La Palue
One of the best beaches in western Brittany, between cliffs on the Crozon peninsula.
La Palue is a wild beach on the Crozon peninsula, surrounded by cliffs and heathland. It picks up almost any swell from north-west to south-west: if you don't know whether there are waves in Brittany, look here. It's one of the most beautiful and best-known beaches in the region.
Swimming is banned because of its very dangerous currents, and at weekends it fills with surfers.
Spot facts
| Wave type | Beach break |
|---|---|
| Direction | Lefts and rights |
| Level | Intermediate |
| Best swell | W, NW, SW |
| Best wind (offshore) | E, SE, NE |
| Tide | Mid to high |
| Size | 0.8–3 m |
| Best season | All year |
| Crowd | Heavy |
| Localism | Medium |
Surf forecast
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Hour-by-hour forecast for 14 days, with stars for your board and level, and the whole site without ads.
Model forecast for open water a few kilometres offshore: it can't see sandbanks or the shelter of headlands and jetties. The rating (0–5) is worked out from this spot's ideal swell and wind. Use it as a guide and check the sea before paddling out. Data: Open-Meteo (DWD, ECMWF; CC BY 4.0)
Which board to bring
A shortboard or fish; a funboard in small swell. How many litres? Work out your volume with the volume calculator.
What to bring to surf La Palue
The water is around 10 °C in winter and 17 °C in late summer. This is what we'd bring for this spot's water, level and boards.
For winter water at 8–11 °C.
View on AmazonWarm feet in winter and protection on rocks.
View on AmazonKeeps your board from drifting off or hitting someone.
View on AmazonThe classic fish fins: speed in soft waves.
View on AmazonWarm-water wax won't grip in this water.
View on AmazonAmazon affiliate links: if you buy through them, Shapers Europe earns a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Localism and vibe
There are surfers from all over Brittany and a regular local crew. Respect priority.
Surfing style
Powerful beach break.
Hazards
Very strong currents (swimming is banned).
Map
Shapers near La Palue
Order a board designed for these waves from a local shaper.
Other spots nearby
Crozon
La Palue's wild neighbour, with fewer people and equally strong currents.
Plouzané (Brest)
Brest's spot, below the Petit Minou lighthouse: a left by the rocky point and sand peaks.
Plogoff
A wild bay between the Pointe du Raz and the Pointe du Van, at Brittany's end of the world.
Audierne / Plouhinec
A sheltered reef in Audierne Bay: the refuge when everything else is closing out.
Indicative information gathered from surf guides and surfers' experience. Conditions change with the sandbanks: check the forecast and ask at the beach.