Anse du Brick
- Shortboard, Longboard
- Best for
- Beginner to Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Ocean
- Spot Type
- Busy
- Crowd Level
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
Anse du Brick is a sheltered Normandy cove near Fermanville that produces A-frame beach-break peaks over mixed sand and reef. Surf is described as good and typically offers both left and right waves, with conditions improving when the swell and wind line up. For the best surfing, sources consistently point to south wind as the key wind ingredient, producing cleaner/offshore-friendly conditions for the break. The spot is most often associated with strong SW swell combinations and working swell windows around roughly 0.5–2.5m, with reports that it can hold up to about 2m+ depending on conditions. Wave quality is generally characterized as good or fun. Tide matters: the break is commonly reported to work best at low to mid tide, and it’s also noted that a rising tide can be particularly favorable. In terms of timing, the best season for surfing is concentrated in the cooler months—October through March—with December highlighted as a top month for consistent conditions. Safety-wise, expect reef/rock hazards and potential shore-break impacts; one source also mentions rip currents. Rescue availability is described inconsistently (limited vs. no), so treat the area as potentially lacking immediate rescue support and surf with extra caution, especially when the swell is pumping or crowds increase.
- Sheltered beach-break with both left and right waves
- South wind is the key for cleaner, offshore-friendly surf
- Best in the colder season (Oct–Mar), with December singled out
- Sheltered bay beach break that can deliver fun left and right waves.
- Works best when south/south-west winds are offshore and when the swell is in the recommended directions.
- Easy access with parking options and very short walk to the cove.
- Reef/rocks and uneven bottom can make it hazardous, especially on shore-break.
- Can become crowded on weekends and in summer holidays due to nearby access.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- S
- Offshore directions
- S
- Wind Range
- 10–20 kts
- Wind Type
- Frontal — Frontal/gradient pattern indicated, with offshore benefit for certain south wind directions.
- Reliability
- 44% blown, 32% clean (as reported by surf-forecast); otherwise described as moderate reliability.
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts — Providers also report moderate gust behavior.
- Best Months
- December, January, February, March, October, November
- Shadow Zones
- Sheltered bay setting reduces turbulence from some directions.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Ocean
- Beach
- Sand — Sandy cove with reef/rock elements at edges.
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Small — Also described as starting under 1m and holding to about 2m+ (or up to ~2.5m in some reports).
- Launch
- Small — Compact bay with central peak; sandy cove with rocks at extremities and scattered reef near edges.
- Launch Difficulty
- Easy
Through the year
Quiet on weekdays but can become crowded on weekends and during summer holidays.
Winter months see higher frequencies of Atlantic depressions and storms.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Occasionally used by windsurfers; surfing is dominant at this spot.
Usable for wingfoiling only when there is enough depth; riders must be cautious around rocky outcrops.
- Foil Friendly
- Limited — Foil-friendliness described as limited.
- Min Depth
- 1.5 meters
A-frame peaks over mixed reef and sand in a sheltered Normandy bay, offering left and right waves.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- SW, W, WNW
- Swell Height
- 0.5–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- Low, Mid — Also noted that it can work especially well on a rising tide.
- Shelter
- Sheltered — Sheltered cove/bay setting; providers also describe it as semi-sheltered.
- Wind Effect
- South and south-west winds are offshore and provide cleaner, more groomed conditions.
- Bigger Swell
- Can handle larger swells up to around 2m+/2.5m depending on source, but may start to close out if the swell is too direct and powerful.
- Wave Quality
- Good — Wave quality described as good.
- Wave Power
- Moderate — Also described as 'fun' power in the spot databases.
- Wave Shape
- Mixed — Some reports specify peeling/mixed characteristics depending on conditions.
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Short — Reported as short (<50m) normally; about 50–150m on good days.
- Typical Ride Length
- 50–150 m
- Ride Length Details
- Short (<50m) normally; 50–150m on good days.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Anse du Brick in the full forecast view.
Anse du Brick wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 3–25 ktsGusts 43 kts
- Direction
- SW235°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 2425 kts
- Windy days
- 4/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.1–1.8 m5s period
- Temperature
- 8–17 °C
Over the next 7 days, Anse du Brick is forecast for daytime winds of 3–25 kts, peaking around 25 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 43 kts. The prevailing direction is SW. Waves run 0.1–1.8 m with a period of about 5s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- reef
- uneven-bottom
- shore-break
- rocks
- rip currents
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal — Lifeguard presence described as seasonal.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Rescue availability is reported as limited by one provider, and as no by another—treat as uncertain.
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild — Reported mild localism.
Rules of the spot
Standard surfing etiquette applies. Respect locals and any designated swimming areas if present in summer.
- Check south wind for the cleanest offshore/offshore-friendly conditions.
- Best surfing tends to be on low to mid tide (and can work best on a rising tide).
- Avoid summer when conditions are often flatter.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Cherbourg-en-Cotentin
- Nearest Town
- Fermanville
- Parking
- Parking near the beach and the adjacent campsite; free car park mentioned with roadside parking options.
- Access
- Accessible via the D116 road from Cherbourg heading towards Fermanville; the cove is clearly visible from the road. Instant access (<5 min walk).
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- French
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Camping at/near the spot is mentioned; otherwise accommodation in Cherbourg and Fermanville.
- Food & Drink
- Restaurant overlooking the bay; additional options in Fermanville.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Anse du Brick?
The best overall months at Anse du Brick are October, November, December, January, February, March. The best wind months are December, January, February, March, October, November.
Which wind directions work at Anse du Brick?
Anse du Brick works with S winds. Offshore directions are S.
What skill level is Anse du Brick suitable for?
Anse du Brick suits these riding levels: Windsurfing: Beginner to Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Beginner to Intermediate · Surfing: Beginner to Intermediate.