Trestel (Saint-Guénolé)
- Freeride, Shortboard
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Shallow
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Trestel (Saint-Guénolé) is a tidal, sandy beach-break on northern Brittany’s Atlantic coast, with clean water and a small to medium wave climate that becomes more surfable as swell builds. Surf tends to work from roughly 1.5–2 m and can hold up to 3 m+, with typical ride lengths reported in the 50 to 150 m range depending on sandbar configuration. For wind sports, the best kitesurfing winds are reported as NE and NW, with typical wind speeds around 12–25 knots. Thermal activity is described as occasional/seasonal sea-breeze reinforcement in spring and summer afternoons, which can boost northernly winds. Wind reliability is described as medium, depending on Atlantic depressions. Kitesurfing conditions vary with tide: the spot can feel flatter or choppier at lower tides and waves become smaller at higher tide. The beach area is wide at low tide but significantly reduced at maximum high tide, so selecting the session tide is important. Safety planning is essential. Rocks are located at both ends of the bay and submerged rocks can be present near the points at high tide, with strong tidal currents especially during spring tides. In July and August, the area is heavily regulated with swimming zones and no-kite zones, so riders should follow local zoning before launching.
- NE/NW winds suitable for kitesurfing with typical 12–25 knot range
- Surfable beach-break with good waves and NW–N swell; 1.5–3 m working window
- Clean, sandy bottom; easy access within 5 minutes on foot
- Wingfoiling popular due to sandy bottom and clean water, best around mid-tide
- Clean water and sandy beach with easy access (walking distance under 5 minutes)
- Reliable beach-break conditions for surfing with NW–N swell; works around 1.5–3 m and can hold up to 3 m+
- Good wind options for kitesurfing from NE and NW; typical wind range reported as 12–25 knots
- Wingfoiling reported as very popular, especially around mid-tide
- Tides can dramatically change the available beach area; near very high tide the beach may almost disappear
- Rocks at the ends/points and submerged rocks at high tide
- Strong tidal currents can occur during spring tides
- Summer has strict zoning/no-kite restrictions during July and August
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- NE, NW, W, N, NNE
- Offshore directions
- SW, W, NW, N
- Wind Range
- 12–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Thermal — Occasional sea-breeze reinforcement in late spring and summer can boost northernly winds.
- Reliability
- Medium; dependent on North Atlantic depressions.
- Gust Factor
- Light gusts — Reported as light gusts.
- Best Months
- September, October, November, March, April, May
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Shallow
- Beach
- Sand — Sand beach with rocks at the edges.
- Beach Size
- Tidal
- Waves
- Small — Small waves generally; surfing starts working around 1.5–2 m and can hold to 3 m+.
- Chop Level
- Moderate chop — Kite/water conditions described as chop to small/medium wave behavior; can range from flat to choppy depending on tide.
- Launch
- Small — Instant access (< 5 min walking distance). Launch area can be limited at very high tide.
Through the year
Very busy with tourists and swimmers in July and August; quiet during winter months.
Winter months (December to February) see frequent North Atlantic storms.
By sport
What to expect for each.
A versatile spot providing flat to choppy conditions at lower tides and small waves at high tide. The wide beach offers ample space for setup except at maximum high tide.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Good bump and jump conditions with Northwest winds; sandy bottom makes it relatively safe for beginners when swell is small.
- Sail Sizes
- 4.7–6.5 m²
Very popular for wingfoiling due to the sandy bottom and clean water; best at mid-tide to ensure enough depth while avoiding the heaviest shore break.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes
- Min Depth
- 1.0m
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
A reliable beach break that works with Northwest to North swell; often used as a fallback when other North Brittany spots are too large or messy.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- N, NW, NNW
- Swell Height
- 1.5–3 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid, High — Optimal tide reported as mid; best tide position also noted for mid and high.
- Shelter
- Semi-sheltered — Semi-sheltered conditions; notes indicate the western side near the rocks can be more sheltered in strong westerly winds.
- Wind Effect
- South and Southwest winds are offshore and groom the waves.
