Pointe du Raz & South · France
Surfing La Torche
A beach break in Pointe du Raz & South, France, for intermediate and advanced surfers.
- TypeBeach Break
- LevelIntermediate / Advanced
- Size2-8 ft
- Best monthsSep-Apr
- Crowd4/5
The wave
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.
47.8386, -4.3489 · Any swell direction · Open in Google Maps
When to surf La Torche
La Torche is at its best from September to April. Conditions it likes: Any swell direction. This is how the year looks across Finistère (Brittany):
| Months | Verdict | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
In season: January · February · March · April · September · October · November · December
Waves near La Torche
| Wave | Area | Type | Level | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plozevet | Pointe du Raz & South | Beach Break | Intermediate / Advanced | 9 km |
| St-Tugen | Pointe du Raz & South | Beach Break | Intermediate / Advanced | 28 km |
| Baie des Trépassés | Pointe du Raz & South | Beach Break | Advanced / Pro | 36 km |
| La Palue | Crozon Peninsula | Beach Break | Intermediate / Advanced | 45 km |
| Anse de Dinan | Crozon Peninsula | Reef/Beach | Intermediate / Advanced | 47 km |
| Porsmilin | Crozon Peninsula | Beach Break | Beginner / Intermediate | 59 km |
Straight-line distances. By road it is usually further.
Getting there and staying around Pointe du Raz & South
Transport, costs and the rest of the waves in the area are in the Pointe du Raz & South surf guide →
A week here costs from about $481 with flights from Europe, or around $945 travelling comfortably. See other surf trips under $500 →
La Torche: common questions
When is the best time to surf La Torche?
La Torche works best from September to April. Ideal conditions: Any swell direction.
Is La Torche good for beginners?
No. La Torche is a wave for intermediate and advanced surfers. The closest beginner-friendly spot we cover is Porsmilin in Crozon Peninsula, about 59 km away.
How crowded is La Torche?
La Torche is usually busy: 4 out of 5 on our crowd scale.
Where is La Torche?
La Torche is in Pointe du Raz & South, in the Finistère (Brittany) region of France (47.8386, -4.3489). The nearest wave we cover is Plozevet, about 9 km away.
Last updated October 2026. Seasons, costs and conditions change, so check the details before you book.
One strange surf spot a week
The Lineup: one strange surf spot each week, from hippos on the beach in Gabon to lefts under the volcanoes of Kamchatka. Free, and nothing else lands in your inbox.