Cherrueix (Saint-Malo Bay)
- Freeride, Foil
- Best for
- Beginner to Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Flat, Shallow, Small waves
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Cherrueix (Saint-Malo Bay) is a major tidal kitesurfing and traction-sport destination on the south shore of Mont-Saint-Michel Bay, built around a very large sandy area that is exposed at low tide. The spot is known for generally clean water and small wave conditions that can produce very flat riding surfaces over hard sand (particularly at low tide). The combination of vast space and shallow-to-flat conditions makes it attractive for freeride and foil styles, while also supporting land-sailing activity on the same beach.
- Massive tidal sand flats (up to about 3 km wide at low tide).
- Flat-water kitesurfing/foiling conditions on hard sand.
- Land yachts (chars à voile) share the beach—rules and spacing matter.
- Large, exposed sandy beach with flat water conditions, especially for kitesurfing and foil progression.
- Hard sand at low tide supports efficient traction riding.
- Strong local land-sailing culture with shared beach access and established infrastructure.
- Extreme tidal dynamics: the riding area disappears at high tide and conditions change rapidly.
- Strong tidal currents and fast returning tide reduce safety margins.
- Hazards in/around the bay include oyster beds/parks and wooden poles.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- W, NW, WNW, NE, N
- Wind Range
- 12–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Thermal — Thermal sea-breezes can develop on sunny afternoons in spring and summer, reinforcing prevailing gradient flow.
- Reliability
- moderate
- Gust Factor
- Light gusts — Reported as light gusts.
- Best Months
- April, May, June, July, August, September, October
- Shadow Zones
- Village structures can create minor turbulence very close to shore.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Flat, Shallow, Small waves
- Beach
- Sand — Hard sand at low tide.
- Beach Size
- Tidal
- Waves
- Small — Reported as small wave conditions.
- Chop Level
- Light chop — Reported as flat/shallow conditions with small wave/chop context.
- Launch
- Big — Up to about 3 km wide at low tide; extremely large sandy beach area as the tide goes out.
Through the year
Usually quiet; busiest in summer months.
More frequent Atlantic storms occur between October and March (regional baseline).
By sport
What to expect for each.
Exceptional flat water on hard sand at low tide, with a very large sandy area exposed as the tide goes out. Widely used for freeride and foiling; also associated with land-sailing/traction-sport culture.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–14 m²
Suitable for freeride and slalom, especially around high tide when there is enough depth.
- Sail Sizes
- 5.5–7.5 m²
Foiling is possible; learning/progression is reported around higher tide, with careful attention to mast depth in shallow areas.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes — Foil-friendly reported.
- Min Depth
- Requires at least mid-to-high tide for safety; some riding can be completely dry between mid and low tide due to sand ripples (dry sailing context).
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Cherrueix (Saint-Malo Bay) in the full forecast view.
Cherrueix (Saint-Malo Bay) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–21 ktsGusts 35 kts
- Direction
- SW220°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 2421 kts
- Windy days
- 4/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.1–0.3 m5s period
- Temperature
- 7–19 °C
Over the next 7 days, Cherrueix (Saint-Malo Bay) is forecast for daytime winds of 2–21 kts, peaking around 21 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 35 kts. The prevailing direction is SW. Waves run 0.1–0.3 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
- strong tidal currents
- sand ripples
- quicksand areas
- fast returning tide
- oyster beds (oyster parks)
- wooden poles
- muddy zones
- extreme tidal range
- offshore wind
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Maritime rescue is provided across the bay by SNSM, while land-based activities rely on local fire and rescue services.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest major emergency services are in Saint-Malo; pan-European emergency number is 112.
Rules of the spot
Give way and maintain safe distance to land yachts (chars à voile). Avoid riding near oyster parks and respect designated land-sailing zones.
- Sessions only viable at low to mid-tide (depth and flat extents change dramatically).
- Avoid zones affected by oyster beds; follow designated land-sailing areas.
- Seasonal kitesurfing restrictions may apply in July and August in certain beach zones.
- Never go out on foot on the flats—the tide returns extremely fast (up to 1 m/min in channels).
- Watch oyster parks: they are marked, but can be dangerous if you drift into them.
- Check tide tables carefully before every session.
- Best session window is roughly 2 to 3 hours before and after high tide.
- The bottom can be muddy in some sections; footwear is recommended.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Cherrueix
- Nearest Town
- Roz-Landrieux
- Parking
- Large beach car parks / public parking near the beach front and land sailing center.
- Access
- Access from Cherrueix village via the coastal road (D797 between Saint-Malo and Mont Saint-Michel). Large beach car parks available.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- French
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Camping sites and guest houses are available within the village and surrounding area.
- Food & Drink
- Local restaurants in the village serve seafood and traditional Breton crepes.
- Equipment Rental:
- Rental options exist locally, especially for land-based sailing; kitesurf rental may require going to shops in Saint-Malo.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
The Saint-Malo Bay region combines maritime history, a strong seafood culture, and unique tidal landscapes that support both kite sports and land sailing.
World-famous UNESCO World Heritage site featuring a medieval abbey on a tidal island.
Historic walled city of Saint-Malo known for privateer history and granite ramparts.
A premier destination for land sailing on vast, hard-packed sandy beaches.
Known for high-quality oysters and seafood, with restaurants overlooking the bay.
Large aquarium with marine life and interactive submarine simulators.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Cherrueix (Saint-Malo Bay)?
The best overall months at Cherrueix (Saint-Malo Bay) are April, May, September, October. The best wind months are April, May, June, July, August, September, October.
Which wind directions work at Cherrueix (Saint-Malo Bay)?
Cherrueix (Saint-Malo Bay) works with W, NW, WNW, NE, N winds.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Cherrueix (Saint-Malo Bay)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Cherrueix (Saint-Malo Bay): Kitesurfing: 9–14 m² · Windsurfing: 5.5–7.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 12–25 kts.
What skill level is Cherrueix (Saint-Malo Bay) suitable for?
Cherrueix (Saint-Malo Bay) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Beginner to Intermediate · Windsurfing: Beginner to Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Beginner.