Pointe Saint-Gilles (Le Letty)
- Freestyle, Shortboard
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Small waves, 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Pointe Saint-Gilles (Le Letty) is a tide-dependent double-setup at the mouth of the river Odet where lagoon-style flat water and an exposed rivermouth/ocean point can both be found. Water is commonly described as crystal-clear, with sand beaches and a tidal lagoon (“Mer Blanche”) that provides protected conditions when timed correctly. For kitesurfing and wind sports, the lagoon at high tide is the main area for flatter water progression (especially for freestyle/foiling), while the ocean point becomes the working zone around the right tide for wave/chop riding. The spot is consistently described as requiring an intermediate level because the channel currents can be very strong and because trees near the lagoon can create a downwind hazard in certain wind directions. Wind is typically sea-breeze influenced, and conditions are described as best when wind aligns with the different parts of the spot: recommended setups frequently fall around SSE/S/SSW/SW for the best water conditions, with ocean-side offshore guidance described for surfing (N/NE as offshore). Seasonal patterns emphasize June as a best month in one guide, while other data also points to spring and autumn windows; the spot is still described as working outside peak months but more variably. Surfing can occur as a fickle rivermouth/sandbar break with short rides; hollow/punchy waves may appear with adequate swell (often starting around 1.0–1.5m and holding up to about 2m+). Because channel currents can intensify, conditions can become hazardous on bigger sets, and users are advised to manage tide timing carefully and avoid the lagoon when wind pushes toward the trees.
- Lagoon-style protected riding at high tide plus an ocean point wave/chop option
- Very clear water and sand-bottom lagoon character
- Strong tide/current dynamics that reward planning and intermediate competence
- Clear water and versatile two-environment setup (lagoon + ocean point) for different riding styles
- Spring/summer timing (notably June) is highlighted as a best period for improved conditions
- Nearby amenities and established access points via Bénodet/Quimper area
- Not beginner-friendly due to strong channel currents and nearby trees around the lagoon
- Access and rideability are highly tide-dependent (lagoon window limited)
- Ocean-side conditions can be inconsistent for surfing and can become dangerous with strong currents
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- S, SW, W, NW, SE
- Offshore directions
- N, NE
- Wind Range
- 8–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Sea breeze — Sea-breeze influenced Atlantic/coastal pattern; lagoon vs ocean side wind direction varies with the setup.
- Reliability
- Moderate; lagoon reliability can be lower and dependent on conditions/tides.
- Gust Factor
- Light gusts — Described as light gusts; also reported as moderate-reliability wind overall.
- Best Months
- June
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Small waves, Mixed
- Beach
- Sand — Sand with shifting/point rock elements depending on exact side.
- Beach Size
- Tidal
- Waves
- Small — Overall described as small-to-medium depending on environment and tide; one dataset describes small waves and medium waves.
- Chop Level
- Moderate chop — Chop is mentioned as present (ocean side) and mixed conditions are described.
- Launch
- Medium — Launch options described as camping-area launch or traversing the lagoon at low tide; point access changes with tide.
Through the year
Peak crowds in July and August; very quiet in winter.
Late autumn and winter bring frequent Atlantic depressions and stronger winds.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Double spot concept: flat-water lagoon conditions at high tide for freestyle/foiling, and more wave/chop conditions on the ocean side when timing the tide and accessing the point. Not beginner-friendly due to strong channel currents and trees near the lagoon.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Freeriding and foiling are described as available, with high tide mandatory for lagoon riding. Ocean-side access/conditions vary with tide.
- Sail Sizes
- 4.5–7 m²
Lagoon provides flat/protected water at high tide for learning/progression; ocean side has more swell/chop and is more advanced.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes — Foil sessions are described as suitable in lagoon conditions.
- Min Depth
- Only rideable in the lagoon about 2 hours before and after high tide; minimum depth described as 0.5m in one dataset and 2m in another for rideability window (resolve by following local conditions).
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Fickle rivermouth/sandbar break: sometimes produces short hollow waves when swell and tide align. Works with decently sized swell; can become dangerous with extreme currents in the channel.
- Optimal Swell
- W, SW
- Swell Height
- 1–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid — Mid tide referenced; also noted as best at mid to high tide and rising tide.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Exposed rivermouth/outside break character.
- Wind Effect
- Southwest winds can make surf messy; north/Northeast winds are described as offshore.
- Bigger Swell
- Can hold size up to about 2m+ in swell; however, it may close out or become dangerous due to extreme currents in the channel.
- Wave Quality
- Good — Wave quality described as good.
- Wave Power
- Moderate — Reported moderate wave power; described as short but punchy near sandbars in some conditions.
