Treac'h ar Goured (Houat Island)
- Freeride, Wave
- Best for
- Advanced
- Skill Level
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Treac'h ar Goured on Houat Island is a remote, sandy north-coast kitesurfing location with crystal-clear water and predominantly chop, with small-to-medium waves. The main wind directions are NE through SE (including ENE and ESE), aligning with an easterly wind preference for the spot. Wind is described as generally fair, with a light-gust character. In spring and summer, an afternoon thermal sea breeze can develop on sunny days and reinforce easterly/SE gradient flow, which typically supports consistent sessions later in the day. Typical conditions are in the 12–25 knot range. Safety and timing are central: sessions are tidal-dependent, and strong tidal currents are described around the island. In summer (July–August), the beach is frequently crowded and riders must respect swimmers and designated swimming zones; the spot is closed from 09:00 to 19:00 during this period. No rescue service is described on site, so riders need to be self-sufficient and plan accordingly. Access is by ferry/boat from Quiberon to Île-d'Houat, followed by a walk/route to the west/northwest side of the island to reach the beach launch. With an advanced-level profile, the spot suits experienced riders who can manage upwind performance, tides, and summer swimmer coordination.
- Crystal-clear water
- Large sandy beach launch area
- NE to SE wind directions with afternoon thermal reinforcement in spring/summer
- Tidal-dependent conditions; summer swimmer restrictions with closure hours
- Car-free island environment requiring ferry access
- Crystal-clear water and large sandy launching beach
- Easterly/NE–SE wind window suitable for freeride and wave-style riding
- Remote, low-crowd riding outside peak beach hours
- Advanced, tidal-dependent riding (strong currents described around the island)
- Summer swimmer risk and strict closure hours (09:00–19:00 in July–August)
- Remote island logistics; bring all essentials—no gear rentals/repair described for the beach area
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- NE, ENE, E, ESE, SE
- Wind Range
- 12–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Thermal — Afternoon light thermal sea-breeze can reinforce easterly/SE gradient winds in spring and summer.
- Reliability
- fair
- Gust Factor
- Light gusts
- Best Months
- April, May, June, July, August, September, October
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 9–14 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Chop
- Beach
- Sand
- Beach Size
- Big
- Waves
- Small — Small-to-medium waves are mentioned alongside chop.
- Chop Level
- Moderate chop — Chop is specifically identified.
- Launch
- Big — Very wide sandy beach; large space to set up and launch.
Through the year
Low off-season; high in July–August (with spot restricted by closure hours).
Late autumn and winter (October to March) see more frequent storms.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Advanced north-coast kitesurfing with chop and small-to-medium waves in crystal-clear water. Tidal currents make timing and upwind ability important.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–14 m²
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Treac'h ar Goured (Houat Island) in the full forecast view.
Treac'h ar Goured (Houat Island) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 3–28 ktsGusts 40 kts
- Direction
- WSW238°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 2428 kts
- Windy days
- 5/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.4–2.4 m9s period
- Temperature
- 11–16 °C
Over the next 7 days, Treac'h ar Goured (Houat Island) is forecast for daytime winds of 3–28 kts, peaking around 28 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 40 kts. The prevailing direction is WSW. Waves run 0.4–2.4 m with a period of about 9s. 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 around the island (tidal-dependent sessions)
- Swimmers and beach crowding in July–August (spot closure 09:00–19:00)
- Some shallow areas at low tide and shallow zones south/southeast of the island
- No rescue service on site (be self-sufficient)
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — No dedicated rescue on the beach/launch; broader regional maritime rescue described for the area.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest hospital described as in Auray or Vannes; maritime rescue coordination described via Cross Etel in the area; emergency number 112 (also referenced as 15/17/18).
Rules of the spot
Respect swimmers (and designated swimming zones) in summer, and run sessions only when conditions and tides are suitable.
- Spot closed 09:00–19:00 from July 1 to August 31 due to beach crowding/swimmers.
- Sessions only according to tides.
- Plan logistics and be self-sufficient—no on-site rescue.
- In summer, respect swimming zones and follow the seasonal closure hours.
- Sessions depend on tides; advanced riders should confirm safe timing.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Quiberon
- Nearest Town
- Houat
- Parking
- Leave cars in long-stay parking lots in Quiberon near the ferry terminal (ferry access).
- Public Transport
- Accessible exclusively by ferry from Quiberon (Port Maria); other regional connections described seasonally.
- Access
- Take a ferry/boat from Quiberon to Île-d'Houat, then reach the west/northwest side of the island to access the spot.
- Local Language
- French
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Campsites and a few small hotels/guesthouses are described in the village of Houat.
- Food & Drink
- Restaurants and a grocery store are located in the village, about a 15-minute walk from the beach.
- Equipment Rental:
- No rentals available on the island; you must bring your own gear.
- Gear Storage
- No gear storage described as available.
- Gear Repair
- No gear repair described as available on the island/at the beach.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Traditional Breton fishing village with narrow streets and white-washed houses with blue shutters.
Scenic hiking trail circling the island for panoramic Atlantic views.
Local establishment serving fresh seafood and traditional island dishes.
Expansive white-sand beach suitable for swimming, picnicking, and beach games.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Treac'h ar Goured (Houat Island)?
The best overall months at Treac'h ar Goured (Houat Island) are April, May, June, July, August, September, October.
Which wind directions work at Treac'h ar Goured (Houat Island)?
Treac'h ar Goured (Houat Island) works with NE, ENE, E, ESE, SE winds.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Treac'h ar Goured (Houat Island)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Treac'h ar Goured (Houat Island): Kitesurfing: 9–14 m². The typical wind range is 12–25 kts.
What skill level is Treac'h ar Goured (Houat Island) suitable for?
Treac'h ar Goured (Houat Island) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Advanced.