La Passe Aux Moutons (Carantec)
- Freestyle, Freeride
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Flat, Shallow, Chop
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
La Passe Aux Moutons (Carantec) is a tide-dependent kitesurfing spot in Northern Brittany, centered on a shallow sandbar/tombolo in the passage to Île Callot. When the timing is right, riders get clean, flat-water conditions that suit freestyle and progression, while other tide states can introduce chop and changes in available depth. Water is described as clean and predominantly shallow, with water depth varying strongly with tide. Wind is generally best in April through June and again in September through October. Typical winds for the spot are described across West through North/North-East sectors, and the regional pattern is consistent with frontal systems from the West/Southwest plus an afternoon thermal build in summer. Gusts are described as light, with wind reliability rated as medium at the spot. Safety considerations are a key part of riding here. The area has ships in the channel and features nearby oyster beds, which are sharp if you fall in shallow water—so wetsuit boots are strongly advised. Tide changes also bring strong currents in the channel, and there is a submerged road/structure at the passage (Passe aux Moutons), so riders should avoid riding directly over it during low-tide transitions when vehicles are present and should respect moored boats. For best session planning, it’s recommended to ride around high tide (about 2 to 3 hours around it) so you have sufficient depth and more predictable flat-water conditions. Rescue availability is described as limited, with a nearby SNSM coast guard presence in the port. Facilities and amenities are available in the area (including showers/toilets and services), and the seasonal presence of lifeguards is noted.
- Shallow, clean water over a sandbar/tombolo that can turn very flat at the right tide
- Medium reliability wind with an afternoon thermal build in the warm season
- Oyster beds and navigation/road hazards make tide and route discipline important
- Clean water and shallow flat-water riding over the sandbar at the right tide
- Good for freestyle/progression and freeride; also suitable for foil when depth allows
- Moderately reliable winds with a thermal afternoon build in late spring/summer
- Nearby support infrastructure (marina/port access and local maritime services)
- Strong tidal currents during tide changes
- Tidal timing is critical (shallow bar/tombolo; risk of getting stranded)
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- W, WNW, N, NE
- No-go directions
- WSW, SW
- Wind Range
- 12–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Frontal — Wind patterns described as primarily frontal depressions from the West/Southwest in the region; spot-specific sources also describe West/North-West/North/North-East winds.
- Reliability
- medium
- Gust Factor
- Light gusts — Gusts described as light.
- Best Months
- April, May, June, September, October
- Shadow Zones
- South-West winds can be gusty due to the relief of the town.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Flat, Shallow, Chop
- Beach
- Sand — Sand beach composition.
- Beach Size
- Tidal
- Waves
- Flat — Wave size described as flat.
- Chop Level
- Light chop — Shallow flat-water often; chop described as part of typical conditions.
- Launch
- Big — Large sandy area at low tide, significantly reduced as water rises.
Through the year
Busy during July and August; quiet in winter.
Winter months (November to February) bring frequent rain and storms; storms are most concentrated from November to March.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Tidal spot with shallow, flat water over a sandbar/tombolo; suitable for flat-water freestyle/progression and freeride. Riding is strongly tide-dependent, and conditions change as the passage connects/disconnects at different tides.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Good for slalom and freeride at high tide; depth can be an issue over the bar.
- Sail Sizes
- 5.5–7.5 m²
Possible at high tide when depth is sufficient over the passage; flat-water conditions make it attractive.
- Foil Friendly
- Limited — Limited foil friendliness.
- Min Depth
- Only suitable around high tide for long masts
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for La Passe Aux Moutons (Carantec) in the full forecast view.
La Passe Aux Moutons (Carantec) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 3–27 ktsGusts 41 kts
- Direction
- SW230°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 2427 kts
- Windy days
- 4/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.6–3.7 m10s period
- Temperature
- 8–18 °C
Over the next 7 days, La Passe Aux Moutons (Carantec) is forecast for daytime winds of 3–27 kts, peaking around 27 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 41 kts. The prevailing direction is SW. Waves run 0.6–3.7 m with a period of about 10s. 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
- Ships in the area
- Oyster beds nearby (sharp if you fall in shallow water)
- Strong tidal currents in the channel during tide changes
- Submerged road (Passe aux Moutons)
- Moored boats in the channel
- Rocks at the base of Île Callot
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal — Seasonal lifeguard presence is mentioned.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Rescue availability described as limited (regional maritime rescue coordinated by CROSS Corsen; local SNSM station nearby).
- Emergency Info
- Coast guard SNSM station located nearby in the port (SNSM). General emergency 112 or sea rescue 196 (regional).
Rules of the spot
Respect the navigation channel and moored boats. Avoid riding directly over the submerged road when cars are present during low-tide transitions; watch tide timing to avoid being stranded on Île Callot.
- Kitesurfing restricted in certain areas during peak summer for bather safety
- Best ridden 2 to 3 hours around high tide
- Wear wetsuit boots to reduce cuts from oyster beds
- Watch the tide carefully to avoid getting stranded on Île Callot
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Morlaix
- Nearest Town
- Carantec
- Nearest Airport
- Brest Bretagne Airport (BES)
- Parking
- Parking available near the entrance to the passage or at nearby Plage du Kélenn (spot-level).
- Public Transport
- Regional bus services connect Carantec to the Morlaix TGV station; a car is highly recommended for transporting gear.
- Access
- From Brest, drive east on N12. In Morlaix, drive northwest to Carantec and proceed to the northwest tip of the village (access to the spot/passage). Access is also described via signs for the Port or Île Callot; the spot is at the start of the passage.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- French
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Camping sites, seasonal rentals, and hotels in the Carantec area/nearby bay.
- Food & Drink
- Food and drinks are available nearby in Carantec and around Plage du Kélenn.
- Equipment Rental:
- Equipment rental available at local nautical center and specialized shops in the Morlaix area; no dedicated kite rental is noted directly on the beach.
- Gear Storage
- Limited public storage; primarily offered to members of local nautical clubs.
- Gear Repair
- Repair services found in nearby larger towns like Morlaix or Brest; basic repairs mentioned in Carantec.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Northern Brittany seaside scenery with accessible island crossings at low tide and classic bay viewpoints.
Island accessible only at low tide via a paved submersible road, with small coves and a chapel.
16th-century sea fortress in the middle of Morlaix Bay, accessible by boat tours.
Hiking along the coastline via the famous customs officer’s path.
Local seafood restaurant with views of the bay.
Arboretum and botanical garden with a peaceful setting for families.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at La Passe Aux Moutons (Carantec)?
The best overall months at La Passe Aux Moutons (Carantec) are May, June, July, August, September, October. The best wind months are April, May, June, September, October.
Which wind directions work at La Passe Aux Moutons (Carantec)?
La Passe Aux Moutons (Carantec) works with W, WNW, N, NE winds. No-go directions are WSW, SW.
What equipment sizes are recommended at La Passe Aux Moutons (Carantec)?
Recommended equipment sizes at La Passe Aux Moutons (Carantec): Kitesurfing: 9–12 m² · Windsurfing: 5.5–7.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 12–25 kts.
What skill level is La Passe Aux Moutons (Carantec) suitable for?
La Passe Aux Moutons (Carantec) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate · Windsurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Intermediate.