South Brittany
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Positives
- Fine beachbreaks and pointbreaks
- Year-round swell exposure
- Unspoilt Crozon peninsula
- Rugged, scenic coastline
Negatives
- Cold, rainy and windswept
- Often onshore
- Summer crowds
- Extreme tidal ranges
South Brittany surf travel guide
The imposing feel to the craggy finistere coastline is reflected in many place names, like Baie des Trépassés (Bay of the Dead) and Fromveur (Channel of Great Fear). Long peninsulas and larger bays, low lying land and longer stretches of beach offer a range of surfing real estate to cater for most swells and winds, despite regular fierce storms and a dramatic tidal range. Strict laws concerning coastal development, maintain long stretches of untouched coast and while most of the accessible spots will be crowded in clean conditions, there remains ample space for the growing surf population. The centrally located Crozon Peninsula is the main surfing hub, focusing on some very consistent beachbreaks and a few pointbreaks as well. The SW tip of the départment is home to the famous spot La Torche, but consistency quickly drops as the coast swings to face south along the Morbihan coast.
Surf spots in South Brittany
Research the 26 surf breaks in South Brittany and discover what spots suit the current conditions.
Break lowdown
We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 26 breaks in South Brittany.
When to go
Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to South Brittany
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Library
Helpful surf travel videos and articles featuring South 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
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- 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
It takes 2h by TGV to Rennes and the same to Caen on Intercities. TER services all the main cities and towns in the region from Rennes and Roscoff. Check to see if boards are carried on the TGV leg then no problem on other services. Brittany Ferries sail into Roscoff from Plymouth, UK (6-8h; fr £90) and Cork, Eire (14h).
Multiple bus companies service the relevant departments and some carry boards.
From Roscoff to Quimper is a 1h30 drive or a 5h30 drive from Paris.
Getting Around
Motorways are toll-free in Brittany, but fuel costs a bit more than down south. Lots of driving between spots on slow, winding roads that can be very narrow in villages. Allow plenty of time for navigation and fast tides. The exposed coastline doesn’t have many access points or car parks so be prepared to walk through the dunes. July-August is jammed with holidaymakers clogging up the roads even more.
Accommodation
La Torche is lacking in facilities with no accommodation apart from a summertime campsite, 2 or 3 surf shops and a couple of crêperies. If you don’t have a campervan, the guesthouses will cost ($60/dble) or budget hotels (fr $35/dble). Crêpes, seafood and apple dishes, often containing the famous Breton cidres. Pay $25 for a meal with cider.
Activities
Brittany is the 3rd most visited region in France. Evidence of its Celtic past is scattered throughout the countryside and villages. There are lots of festivals in the summer and locals party hard at the biggest one known as Fest-Noze.
Hazards & hassles
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
ESB is a chain of surf schools and Brittany is home to BIC Sport, the biggest single brand board manufacturer in the world (Vannes). Surf shops can be found at major spots and cities, but gear is expensive – €400/board at least for something decent. The best shapers are in Quiberon. Motorways are toll-free in Brittany.
Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.