- Bigger Swell
- Can close out when swell exceeds 3 meters.
- Wave Quality
- Good — Wave quality reported as good.
- Wave Power
- Moderate — Moderate wave power reported.
- Wave Shape
- Peeling
- Peel Speed
- Medium — Peeling waves with medium peel speed.
- Ride Length
- Medium — Rides typically offer 50 to 150 meter rides; sometimes around 100 m.
- Typical Ride Length
- 50–150 m
- Ride Length Details
- 50 to 150 m depending on sandbar configuration.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Trestel (Saint-Guénolé) in the full forecast view.
Trestel (Saint-Guénolé) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 3–25 ktsGusts 43 kts
- Direction
- SW235°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 2425 kts
- Windy days
- 4/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.4–2.6 m10s period
- Temperature
- 8–19 °C
Over the next 7 days, Trestel (Saint-Guénolé) is forecast for daytime winds of 3–25 kts, peaking around 25 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 43 kts. The prevailing direction is SW. Waves run 0.4–2.6 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
- Submerged rocks at high tide near the points
- Strong tidal currents during spring tides
- Tidal currents can be present near the rocky points at the ends of the bay
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal — Seasonal lifeguard presence reported.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Rescue is reported as limited overall; emergency number 112.
- Emergency Info
- Emergency services can be reached via 112. Nearest medical facilities are in Lannion.
Rules of the spot
Strict zoning applies during July and August; swimming zones and no-kite restrictions are set for safety.
- Summer swimming zones
- No-kite zones in July and August
- Check local tide tables: the beach almost disappears at very high tide.
- The western side near the rocks can offer more sheltered conditions in strong westerly winds.
- Avoid areas near the rocky ends of the bay when water is high.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Lannion
- Nearest Town
- Trévou-Tréguignec
- Nearest Airport
- Brest Bretagne Airport (BES) ~100 km; Lannion-Côte de Granit Rose Airport (LAI) has limited commercial traffic.
- Parking
- Numerous parking places available at the beach; large public parking lot across from the beach.
- Public Transport
- Accessible via the TILT bus network from Lannion; Lannion is connected by TGV trains to Paris.
- Access
- From Brest, drive east on N12; in Morlaix take D786 northeast to Lannion, then north toward Perros-Guirec and east along the coast to Trestel. At Trévou-Tréguignec, the Trestel beach is accessible with numerous parking spots.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- French
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Near — Several campsites and holiday rentals are located within walking distance in Trévou-Tréguignec.
- Food & Drink
- Multiple creperies, bars, and restaurants along the seafront facing the beach.
- Equipment Rental:
- Surf and SUP rentals are available through the local club and nearby shops.
- Gear Storage
- Not publicly available.
- Gear Repair
- Repair shops available in nearby Lannion or Perros-Guirec.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
A quintessential Breton destination blending rugged natural beauty (pink granite cliffs, white-sand beaches) with a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere.
Stunning coastline known for its unique pink-hued rock formations and scenic coastal paths.
Historic chapel located just steps away from the Trestel beach area.
Famous long-distance hiking trail that skirts the entire coastline of Brittany.
Beachfront dining offering local seafood and traditional Breton galettes.
Famous long-distance hiking trail that skirts the entire coastline of Brittany.
Boat trips from Perros-Guirec to the bird sanctuary and seal colony islands.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Trestel (Saint-Guénolé)?
The best overall months at Trestel (Saint-Guénolé) are May, June, July, August, September. The best wind months are September, October, November, March, April, May.
Which wind directions work at Trestel (Saint-Guénolé)?
Trestel (Saint-Guénolé) works with NE, NW, W, N, NNE winds. Offshore directions are SW, W, NW, N.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Trestel (Saint-Guénolé)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Trestel (Saint-Guénolé): Kitesurfing: 9–12 m² · Windsurfing: 4.7–6.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 12–25 kts.
What skill level is Trestel (Saint-Guénolé) suitable for?
Trestel (Saint-Guénolé) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate · Windsurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Beginner · Surfing: Beginner.