Lampaul-Plouarzel – Le Gouérou

Lampaul-Plouarzel · Bretagne Nord · France

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Le Gouérou, at Lampaul-Plouarzel on the open Iroise coast, is a short, hollow and powerful wave that breaks close to shore over sand and rock. A clear peak throws steep, bowly lefts and rights, which makes it one of the best-known bodyboard waves in north Finistère; the take-off is tricky, so it is for experienced riders. It picks up plenty of west and north-west swell and likes mid to low tide and an easterly wind. At high tide in a big swell, getting out of the water over the rocks is tricky, and the locals are protective.

Level
Advanced
Break
Reef break, sand and rock
Waves
Lefts and rights
Crowd
Crowded
Season
autumn, winter, spring
Boards
A bodyboard suits it best; otherwise a short, wide shortboard for the steep take-offs.

When it works

✓ A W to NW swell of 1–2.5 m with an easterly wind, at low to mid tide.

When it doesn't

✕ High tide with a swell over 2 m, when the current around the rocks makes getting in and out hard, and any westerly wind.

Watch out for

  • rocks
  • rips
  • localism
  • crowds

Best months

January, February, March, April, September, October, November, December

Local tips

Come alone or in pairs and wait your turn: the regulars are protective, and the mood sours quickly when the line-up fills or a big group paddles out. Plan your session so you are not climbing out over the rocks as the tide comes in. There is a rip in the line-up, and at high tide in a big swell the current around the rocks makes it hard to get back to the beach.

Getting there

From Lampaul-Plouarzel follow the signs for Le Gouérou (Rue du Gouérou). There is a free car park a few minutes' walk from the beach, with roadside parking when it fills.

Travel notes

How often it works
One of the more reliable spots on this coast. It is wide open to west and north-west swell and picks up most of it. Wind is usually the problem, not a lack of waves. Like the rest of the area, it is often too small in summer.
Crowd and vibe
Often crowded whenever it is breaking, weekdays included. Locals here are among the most protective in north Finistère. Come alone or in pairs, keep a low profile and wait your turn; big groups get a cold welcome.
Camping and vans
The Beg ar Vir motorhome area in Lampaul-Plouarzel is about 1 km south, in the dunes, with water, toilets and showers. For tents, the seasonal municipal campsites of Porscuidic (about 2.5 km) and Porsévigné (about 3 km) are in neighbouring Plouarzel. Nearest campsite about 2.5 km away.
Facilities
The official listing shows summer lifeguards but no toilets, showers or other amenities. No surf school is based here, so bring what you need from Lampaul-Plouarzel village.
Water quality
Rated excellent by the French health ministry every year from 2022 to 2025. All 2026 summer samples came back good.

Ideal conditions

Swell
W–NW best, WSW–NNW works
Size
1.5–2.5 m offshore swell; starts at 1 m, holds to 3.5 m
Period
10 s minimum, best from 13 s
Wind
Offshore E–SE; handles onshore up to 10 km/h
Tide
low, mid best, avoid high
Faces
WNW (295°)

Live cam

Cams © their operators, shown from the operator's own feed.

Nearby spots

All spots in Bretagne Nord · All spots

Sources