If the south-west of France has the most famous spots of the country, Brittany is not left out with wilder beaches where the waves make the happiness of the surfers of the Breton coast.
1500 kilometres of coastline from Morbihan to Finistère, passing through the Côtes d'Armor and Ille-et-Vilaine. Brittany is obviously a region strongly linked to the sea and so are the sports practiced in the west of France. Surfing takes advantage of countless spots on the Breton coast to offer a wide range of different waves, for all levels. Here is a selection of the most emblematic places in Brittany where to put your board.
Quiberon
If the name rings a bell, it is above all for the tourist side of the Quiberon peninsula which attracts thousands of holidaymakers every year. Along the Côte Sauvage, the spots of Port Bara, Port Rhu and Port Blanc are particularly noteworthy. Three popular spots for local surfers, as well as the beaches of Plouharnel, which are more accessible and remain the first historical surf spots in Brittany.
The Torch
It is probably the most famous spot in Brittany for surfing. Numerous clubs are referenced in La Torche and there are countless competitions held there each year. Originally favoured by windsurfers, the spot has been taken over by surfers over the last 20 years. At La Torche, the swell goes by 300 days a year. A rarity for a spot in France, even compared to the south-western spots, which may provide more big waves, but less regularly.
Longchamp
On the Emeraud coast, Longchamp beach (located between Saint-Briac and Saint-Lunaire in l'lle et Vilaine) offers ideal conditions for beginner surfers. Many of them started in these small waves before going to look for bigger spots elsewhere. Near Dinard, the beach of Longchamp hosts structures where it is easy to rent equipment. When the west swell wakes up, accompanied by a south wind, the waves can become more consistent. This is a good opportunity to test yourself against Mother Nature and measure your progress on the board.
Donnant (Belle-Île-en-Mer)
Why not go surfing on an island? Located about 12 km south of Quiberon, Belle-Île-en-Mer is not necessarily the first place you think of for surfing in Brittany. The main reason is obviously linked to the more difficult access to the island, which is done by boat from the Morbihan coast (count about 50 minutes of crossing). On the spot, the spot of Donnant allows you to enjoy good conditions. The only thing to do is to manage the currents, which are stronger than on the coast of the mainland. The rocks can also sometimes be natural obstacles difficult to avoid when the waves are bigger and you surf at low tide. Be careful to study the spot before going in the water.
The Kaolins
Also located in Morbihan, the Kaolins beach is clearly one of the best spots in Brittany and one of the best reefbreaks in France (a seabed made of rocks or corals unlike sandy spots). The problem is that you have to be patient to enjoy the best conditions at Kaolins. So study the weather forecast with precision and anticipate as much as possible. When the south-west swell is present, it is possible to take tubes there. But the Kaolins remain reserved for experienced surfers. The show is often at the rendezvous when the swell is present and the spectators mass on the cliff to admire the surfers.