Le Guet (Douarnenez)
- Shortboard, Longboard
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Swell, Ocean
- Spot Type
- Empty
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Le Guet is a very sheltered point break in Douarnenez that functions mainly as a fallback for exceptional Atlantic conditions. It rarely breaks (around five days per year) and is typically described as needing a large swell to wrap into the bay and start working, with high tide being essential. Across the sources, the hazard profile is dominated by rocks and reef sections. The spot is therefore best treated as a higher-risk launch zone rather than a casual day-out: riders should plan for impact protection and be extra cautious at lower tide levels when rock hazards are more exposed. Wind is typically oriented from the south for this location, and south winds are described as offshore, which can help produce cleaner, groomed faces when the break is already active. However, wind reliability is described as low, consistent with the sheltered nature and the wind shadow effects created by the town and surrounding cliffs. For surfing specifically, the wave is described as a point-break with waves running both directions (left and right). Reported working windows frequently cite a start around 1.0–1.5 m, but the spot is also repeatedly characterized as needing truly massive swell for dependable performance and good wave size penetration. Overall, it’s a low-profile spot known for rare, high-condition days rather than day-to-day consistency.
- Very sheltered point break
- Rarely breaks (about 5 days per year)
- High tide only
- Rides commonly 50 to 150 meters
- Very sheltered point-break setup.
- When it does work, it can deliver excellent wave quality and rides typically 50 to 150 meters.
- South winds can be offshore, helping produce cleaner faces.
- Rarely breaks (about 5 days per year).
- Requires exceptional swell energy and high tide; often not a consistent option.
- Rock and reef hazards on/near the line-up.
- Prefectural rules can prohibit nautical activities at this spot.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- S
- Offshore directions
- S
- Wind Range
- 10–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Frontal — South winds are common; described as frontal/prevailing from the south for this spot.
- Reliability
- low
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts
- Best Months
- January, February, March, October, November, December
- Shadow Zones
- Very sheltered spot; town and cliffs create significant wind shadow from many directions.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Swell, Ocean
- Beach
- Rocks — Rocks with sand reported; reef sections noted.
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Huge — Sources describe the spot as only reliably working on truly massive swells.
- Launch
- Small — Typically from the rocky point or adjacent beach area.
- Launch Difficulty
- Moderate — Launch is moderate due to rocks and the need to time conditions.
Through the year
Generally empty or very low crowds due to how rarely the wave breaks.
Winter months are often rainy and stormier in Brittany.
By sport
What to expect for each.
A very sheltered point break in Douarnenez that rarely works; it typically needs a massive Atlantic swell to wrap into the bay and start breaking. Best at high tide.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- WNW
- Swell Height
- 1–1.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- High — High tide only (commonly stated).
- Shelter
- Sheltered — Sheltered point break.
- Wind Effect
- South winds are described as offshore and can produce clean, groomed faces.
- Bigger Swell
- Needs very large outside swells to wrap into the bay; effectively a ‘massive swell’ repli/fallback that starts reliably only on exceptional days.
- Wave Quality
- Excellent — Regional classic wave quality.
- Wave Power
- Moderate — A sheltered point-break experience; typically not a big-day machine unless conditions are exceptional.
- Wave Shape
- Peeling
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Medium — Normal rides are typically 50 to 150 meters.
- Typical Ride Length
- 50–150 m
- Ride Length Details
- Normal length around 50 to 150m; one source notes typical rides around 100m.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Le Guet (Douarnenez) in the full forecast view.
Le Guet (Douarnenez) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–22 ktsGusts 39 kts
- Direction
- SW230°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 2422 kts
- Windy days
- 4/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.4–1.9 m10s period
- Temperature
- 9–17 °C
Over the next 7 days, Le Guet (Douarnenez) is forecast for daytime winds of 2–22 kts, peaking around 22 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 39 kts. The prevailing direction is SW. Waves run 0.4–1.9 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
- rocks
- reef sections
- rock hazards (especially at lower tide)
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- No
- Emergency Info
- Douarnenez hospital is the nearest medical facility.
Rules of the spot
Prefectural order prohibits nautical activities on this spot; respect local conditions and navigation/proximity to port channels.
- Prefectural order in force prohibits nautical activities on this spot.
- Wait for high tide; the spot rarely works at low tide.
- Bring a helmet—mainly for the rocks, not the wave.
- Check the spot when the swell is too big for more exposed beaches in the wider area.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Douarnenez
- Nearest Town
- Douarnenez
- Parking
- Small parking lot, not easy to find (city parking may also be within walking distance).
- Access
- From Tréboul (west of Douarnenez), take Route des Roches Blanches, then the coastal path on the right; small, hard-to-find parking nearby.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- French
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Near — Numerous hotels, guesthouses, and rentals are available in Douarnenez.
- Food & Drink
- Many cafes and restaurants are within a short walk in the town center and port area.
- Equipment Rental:
- Local surf shops in Douarnenez may offer rentals, but availability at the spot itself is limited.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
A maritime museum featuring historic ships that visitors can board.
An archaeological site featuring Roman-era fish salting tanks and traditional Breton architecture.
The famous customs officers' path offering cliffside hiking views along the bay.
A lively marina area with many creperies and seafood restaurants.
A small island accessible by foot during low tide with guided nature and history tours.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Le Guet (Douarnenez)?
The best overall months at Le Guet (Douarnenez) are January, February, March, October, November, December.
Which wind directions work at Le Guet (Douarnenez)?
Le Guet (Douarnenez) works with S winds. Offshore directions are S.
What skill level is Le Guet (Douarnenez) suitable for?
Le Guet (Douarnenez) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Beginner.