- Wave Shape
- Hollow — Reported hollow/sometimes hollow characteristics.
- Peel Speed
- Medium — Reported medium peel speed.
- Ride Length
- Short — Normal ride length reported short (<50m); also described as 30–50m in some cases.
- Typical Ride Length
- 30–50 m
- Ride Length Details
- Short (<50m) rides; can be intense and punchy near sandbars.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Pointe Saint-Gilles (Le Letty) in the full forecast view.
Pointe Saint-Gilles (Le Letty) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–23 ktsGusts 38 kts
- Direction
- SW230°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 2423 kts
- Windy days
- 4/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.3–2.1 m7s period
- Temperature
- 9–17 °C
Over the next 7 days, Pointe Saint-Gilles (Le Letty) is forecast for daytime winds of 2–23 kts, peaking around 23 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 38 kts. The prevailing direction is SW. Waves run 0.3–2.1 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
- Very strong tidal currents in the channel connecting the lagoon to the ocean
- Currents in the channel causing drift/sweep
- Trees near the lagoon create a downwind hazard in SE–SW winds
- Shifting sandbanks
- Rocks at the point (and around the area)
- Tide-dependent access/depth
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal — Lifeguard presence is described as seasonal, with primary focus on the main beach.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Rescue availability described as limited; surf/beach surveillance not consistently detailed, so self-awareness is needed.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest hospital is described as in Quimper; maritime emergency guidance also referenced. Rescue coverage is not consistent and is described as limited.
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild — Described as mild localism.
Rules of the spot
Respect any designated swimming zones during summer months. High-tide access is required for the lagoon.
- Summer seasonal restrictions for water sports (area rules may protect beachgoers).
- High tide is mandatory for lagoon access.
- Check tides carefully: the lagoon is best at high tide, while the ocean side is more accessible/usable around low tide.
- Avoid the lagoon with SE–SW winds because nearby trees can create a downwind hazard.
- The lagoon (Mer Blanche) is only rideable for roughly about 2 hours on either side of high tide due to current/tide timing.
- Current in the Letty channel can sweep riders out to sea or into the lagoon—stay aware and plan exits.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Quimper
- Nearest Town
- Bénodet
- Nearest Airport
- Quimper–Bretagne Airport (15 km) and Brest Bretagne Airport (BES; described distances vary by source)
- Parking
- Low tide: described parking options include UCPA or Pointe du Cor de Groasguen / Camping Pointe St Gilles. High tide: Kerler beach parking described with a longer walk; additional public parking near beach/campsite noted.
- Public Transport
- Accessible via BreizhGo bus network (e.g., Line 42) from Quimper TGV station; regional connections via Quimper.
- Access
- From Quimper drive south on D34 to Bénodet and further south to Le Letty / Pointe Saint-Gilles. For lagoon access at high tide, the lagoon crossing/traverse at low tide or parking at a nearby parking area is described; for ocean-side access at low tide, parking near UCPA / Pointe du Cor de Groasguen is described.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- French
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Several large campsites and hotels are located directly adjacent to the point; extensive accommodation also available in Bénodet.
- Food & Drink
- Numerous restaurants and cafes within walking distance in the Le Letty and Bénodet areas.
- Equipment Rental:
- Equipment rental available via local schools/centers during summer season (and described as available through local centers).
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Naturally preserved lagoon known for exceptional scenery.
A cluster of islands often called the 'Breton Tahiti' for clear waters and white sand beaches.
Museum dedicated to the history of sea bathing and the development of the Bénodet resort.
Boat trips up the Odet towards Quimper (often described as among the prettiest rivers in France).
Terraces overlooking the Odet river mouth and Sainte-Marine.
Seawater therapy and spa center popular for relaxation.
Relaxed beach setting with rocky borders in the Pointe Saint-Gilles area.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Pointe Saint-Gilles (Le Letty)?
The best overall months at Pointe Saint-Gilles (Le Letty) are April, May, June, September, October. The best wind months are June.
Which wind directions work at Pointe Saint-Gilles (Le Letty)?
Pointe Saint-Gilles (Le Letty) works with S, SW, W, NW, SE winds. Offshore directions are N, NE.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Pointe Saint-Gilles (Le Letty)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Pointe Saint-Gilles (Le Letty): Kitesurfing: 9–12 m² · Windsurfing: 4.5–7 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 8–25 kts.
What skill level is Pointe Saint-Gilles (Le Letty) suitable for?
Pointe Saint-Gilles (Le Letty) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate · Windsurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Beginner · Surfing: Beginner to Expert.