Pointe du Raz & South · France
Surfing La Torche
A beach break in Pointe du Raz & South, France, for intermediate and advanced surfers.
La Torche is a long beach break in southern Finistère and the best-known surf spot in Brittany, where national and international contests are held.
It works more often than most of the coast around it, picks up swell from a wide angle and holds shape across a range of sizes. There are several peaks along the beach, but it still gets busy, with a strong local crew. Surf schools run lessons on the easier sections.
It works best on a west or south-west swell with an easterly wind, and autumn and spring usually bring the best combination of swell and weather. In winter the water is cold, so a 5/4 wetsuit with boots is normal.
When the rest of southern Brittany is flat, La Torche often still has waves, which is why it's busy at weekends. There are lifeguards and surf schools in summer, when the smaller days are good for learning. The headland at the end of the beach is a nice walk on a flat day.
When to surf
La Torche
La Torche is at its best from September to April. Conditions it likes: W-SW swell, E offshore wind, all tides.
September to April: Prime
Wide swell window catches groundswell from most directions
May to June: Good
Milder weather, still decent swell
July to August: Quiet
Smaller swell, busiest with general tourism, not surfers
The year across Finistère (Brittany)
Waves near La Torche
Getting there
Where to stay: Audierne and Plouhinec are the main bases, with small hotels, guesthouses and holiday rentals. La Torche has campsites and a few rentals right by the beach. Outside summer many places close, so check before you go.
Transport, costs, where to stay and the rest of the waves in the area are in the Pointe du Raz & South guide.
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