North Brittany
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Positives
- Wide swell window
- Multi-aspect coastline
- Rugged, scenic beauty
- Festivals and Fest-Noze
Negatives
- Lack of epic pointbreaks
- Extreme tidal ranges
- Windswept region
- Cold and rainy
- Summer crowds
North Brittany surf travel guide
With 1500km (930mi) of coastline, Brittany juts out to sea and provides variety in its coastal structure. The north shore is characterised by high cliffs, deep, narrow, indented estuaries and extensive rocky skerries. The northwest is dotted with many fair-sized cities which produce more demographic pressure on its coastline, but due to the dramatic tidal range, fierce storms and strict construction laws concerning coastal development, there are still long stretches of untouched coast. Most of the accessible beaches will be crowded in small and clean conditions but there remains ample space for the average surfer who has time to explore the hidden reefs with spots facing every direction.
Surf spots in North Brittany
Research the 15 surf breaks in North Brittany and discover what spots suit the current conditions.
Break lowdown
We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 15 breaks in North Brittany.
When to go
Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to North Brittany
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Library
Helpful surf travel videos and articles featuring North Brittany.
Travel Information
General
- Current Time
- Tourists
- 89,322,000
- Population
- 65,273,511
- Tourist Info
- Tourist Info
Security
Health
Money
- Currency
- EUR
- Exchange rate
- $1 = 1 Euro EUR
Cost of living
Communication
- Dialing in
- +33
- Dialing out
- 00
- Emergencies
- 112
- Language
- French
Electricity
- Plug Type
- ek
Visas
France is a Schengen state and citizens of most European countries, USA, Australia, Canada and New Zealand do not require visas. All others, including South Africans and those planning to stay more than three months, must obtain a visa from the French consulate in their home country.
Getting There
Brittany Ferries sail into Roscoff from Plymouth, UK (6-8h) and Cork, Eire (14h). Routes into St Malo come from Plymouth (9h – winter only) and Portsmouth (12h). These are usually overnight crossings, service and costs vary seasonally.
It takes 4h to Brest by regional TER rail. Check to see if boards are carried.
Multiple bus companies service the relevant departments and some carry boards.
From Paris it’s a 5-6h drive to Brest.
Getting Around
Motorways are toll-free in Brittany but fuel is expensive. Lots of driving between spots. Roads can be very narrow in villages. The exposed rural coastline doesn’t have many access points or car parks so be prepared to walk through the dunes. This less popular stretch of coastline is only busy at peak holiday periods.
Accommodation
Wild camping is tricky with many car parks having camping restrictions. If you don’t have a campervan, the guesthouses will cost (€40/dble) or budget hotels (fr €25/dble) in Brest. Typical foods are crêpes (sweet or savoury pancakes), seafood and apple dishes, often containing the famous Breton cidres. Pay €15 for a meal with cider.
Activities
The rocky northern shores of Brittany are less popular than the southern areas. Evidence of its Celtic past is scattered throughout the countryside and villages. Visit Oceanopolis in Brest or the Rade.
Hazards & hassles
Besides being very cold and rainy, there is not much to fear apart from the rocks. Some spots have strong riptides but trying to get to the right spot before its optimum tidal phase is crucial. Some of the heavy slab reefs can be treacherous for the barrel-hunting bodyboard crew, who are mellow but numerous.
Handy Hints
Minou Surf is a school close to Brest. Side Shore is a kite, surf, SUP shop in Brest.
Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.