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.
La Torche surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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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
- 2.2m - 3.2m
- 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
Access: Beach access from parking area. Well-known spot.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is La Torche?
La Torche is a beach break in Plomeur, Brittany, France, with peaks that run both left and right.
What swell works best at La Torche?
La Torche picks up swell from the W round to the NW, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the W. It starts working at around 0.8m and handles up to about 4m, with the sweet spot around 2.2 to 3.2m. Period matters too: aim for 14s or longer, as anything under 10s tends to be weak. These are the numbers our scoring uses, so treat them as a guide rather than a promise.
What wind is offshore at La Torche?
An ENE wind is dead offshore at La Torche, and anything from the NNE round to the ESE keeps it clean. The morning is typically the best window, roughly 6am to 11am. Light winds from other directions can still be fine; strong offshores can make it hard to get into waves.
What tide is best at La Torche?
La Torche is at its best around mid tide, roughly 0.5m to 2m on the local chart. Above 2.8m it tends to fill in and wash through.
When is the best time of year to surf La Torche?
The most reliable run of swell at La Torche comes Sep to Jan. There's a second window in Mar to May too. Autumn/winter prime. Very exposed to Atlantic swells.
How cold is the water at La Torche?
The water at La Torche averages around 14°C, so you'll want a 4/3mm fullsuit. It shifts a few degrees through the year, so check the season before you pack.
Is La Torche good for beginners?
Not really. It's rated 7/10 for difficulty and suits experienced surfers. It gets busy (crowd 8/10), so mind the pecking order. Powerful waves. Strong rips. Rocky sections.
How do I get to La Torche?
The nearest airport on our list is UIP, then it's roughly a 45-minute drive. Beach access from parking area. Well-known spot.
What other surf spots are near La Torche?
Fun fact: it's the second most northerly break we track in France.
Best Season
Peak: Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan
Secondary: Mar-May
Autumn/winter prime. Very exposed to Atlantic swells.