La Torche
The capital of Breton surfing: a huge bay by the Pointe de la Torche, with waves almost all year.
La Torche is Brittany's most famous spot. Next to the rocky point, a strong current carries surfers from the shore to the peak: locals call it «the lift». To come back, don't paddle against it: return through the breaking waves.
The bay is huge and picks up almost any swell, with peaks for every level, surf schools and shops. It has hosted surf and windsurf championships.
Spot facts
| Wave type | Beach break |
|---|---|
| Direction | Lefts and rights |
| Level | All levels |
| Best swell | W, NW, SW |
| Best wind (offshore) | E, NE, SE |
| Tide | Mid to high |
| Size | 1–4 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 minimalibu or funboard for learning; a shortboard or fish on good days. How many litres? Work out your volume with the volume calculator.
What to bring to surf La Torche
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 AmazonThe safest, easiest board to learn on here.
View on AmazonKeeps your board from drifting off or hitting someone.
View on AmazonThe classic fish fins: speed in soft waves.
View on AmazonHold and smooth turns for a single fin.
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
Lots of people and a strong local crew by the point. Start away from the point and respect priority.
Surfing style
Beach break for everyone.
Hazards
Strong current by the point, rip currents and crowds.
Map
Shapers near La Torche
Order a board designed for these waves from a local shaper.
Other spots nearby
Penmarc'h
South of La Torche: often better waves and far fewer people.
Pouldreuzic
Easy waves over sand in Audierne Bay, with a reef nearby.
Audierne / Plouhinec
A sheltered reef in Audierne Bay: the refuge when everything else is closing out.
Plogoff
A wild bay between the Pointe du Raz and the Pointe du Van, at Brittany's end of the world.
Indicative information gathered from surf guides and surfers' experience. Conditions change with the sandbanks: check the forecast and ask at the beach.