The Torch Spotlight
The spot of La Torche, in Finistère (29) is the cradle of surfing and windsurfing spots. It is the best known of the Breton spots. It is by organizing the world championships of funboard in 1986 that the Breton peninsula became known by the followers of the glide. The conditions are Dantesque with 40 knots and forge the legend of the Pointe de La Torche. It's a real washing machine and it is finally the Frenchman Patrice Belbeoc'h, a young man from Finistère, who climbs on the podium of the international windsurfing scene.
In the 80's and 90's, the spot is world famous for windsurfing, a sport that was very popular at that time. There are about 150?000 adepts, driven by the multiple world champion Robby Naish, who never neglects Brittany to come and catch waves. Moreover FR3 broadcasts the competition live.
In Breton, La Torche is called Beg Ann Dorchenn, which means point of the mound. It is found in Bigouden country, south of the Bay of Audierne. This protected site is characterized by its immense white sand beach preserved by dunes covered with oyats.
It is the most famous of the area and it has a big advantage over the rest of the bay, a lift at the level of this rocky spur, beaten by the winds. Devilishly efficient, it allows you to avoid rowing and let yourself be carried by the current.
At La Torche, the local culture is very much in evidence and it is with the family that we practice. Everyone has their own board, parents and children alike. Accessible, it is ideal for learning to surf, as the waves are not too fast or powerful.
With its annual exposure to the wind, you can practice all year round. However, you will have to be careful with the baïnes, a sort of natural swimming pool between the coast and a sandbank. The beach is also ideal for sand yachting.
Swimming is prohibited without supervision, but the beach is supervised in July and August from 1 pm to 7 pm. You will find everything you need to spend the day there: public toilets and showers, surf shop, creperie and surf school. And of course, there is a car park as close as possible to the sea.
After your session, take a stroll through the many colourful tulip fields that remind you of Holland from March to April.
Where to train : Surf School of Brittany
Other spots to practice
If the spot of La Torche is the best known, there are still other places nearby that are equally appreciated by the riders. Here are two other spots that are worth the detour, and for the rest, don't hesitate to go for a walk to find the spot of your dreams.
Pors Carn Beach
Further south is the spot of Pors Carn, attached to the commune of St-Guénolé. These 2 km of fine sand are exposed north-west and the surf is more radical, with faster waves and some reef spots. Kitesurfing and windsurfing are popular from 20 knots upwards.
Where to train: Dezert Point or 29 Hood
Tronoën Beach
A little further up is the beach of Tronoën. This spot is less frequented than the two previous ones and is quite natural with a lot of dunes. The sandbanks move regularly at each tide and from the top of the beach, you will have to observe the good peaks.
Where to learn : Easy Surf School
