Did you know that kitesurfing started in Douarnenez Bay in the 1980s. So you can’t argue with Brittany’s claim that it’s a top spot for boardsports! Surfing’s a lifestyle here – on and off the waves.
With its 2,700 km of coastline, Brittany offers a wide range of surf spots where you’ll find great waves in all weathers. Especially the long, quite hollow left-hander near La Torche headland in South Finistère: THE Breton beach break. At the foot of Quiberon‘s Wild Coast, in the Morbihan department, the swell is often powerful, with good barrelling waves in winter for experienced surfers. In Santec, North Finistère, Dossen beach is a big favourite with windsurfers. Whether you’re a fan of short boards, long boards, kitesurfing or paddle boarding… from north to south, there’s something for every ability.
Brittany has plenty of surfer-friendly accommodation right next to the beach. La Torche campsite has a rinsing area for surf gear. On the Crozon peninsula, La Plage de Goulien campsite offers tuition and board hire, in partnership with the nearby surf school. In Guilvinec, the ‘Bigouden Backpacker’ cottage, open all year, was designed for fans of outdoor sports, including boardsports. And whether you’re on your own or with friends, you can opt for a surf lodge or surf hostel. A good example is CoRide, a hostel run by Caroline and Quentin along the lines of an eco-community, in Saint-Pierre-Quiberon: this place has made a name for itself in the surf world.
Click. Inspire. Go…
Receive the Brittany newsletter!
To receive 4 times a year a summary of the best things to do in Brittany by e-mail head this way.
3. Trendy after-surf venues
Inspired by Australian and Californian concept stores, the ESB Shop & Café in Plouharnel (Morbihan department) and Perroz Sea Side in Perros-Guirec (Côtes-d’Armor) are top locations for relaxed after-surf sessions: a debrief on conditions and equipment around a latte, smoothie or fruit bowl, while checking out the wide range of clothing and the latest trends. You’ll find niche brands there too (Album, Deus Ex Machina etc). Later in the evening there’s live music at Coota in Erdeven (Morbihan) with its kitesurf-sail décor, or Le Café Local in Combrit (Finistère) where all the surfers hang out.
In Brittany, surf culture is all about style. The Finistère brand Hoalen, the Breton word for ‘salt’, has a range of gear for ‘saltwater players’ from the age of 10. Its casual lines for men and women are designed in the Californian ‘old school’ style. The Ocean Park and ESB brands also offer collections of sweatshirts, T-shirts, hats and other accessories for him and her. Some of these are available from the online shop, Twenty Nine.
