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 tide is best at La Torche?
The La Torche profile favors mid tide, ideally between 0.5m and 2m on the local tide chart. Compare this preference with the forecast tide and local conditions before choosing a session. The profile also flags a high-tide limit above 2.8m.
What wind direction is offshore at La Torche?
The La Torche profile uses wind from ENE (70°) as its preferred direction, with an offshore range of 30° to 110°. Wind speed matters too: light winds outside that range can still produce surfable conditions, while strong offshore winds can make takeoffs difficult.
What swell size and direction work best at La Torche?
The La Torche scoring profile favors swell from W (265° to 320°), a swell-height range of 0.8m to 4m, and a reference period of 14s. These are model inputs, not guaranteed breaking-wave heights or a promise that the surf will suit every ability.
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?
The spot profile lists UIP as a nearby airport. The estimated road transfer is 45 minutes. 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.