out of France jutting out into the Atlantic Ocean. Its wild coast stretches for kilometers with seaside resorts such as Dinard or the fortified city of Saint-Malo

But in the last few years beach goers are seeing a rise of surfers invading waters across the region. Brittany is now the second region of France in terms of number of surfers.

The region has a long history of surfing and is home to some of the best surf spots in France. From beginner-friendly beach breaks to challenging reef breaks, there is something for surfers of all levels in Brittany. In this blog post, we will take a look at some of the best surf spots in Brittany and provide tips on where to stay, what to bring, and how to make the most of your surf trip to this beautiful region.

From La Torche to Guidel, here is a top 5 of where you can surf gnarly breton waves. 

Top 5 surfing spots in Brittany, France

Surfing in Guidel & Plomeur (Morbihan)

Guidel in the Morbihan is called a "surf town" and has several surf spots to find a wave, from Le Loc'h, Maeva or Kaolins. The area has 17 km of coastline including 5 km of fine sandy beaches and coves. Loc'h beach, for example, is nearly 600 m.

Between the currents and the mouth of the Laita, it is only possible to surf at low tide and during the first hours of the rising tide.

Beginners can take a course at the ESB Fort Bloque.  
Looking for a eco-friendly surf shop check out Pioka. 
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Surfing in Quiberon & Plouharnel (Morbihan)

Also located in the Morbihan on the Quiberon peninsula is one of Brittany's most famous surf spots. From Plouharnel, labeled "Surf City", a magnificent beach stretches for several kilometers. The first spots are ideal for learning to surf, where the beach offers quieter waves; those located on the wild coast are where experienced surfers can be found. 
It is possible to surf at low tide as at high tide.

If you are a beginner and want to get started check out ESB Plouharnel. â€‹
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Surfing in The Bay of Trepasses (Finistere)

The Baie des Trepasses is popular site in Finistere. Surrounded by cliffs and the bay is exposed to swells from the west and northwest allowing to surf at all tides. You'll have a cozy feel as you are surfing between the high cliffs of Pointe du Raz and Pointe du Van. The surf area stretches over 600 meters of beach.

If you want to get some tourism in after surfing visit the end of the world at Pointe du Raz.
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Surfing near Brest (Finistere)

Brest is one of the largest cities in Brittany but also has a surf spot a few minutes drive from the city center. Called au petit minou is it very popular with beach goers and surfers during the summer months. 

To find out more about the city of Brest that is twinned with Denver visit HERE
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Surfing at La Torche (Finistere)

Last but not least is La Torche which is considered the mecca of surfing in Brittany. The spot welcomes swells from northwest to southwest through the west that form waves on the beach. This spot sometimes offers powerful waves that can reach 3 meters, 3.5 meters.
Locals can also be found surfing other spots nearby like Tronoen or Porz Carn. 

La Torche is a magnificent and immense white sand beach, which also hosts major national and international events. â€‹

​These are only 5 surf spots in Brittany but you can find many more across Brittany. 
Visit here for more spots.
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What is the best time of year to surf in Brittany, France?

The best time of year to surf in Brittany, France depends on your level of experience and the type of waves you prefer. Here are a few factors to consider:
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1. Swell: Brittany gets most of its swell from the Atlantic Ocean, and the size and direction of the waves can vary throughout the year. The best swell usually occurs from September to March, with October and November being the most consistent months. During the summer months, the waves tend to be smaller and less consistent.
2. Weather: The weather in Brittany can be quite variable, with temperatures ranging from the mid-50s to low 70s Fahrenheit (12-23°C) during the summer months and the mid-40s to mid-50s Fahrenheit (7-13°C) during the winter months. The water temperature also varies throughout the year, ranging from the mid-50s to low 60s Fahrenheit (12-17°C) during the summer and the low 40s to mid-50s Fahrenheit (5-12°C) during the winter.
3. Crowds: The busiest time of year for surfing in Brittany is during the summer months, when the weather is warmer and the waves are smaller. If you prefer to avoid crowds, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons (spring and fall) when the weather is still pleasant and the waves can be more consistent.

​Overall, the best time of year to surf in Brittany will depend on your personal preferences and the type of waves you are looking for. If you are an advanced surfer looking for big, challenging waves, the fall and winter months may be the best time to visit. If you are a beginner or prefer smaller, more manageable waves, the summer months may be a good time to visit.

How to travel to surf spots in Brittany?

There are several ways to get to the surf spots in Brittany, France:
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1. Fly into an airport located within the region: There are a few airports located within Brittany, including Brest Bretagne Airport, Rennes Saint-Jacques Airport, and Lorient South Brittany Airport. From any of these airports, you can rent a car or take a bus or taxi to reach the surf spots.
2. Take the train: The train is a convenient way to get to Brittany, with several high-speed TGV trains running from Paris to Rennes and other cities in the region. From the train station, you can take a local bus or taxi to reach the surf spots.
3. Drive: If you have your own car, you can drive to Brittany from other parts of France or from other countries in Europe. The region is well-connected by road and there are several motorway routes that lead into Brittany.

