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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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 this spot

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
Great for
Surfing shortboardSurfing longboardSurfing bodyboard
What's great
  • 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.
Heads up
  • 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.
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Practical spot guide

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

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
9–19 °C
Water Temperature
5–22 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Jan–Apr: 5/4mm + Boots, Gloves, HoodMay, Jun: 4/3mm or 3/2mmJul–Oct: 4/3mm or 3/2mm
Crowds by Season

Generally empty or very low crowds due to how rarely the wave breaks.

Storm/Rain Season

Winter months are often rainy and stormier in Brittany.

By sport

What to expect for each.

SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

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.

Point break
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.
Forecast

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.

Nearby

Other spots in the area

Safety

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)
Ability Level: Intermediate
Recommended Safety Gear
HelmetBootsWetsuitHoodGlovesLeash

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.

Restrictions
  • Prefectural order in force prohibits nautical activities on this spot.
Local Tips
  • 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
Amenities

What's on the beach

Parking
Restaurant
Bar
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.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

The area

Off the water

Port-Rhu Port-Musée2km

A maritime museum featuring historic ships that visitors can board.

Les Plomarc'h3km

An archaeological site featuring Roman-era fish salting tanks and traditional Breton architecture.

GR34 Coastal Path0km

The famous customs officers' path offering cliffside hiking views along the bay.

Port of Tréboul1km

A lively marina area with many creperies and seafood restaurants.

Île Tristan2km

A small island accessible by foot during low tide with guided nature and history tours.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

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.