La Torche
La Torche is Brittany's heavyweight champion—a powerful, exposed beachbreak that can handle massive Atlantic swells and transform them into world-class barrels. The spot faces directly into the North Atlantic storm track, making it one of France's most consistent waves but also one of its most challenging. When it's firing, La Torche produces thick, hollow waves that have attracted France's best surfers for decades. The Breton coastline's rugged beauty and Celtic cultural heritage add depth to the experience.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- W (280°)
- Direction range
- 265° - 320°
- Size range
- 0.8m - 4m
- Ideal size
- 3.0m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 14s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- ENE (70°)
- Offshore range
- 30° - 110°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- mid
- Optimal range
- 0.5m - 2m
- Danger above
- 2.8m
Water temp
14°C
Wetsuit
4/3mm fullsuit
Difficulty
7/10
Crowd level
8/10
👥 Summer Holidays (Jul 4 – Sep 1) — expect extra crowds
Access: Beach access from parking area. Well-known spot.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at La Torche?
La Torche works best on a mid tide, ideally between 0.5m and 2m on the local tide chart. The tide chart above shows today’s strike window. Above 2.8m it tends to swamp and stop breaking properly.
What wind direction is offshore at La Torche?
Offshore wind at La Torche blows from the ENE (70°). Anything in the 30° to 110° range grooms the faces; outside it, expect chop or bumpy conditions.
What swell size and direction work best at La Torche?
La Torche wants W swell (265° to 320°) between 0.8m and 4m, with a period of 14s or more for quality waves.
When is the best time of year to surf La Torche?
The main season at La Torche is Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan. A secondary window runs Mar-May. Autumn/winter prime. Very exposed to Atlantic swells.
How do I get to La Torche?
Fly into UIP, then allow about 45 minutes by road. Beach access from parking area. Well-known spot.
What kind of wave is La Torche?
La Torche is a beach break, a peak with lefts and rights. Difficulty is rated 7/10.
Best Season
Peak: Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan
Secondary: Mar-May
Autumn/winter prime. Very exposed to Atlantic swells.