Overall, the best way to get to the surf spots in Brittany will depend on your location and personal preferences. Renting a car can be a good option if you want to have more flexibility and freedom to explore the region, while public transportation can be a more budget-friendly option.
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Surf Camps and Schools in Brittany: Improve Your Skills and Have Fun

Surf camps and schools in Brittany offer a great opportunity for surfers of all levels to improve their skills and have fun in a supportive and welcoming environment. These camps and schools are typically run by experienced instructors who are knowledgeable about the local surf conditions and can provide personalized coaching and guidance.

Many surf camps and schools in Brittany also offer accommodation and other amenities, such as yoga classes, massage therapy, and cultural activities, making them a convenient and enjoyable option for surfers looking to fully immerse themselves in the surfing experience. Whether you are a beginner looking to learn the basics of surfing or an experienced surfer looking to fine-tune your skills, surf camps and schools in Brittany are a great way to make the most of your surf trip.

Here are a few surf camps and schools in Brittany that you might consider for your surf trip:
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1. Surfcamp Brittany: Located in the town of Penhors, Surfcamp Brittany offers surf lessons and accommodation in a beautiful, beachfront setting. The camp is suitable for surfers of all levels and offers a range of activities, including yoga, stand-up paddling, and beach games.
2. Surf School Penmarc'h: Located in the town of Penmarc'h, Surf School Penmarc'h offers surf lessons and accommodation in a beautiful, oceanfront location. The school is suitable for surfers of all levels and offers a range of activities, including yoga, fitness training, and cultural excursions.
3. Surf School Concarneau: Located in the town of Concarneau, Surf School Concarneau offers surf lessons and accommodation in a beautiful, beachfront setting. The school is suitable for surfers of all levels and offers a range of activities, including yoga, stand-up paddling, and beach games.
4. Quiksilver Surf School: Located in the town of La Torche, Quiksilver Surf School is one of the most well-known and respected surf schools in Brittany. The school offers surf lessons and accommodation in a beautiful, beachfront location and is suitable for surfers of all levels.

These are just a few examples of the many surf camps and schools in Brittany. There are many other options to choose from, so be sure to do your research and find the one that best meets your needs and preferences.

Explore the Local Culture and Cuisine During Your Surf Trip

One of the great things about surfing in Brittany is that it provides an opportunity to not only ride the waves, but also to immerse yourself in the local culture and cuisine. Brittany is a region with a rich history and culture, and there are many interesting places to visit and things to see and do beyond the surf spots. From ancient castles and churches to charming coastal towns and villages, Brittany has something for everyone.

​In addition to exploring the local culture, be sure to try some of the delicious local cuisine while you are in the region. Brittany is known for its seafood, particularly oysters and mussels, as well as its crepes and cider. Don't miss the opportunity to experience a traditional Fest Noz, a Breton folk dance festival that features live music and dancing. So don't forget to indulge in some of these local specialties and cultural experiences during your surf trip to Brittany.

Surf Board Makers in Brittany

Brittany is a region of France with a rich surf culture and a long history of surfboard making. The region is home to many talented surfboard makers who are dedicated to crafting high-quality surfboards that meet the needs and preferences of surfers of all levels and styles. From small, independent companies to larger, more established manufacturers, Brittany has something for everyone.

​In this section, we will introduce you to some of the top surfboard makers in Brittany and provide an overview of their products and services. Whether you are in the market for a new surfboard or simply interested in learning about the art of surfboard making, this section is for you.

Some examples include:

1. GONG Surfboards: Based in the city of Saint Nazaire, GONG Surfboards is a leading manufacturer of high-quality surfboards, stand-up paddle boards, and other surf-related products. 
2. La Fabrique à Planches: Based in the town of Landéda, La Fabrique à Planches is a small, independent surfboard manufacturer that focuses on sustainability and innovation. The company makes a range of high-quality surfboards using eco-friendly materials and production methods.
3. Vince Surfboard: Based in the town of Quiberon, Located a few meters from the spots of the wild coast, our shape workshop has specialized in the manufacture of custom surfboards since 1995.
4. Rob Surfboards: Based in Plozévet. They are a small artisanal production of durable polystyrene-epoxy custom surfboards.
5. Jim Surfboards: Based in Ploemeur, Morbihan. In their workshop, everything is handmade. They take care to make their boards with a lot of soul using quality materials for a high-performance, durable and unique result.

These are just a few examples of the many surfboard makers in Brittany. There are many other options to choose from, so be sure to do your research and find the one that best meets your needs and preferences.