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Serene beach scene with kite surfers at Dunkerque, France.
📷 Mathias Reding · Pexels

Plage de Rochebonne

3.9 — based on 18 community signals
4.3 12 species 38 contributors

Plage de Rochebonne is a year-round surf destination on France's Emerald Coast, offering consistent Atlantic swell and accessible beach breaks.

⭐ Best for beginners.

updated 4 months ago
Difficulty
Beginner
Water temp
8–16°C
Shore entry

At a glance

Activity
surf
Difficulty
beginner
Water temp
8–16 °C
Best months
Year-round
Marine life
Bottlenose dolphin

Top operators here

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Map

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Plage de Rochebonne location map © Google · Map data © Google, contributors
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Conditions today

Conditions

Open-Meteo
Wind
11.5 kn
Wave
0.76 m
Water
19.8°C
N E S W
Wind direction (7d)
Primary: NNW (19%)
Now: SSW (213°)
Tide (7 days)
range: 8.82m

Today: High 13:00 (+1.66m), Low 06:00 (-2.42m)

+4.3 m0 m-4.5 m
▼ 06:00 · -2.42m ▲ 13:00 · +1.66m ▼ 18:00 · -2.07m ▲ 01:00 · +1.23m Now +1.1m
Sat 19Sun 20Mon 21Tue 22Wed 23Thu 24Fri 25
UV4.75 · mod Air PM2.57 · good 07:50 20:12
Day Wind Wave UV Rain
09-19 12.4 0.84 5 0mm
09-20 8.7 0.72 5 0mm
09-21 7.4 0.46 5 0mm
09-22 9.6 0.4 5 0mm
09-23 9.9 0.46 4 0mm
09-24 7.2 0.42 4 0mm
09-25 9.7 0.72 4 0mm
🌡 Water temp: Normal for Sep (8–16°C)

About this spot

Plage de Rochebonne sits on the Côte d'Émeraude, a stretch of Brittany's northern coastline known for its granite cliffs and reliable Atlantic swells. The beach faces north and west, catching swell corridors that work most of the year. Crowds tend to thin compared to nearby famous breaks, making it a solid choice for surfers seeking less-packed lineups while maintaining quality waves. The area is outside protected marine reserves, so access is straightforward and unrestricted. Water conditions vary seasonally—expect cooler temperatures in winter months and more comfortable conditions in summer, though a wetsuit is standard year-round in Brittany. The beach itself is sandy with some rocky sections, typical of the Emerald Coast's geology. Local community has documented the break through video and spot observations, confirming it as an active destination.

📖 Guide: Diving in France: 220 Sites From Alpine Lakes to Tropical Reefs

Best months

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Marine life

Bottlenose dolphin

Dive types

Shore

Trip essentials

Everything you need before you pack — checklist, sun, logistics.

Trip checklist

  • 🛂 Visa-free or visa-on-arrival
  • 🤿 Pack: drysuit recommended
  • 🏄 Surfboard or rental confirmation
  • 🧴 Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50+
  • 🔌 Plug type C/E/F · 230V adapter
  • 💊 Seasickness meds + ear drops
  • 📱 Offline maps + emergency contact

Quick facts

  • 🌓 Moon First quarter · 48%
  • 🤿 Wetsuit drysuit recommended
  • GPS
Sustainability disclosures
🌍 CO2 footprint LHR ↔ 331km · ~76kg · €1

FAQ

When is the best time to surf Plage de Rochebonne?

The spot works year-round. Atlantic swell is most consistent autumn through spring, while summer offers smaller, more playful waves and warmer air temperatures. Winter swells are bigger but water is coldest.

What kind of waves can I expect here?

Plage de Rochebonne receives Atlantic swells on a sandy beach break. Exact difficulty and peak swell directions depend on local sandbar and bottom shape, which can shift seasonally. Check local reports before your session.

Do I need permits or special access to surf Plage de Rochebonne?

The beach is not inside a marine protected area and is public access. No special permits are required to surf. Standard beach safety and French coastal laws apply.

What wildlife might I see at Plage de Rochebonne?

The Côte d'Émeraude supports diverse marine life typical of the English Channel. Local observations document 12 species in the area. Expect seabirds, seals, and seasonal fish populations. Respect marine life and observe from a distance.

Operators near this spot

Dive centres, kite & surf schools within 10 km, sourced from OpenStreetMap.

CSCE

3.5 km
Dive centre

Saint-Malo Plongée Émeraude

3.5 km
Dive centre

Recently spotted by divers

iNaturalist →

See this spot in action

YouTube videos — click to play.

Forage sur la plage de Rochebonne à Saint-Malo

Ville de Saint-Malo

Le surf pour créer des liens

Ville de Saint-Malo

Ti Flamboyant : SURF SAINT MALO BRETAGNE FÉVRIER 2022

Surf Report 972 - Tartane

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