Brittany Ferries give us their guide to windsurfing the beaches of Northern France..

Stretching all the way from Northern Spain to Belgium, France’s coastline is growing in popularity with wind surfers on the lookout for some of the best conditions in Europe. Many of the windsurfing hotspots can be found on the North-West coast of France and these days getting to them from the UK is easier than ever. The French ferry port of Roscoff is close to the five windsurf locations recommended below, with regular sailings to Roscoff from Plymouth with Brittany Ferries; pack your car/van with all your gear and away you go.  Of course, there’s much to be said for having no map and no destination and simply heading wherever you fancy and finding your own secret spots along the way. But if you’re in need of a little inspiration to get you started in the first place, any of the following five destinations are guaranteed to satisfy your windsurfing appetite…

St Pol de Leon
10 minutes car journey from Roscoff

First up, this beautiful spot on the North Brittany coast is ideal for anyone on the lookout for idyllic and reliable flat-water conditions. Situated no more than about 15 minutes from the ferry port of Roscoff, the village itself is an absolute gem and the windsurfing conditions are great. If you’re on the hunt for something a little rougher, head over to Le Dossen for good waves in a large swell. When the wind picks up, the water on the opposite side of the peninsular to St Pol de Leon is fantastic in the summertime. There’s around 3km of coastline to check out, with one of the most gorgeous bays in the whole of Brittany. So there’s plenty there for those you take along for the trip who aren’t as keen to get in the water.

Locquirec
50 minutes car journey from Roscoff

If you’re in the mood for a little exploration and adventure, you won’t be disappointed in the area of Locquirec. Once again within super-easy reach of the UK via Roscoff port, Locquirec is a mecca for anyone with a taste for water-sports and sailing. There’s a strip of coastline around Saint Michel en Greve that boasts a ton of great windsurfing spots – don’t limit yourself to just one or two of them. The Fond de la Baie beach at Locquirec boasts beautiful white sands and relatively calm waters, which can be great when the wind conditions are at their best.

Crozon Peninsula
1 hour 20 minutes from Roscoff

While it’s a little more remote than the other locations in this article, you’ll find some of the best windsurfing in Northern France at the Crozon Peninsula. Wind conditions in this gorgeous coastal region of Western Brittany reliable to say the least and can get pretty severe from time to time. Situated between the Douarnenez bay and Brest’s natural harbour, it’s a lovely place to visit in its own right and deserves an extended stay. The coastal cliff-top walks on offer are every bit as energising and inspiring as the surf.

La Torche
1 hour 50 minutes from Roscoff

Pointe de La Torche is one of the best windsurf spots in Brittany. It’s the home of an array of windsurfing competitions including the World Cup. After an extended lull with very little competitive action taking place, the Gran Slam PWA World Tour once again hit La Torche again in recent years and cemented its legendary status. The waves are outstanding and there’s a ton of flat water to explore – the local charm of the region alone makes the trip worthwhile. Keep your eye out for regular local and national competitions if you’re out to rub shoulders with France’s windsurfing elite.

Carnac
2 hours 20 minutes from Roscoff

Last but not least, the Quiberon peninsula is a mecca for windsurfers on the lookout for some serious wind. The wind around Carnac can only be described as relentless. It never seems to let up throughout the entire year hence its popularity among catamaran sailors, kite surfers and pretty much anyone searching for France’s most frantic winds. This is also just about the best place to head in France for the combination of strong wind and flat water – a firm favourite for anyone looking for ultra-fast slalom-blasting opportunities.

Once again though, half the fun is finding your own windsurfing spots that haven’t quite made it to the map just yet. So if you’re making the effort to hit France for a windsurfing trip, you owe it to yourself to do at least a little exploring!