La Torche

La Torche, the legendary headland of the pays bigouden: a world-famous ocean wave spot between the great bay of Audierne to the north and Pors Carn to the south. Surf rules the point, kiting lives on the Pors Carn side — and the ocean here doesn't forgive: violent currents, rip-current 'baïnes', the most heavily patrolled beach in Finistère.

La Torche is Brittany's all-in spot: a rocky headland between the bay of Audierne and Pors Carn, facing due west, catching most Atlantic lows. The swell is often solid, up to 3 metres and more, and the point throws waves only for the best. It is above all a world-famous surf mecca, and kiting coexists with a strict geography: surf on the point and north beach, kite on the Pors Carn side, in a buoyed channel in summer. The ocean here is serious. The Plomeur bylaw justifies its rules by violent currents, dumping waves and quicksand; the fire-and-rescue service describes baïne-type currents, including the one surfers call 'the lift', and reminds everyone that the ocean can be dangerous for all, even the fit. It's the most heavily patrolled beach in Finistère, six lifeguards out every summer day — but that cover is for bathing, not kiting. The tide rules the space: at low water, a very wide beach and good sandbars; at high water, a narrow beach, a shorebreak and a reduced launch area, with the Méchants reef uncovering north-west of Pors Carn. Launching is banned on the grass and dune all year: you rig on the sand. A magnificent, committing spot you read before you ride.