6 of the Best Beaches in Brittany
Brittany abounds in natural beauty and beautiful beaches and in this post I list the 6 best beaches in Brittany so that you too can explore them on your travels. The region is well known for its creamy butter, abundant seafood, salty caramels and cooler temperatures. It also has some of the nicest beaches in France. That's easy considering that the region sports a coastline of over 1,200 kilometres! Over the years, our family have visited many beaches along the Northeast and Western France coastlines and I believe that the beaches in Brittany offer something for everyone.
Whether it's a white sandy beach hidden away that only the locals know about, or a pebbly beach that simply calls out for a scenic stroll, Breton beaches are just waiting for you to discover them. Here's 6 of the best beaches in Brittany.
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Beach of l'Île Vierge in Saint-Hernot on the Crozon Peninsula, Finistere
No. 1 - Plage de l'Île Vierge, Crozon - A pebbly beach
Pointe de St Hernot ou Plage de l'Île Vierge (Virgin's Beach) is a truly hidden beach with many natural attractions and it has the lofty title of been listed as one of the most beautiful beaches in all of Europe. The pebble beach is on the sheltered eastern side of the Crozon Peninsula and has a Mediterranean feel about it. The beach and its surrounds boast clear turquoise waters, pretty pebbles, surrounding steep cliffs covered in forests of maritime pines with great views of the peninsula and a natural archway carved from the rock.
This beautiful beach is not one of the easiest to reach out of our 5 best beaches in Brittany, but it is certainly worth the effort. You'll have to make a 20 minute hike including a steep scramble down to the beach or arrive by kayak or catamaran at high tide. At low tide you can get to the beach via the coastal path. Because of the difficulty in reaching the beach, it is rarely crowded and the brilliant turquoise water beckons bottlenose dolphins and grey seals, so look out for them if you visit!
Location: Plage de l' île Vierge, 29160 Crozon, France
Grand Plage, Saint Malo
No. 2 - Grande Plage du Sillon, Saint Malo - A very 'big' beach
The Grande Plage at Saint Malo is so long it stretches from the Intra Muros (walled town) to Pointe de Rochebonne and is divided into several sections of gently sloping golden sand. Plage du Sillon which backs onto St Malo itself is the most sheltered section and disappears when the tide is high. The grand beach is patrolled and is safe for families and because it stretches for over 2 kilometres, and has a pathway running most of the length of the beach, this beach offers great promenading options.
Walking along the beach pathway La Digue de Rochebonne, is a great way to take in the scenery and the impressive 19th century villas that dot the waterfront.
Saint Malo - Baie du Mont Saint-Michel Tourism website
Tourism website https://www.saint-malo-tourisme.co.uk/explore-our-destination/nautical-inspirations/nautical-activities/
Location: Grande Plage du Sillon, Saint Malo, France
Bon-Secours Beach, Saint Malo
No. 2 - Bon-Secours Beach, Saint Malo - At the foot of the ramparts
Bon-Secours Beach is just west of Saint Malo Old Town and reachable through Saint-Pierre Gate. The gate gives access to the beach which has a seawater pool dating back to the 1930s and which has water even at low tide.
The beach also has diving boards, one at 3 metres and one at 5 metres which have been well used by swimmers when we've visited the beach. Hobie Cats and sailing dinghies stand in rows waiting to be hired by fun loving visitors and tourists. This is also the beach from which you can reach Petit and Grand Bé islands on foot at low tide.
From this beach you also can visit Bastion Fort La Reine and Fort National, both historical 17th century structures.
Location: 4 rue de la Crosse, 35400 Saint Malo, France
Plage de Saint Guirec at Ploumanac'h on the Pink Granite Coast, Brittany
No. 4 - Plage de Saint Guirec, Ploumanac'h - star of the Rose Granite Coast
Only 35 minutes from my village, Plage Saint Guirec is an easy drive. Ploumanac'h is in the heart of the Pink Granite Coast and near the stunningly beautiful Trégastel Plage so you'll find large rose-tinted boulders framing this beach either side of the golden sand.
Not far out from the golden sand of the beach, there's an island with a fairy-tale castle that is truely photo worthy! We find this beach easy to visit as the nearby parking is free and it's easy to enjoy lunch at one of the many cafes at the nearby town of Perros Guirec. If you were feeling adventurous, there are also water sport options at Perros Guirec including activities at the Nautical Centre.
Nautical Centre of Perros Guirec (CNPG)
Address: Plage de Trestraou, 22700 Perros-Guirec - offering sailing, kayaking, paddle boarding, coastal sailing, sea excursions, rental, group lessons and private lessons http://nautisme.perros-guirec.com/decouvrez-le-centre-nautique.html
Location: Plage de Saint Guirec, Ploumanac'h 22700, France
Plage de l'Ecluse, Dinard, Brittany
No. 5 - Plage de l'Ecluse - Dinard's Loveliest Beach
Dinard, the elegant and popular seaside town has a lovely main beach and is well known for its quaint blue and white beach huts that dot the golden sandy beach area. Dinard is a delightful Breton town with it all! Cafés, restaurant terraces, a casino, a coastal path with breathtaking panoramas and even an Olympic sized swimming pool.
If you love swimming in saltwater but not ocean currents, or you have young children to entertain, then the seawater pool might be your best option.
Dinard Tourist Information Centre (Dinard Côte d'Emeraude Tourisme)
Address: 2 Boulevard Féart, 35800 Dinard https://www.dinardemeraudetourisme.com/en/
Location: Plage de l'Écluse, 35800 Dinard, France
Plage de l'Herlin, Belle-Île, Brittany
No. 6 - Plage de l'Herlin, Belle-Île - Wild but Supervised in Summer
A great place to enjoy the sun on stunning Belle-Île (Beautiful Island), is Plage de l'Herlin and especially during the summer months of July and August. That's because the beach is supervised in the afternoon during these popular warm months. Kid friendly and clear sparkling water make this a beach to visit if you're popping over to the island for a day trip. Called the largest of the "Breton" islands, Belle-Île is a very popular tourist destination.
The carpark for the beach is only a short walk away which is rather good news if you're carrying a heavy picnic basket, beach umbrella or sand toys. The uncrowded and wild nature of the beach gives it a peaceful feeling of seclusion even though the carpark is not far away and the beach is often patrolled and supervised.
Belle-Île-en-Mer Tourisme Office
Address: Quai Bonnelle CS 61102, 56360 Le Palais https://www.belleileenmer.co.uk/
Location: Plage d'Herlin, 56360 Bangor, France
Use this post on the 6 best beaches in Brittany to help plan your next trip to the picturesque coastal Breton region and soak up the sun, views and clear water while exploring more of France.
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