Cap Fréhel
- Freeride, Shortboard
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Chop, Mixed
- Spot Type
- Quiet
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Cap Fréhel (Anse du Croc area) is a dramatic, cliff-framed coastline spot where riding and launching are strongly shaped by tides. Expect choppy/coastal water for wind sports, with rocky hazards at the ends of the bay and near cliff lines that demand extra caution—especially around high tide. Wind-wise, the strongest window is typically winter-to-early spring (January through April) and again in September through December, with best directions generally from W, WNW, and NW. One provider also notes a frontal wind influence and describes moderate-high reliability, with only light gusts. In spring and summer afternoons there can be occasional thermal reinforcement of the northwesterly gradient. For kitesurfing, the spot is described as a mix of choppy water and small-to-medium waves, generally favoring intermediate riders. Recommended kite sizes are often in the 7–12 range depending on the season. For wingfoiling, sources conflict on whether it’s consistently foil-friendly, but one describes it as very popular thanks to a sandy bottom and sufficient depth at mid-tide. Surfing is characterized as exposed and can pick up Atlantic swell, but wave quality is described differently across providers. Plan on a shelter level of exposed, with overall moderate power and punchy sections; for bigger swell, one note says it can close out once swell exceeds about 3 meters. Overall, the spot is best approached with good hazard awareness and tide planning, and with respect for seasonal swimming-zone rules in July and August.
- W/WNW/NW wind with best months in winter and early spring plus autumn
- Tidal changes strongly affect launch width and currents
- Rocky hazards near cliffs and at both ends of the beach
- Consistent W/WNW/NW wind months in winter plus autumn conditions.
- Ample sandy space at low tide for kite/foil/wind entry (but access changes with tide).
- Generally clean water and a scenic cliff-and-lighthouse backdrop.
- Rocky hazards at both ends of the bay and near cliffs (extra care around high tide).
- Significant tidal effects can narrow the beach at high tide and create stronger currents near rocky points on larger tides.
- Surf conditions may vary: one provider rates wave quality poorly while another describes it as good depending on wind component.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- W, WNW, NW
- Offshore directions
- E, ESE, SE
- Wind Range
- 15–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Frontal — Provider data describes frontal influence; regional pattern also indicates Atlantic/ frontal influence with added north-easterly breezes at times.
- Reliability
- moderate-high
- Gust Factor
- Light gusts
- Best Months
- January, February, March, April, September, October, November, December
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 7–12 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Chop, Mixed
- Beach
- Sand — Sand beach with rocky points at ends.
- Beach Size
- Tidal
- Waves
- Small — Providers describe small waves to medium waves depending on condition/timing.
- Chop Level
- Moderate chop — One provider describes chop.
- Launch
- Medium — Moderate launch area per one provider; one also describes an extremely wide sandy beach at low tide.
Through the year
High crowds in July and August; very quiet during winter months.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Choppy water with small-to-medium waves and best wind from W to WNW/NW. Seasonal best months are January–April and September–December.
- Kite Sizes
- 7–12 m²
Described as good for bump and jump and wave riding; large beach provides a safe entry though the walk can be long at low tide.
- Sail Sizes
- 4.5–6.5 m²
Providers describe wingfoiling as popular, helped by a sandy bottom and generally consistent wind; depth is sufficient for long masts close to shore around mid-tide.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes — One provider says foil friendly; another provider states foil friendly: no. Treat as conflicting—verify locally.
- Min Depth
- 1.5m
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Exposed reef/bay setting that can be reliable for Atlantic swell; can be punchy and sometimes wave quality varies.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- NW, WNW
- Swell Height
- 1–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid — Mid-tide is described as optimal for surfing by one provider.
- Shelter
- Exposed
- Wind Effect
- Offshore winds favorable per one provider; another provider notes best conditions with light offshore winds from the East or South-East and that it can be cleaner when wind has a north component.
- Bigger Swell
- Can close out when swell exceeds 3 meters (provider note).
- Wave Quality
- Poor — One provider rates wave quality as poor; another provider describes wave quality as good and often cleaner with a north component. Treat as mixed.
- Wave Power
- Moderate
- Wave Shape
- Mixed
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Providers describe medium ride length with decent sections for maneuvers.
- Ride Length Details
- Waves described as punchy with decent sections for maneuvers (medium ride length).
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Cap Fréhel in the full forecast view.
Cap Fréhel wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 3–22 ktsGusts 38 kts
- Direction
- SW228°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 2422 kts
- Windy days
- 4/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.3–2.7 m7s period
- Temperature
- 7–19 °C
Over the next 7 days, Cap Fréhel is forecast for daytime winds of 3–22 kts, peaking around 22 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 38 kts. The prevailing direction is SW. Waves run 0.3–2.7 m with a period of about 7s. 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
- Rocks
- cliff
- blocks rocheux
- currents
- shore break
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal — Seasonal lifeguards patrol main beaches in July and August.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Limited rescue availability; SNSM operates year-round from nearby Erquy/Saint-Cast.
- Emergency Info
- Emergency number 112; nearest hospital is in Dinan or Saint-Brieuc. Rescue availability is limited (seasonal lifeguards July/August).
Rules of the spot
Respect designated swimming zones during July and August.
- Kitesurfing may be restricted to specific zones or times during peak summer tourist season.
- Access can be dangerous due to cliffs and rocky blocks.
- Be prepared for a long walk to the water's edge at low tide.
- The northern end of the beach is often the preferred launch area to avoid the most turbulent wind near the cliffs.
- Be careful with rocks at both ends of the bay, especially when the tide is high.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Saint-Brieuc
- Nearest Town
- Pléhérel-Plage
- Parking
- Parking available at the spot; large public parking lot can fill up quickly in summer.
- Access
- From Saint-Brieuc, drive along the coast eastwards and follow signs to Cap Fréhel. About 5 km before the cap you’ll find the beach to the left (parking available).
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- French
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Direct — Camping du Pont de l'Etang is directly adjacent to the beach.
- Food & Drink
- Seasonal snack bars and restaurants near the beach entrance and in Pléhérel-Plage.
- Equipment Rental:
- Available through local schools and shops in surrounding towns.
- Gear Repair
- Basic repair services are sometimes available in nearby towns (e.g., Erquy or Saint-Cast).
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Coastal customs officers’ path with panoramic sea views.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Cap Fréhel?
The best overall months at Cap Fréhel are September, October, November, December, January, February, March, April. The best wind months are January, February, March, April, September, October, November, December.
Which wind directions work at Cap Fréhel?
Cap Fréhel works with W, WNW, NW winds. Offshore directions are E, ESE, SE.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Cap Fréhel?
Recommended equipment sizes at Cap Fréhel: Kitesurfing: 7–12 m² · Windsurfing: 4.5–6.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 15–25 kts.
What skill level is Cap Fréhel suitable for?
Cap Fréhel suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate · Windsurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Intermediate · Surfing: Intermediate.