Daphné is the author of the Brittany chapter for our latest France guidebook. Proper right here she shares the easiest seashores alongside its epic shoreline.
Brittany doesn’t present your typical seashore experience. It’s not a matter of throwing on a bikini and leaping straight into the ocean; You’ll want to pack a fleece, a raincoat, and ideally – when you occur to’re not one for cold water – a wetsuit.
Nevertheless don’t let that put you off. The world, which alone makes up for a third of France’s shoreline, is home to among the many nation’s most gorgeous seashores – ranging from sandy and tropical to wild and rocky, by means of surfer-friendly and in a position to social gathering.
A lot much less crowded than most spots in hotter parts of the nation, Brittany’s seashores sometimes go away you with the satisfaction of getting stumbled upon an unspoiled gem. You’ll be surprised to be taught the way in which heavenly the seascape can get and the {photograph} opp is successfully worth sacrificing these wonderful tan traces.
These are our favorite seashores in gorgeous Brittany.
1. Plage de l’Île Vierge, Crozon
One to have a look at from afar
A small cove on the jap flank of the Crozon peninsula missed by pine bushes and swathes of heather, Plage de l’Île Vierge was as quickly as a few of the coveted spots inside the house on a sunny afternoon. And with good objective – going via clear, turquoise waters, the white, stoney seashore, quietly tucked away between the cliffs, can seem other-worldly.
For the previous couple of years, nonetheless, entry to the seashore has been closed for safety causes. Stick with the warning indicators and snap your pic from above, whereas remaining on the GR34 footpath that circles the peninsula.
Detour: Plage de l’Île Vierge is just one in every of many many wonders you can depend on to see when you occur to hike the GR34 inside the Crozon peninsula. Don’t miss the majestic Cap de la Chèvre extra down south.
2. Plage de la Torche, Plomeur
Surfers’ paradise
A two-kilometer (1.2 miles) stretch of sand going via the Atlantic Ocean, Plage de la Torche has develop to be acknowledged for its rolling waves that entice surfers from world huge all yr prolonged. For a lot of who don’t journey in a cool, board-loaded campervan, the seashore may also be an inspiring spot for a stroll, a lie-down and a swim, adopted by a crepe at one in every of many cute consuming locations going via the ocean.
3. Plage des Grands Sables, Belle-Île-en-Mer
For the crusing fanatics
Located on an island really named after its magnificence, Plage des Grands Sables lives as a lot because the standing of Belle-Île. You’ll uncover it after a 15-minute automotive drive from the first metropolis, Le Palais, that features gorgeous views of the coast and the neighboring islands of Houat and Hoëdic.
A protracted stretch of sand shielded from the wind and bathed in daylight all via the day, it’s the right place for a soothing family day journey. The seashore’s prime location has moreover made it a hotspot for water sports activities actions. You probably can rent kayaks, paddles and windsurfing instruments from the shut by crusing faculty.
4. Plage de la Mine d’Or, Pénestin
Most interesting seashore for a sunset
Someplace between the setting of Dune and that of a desert island movie, Plage de la Mine d’Or is one amongst Brittany’s most astonishing seashores. The 2km-long website is bordered by imposing, ochre-colored cliffs that had been mined for gold on the end of the nineteenth century, giving the Mine d’Or – “goldmine” in French – its title.
A most popular spot within the summertime, the seashore is probably a few of the spectacular sights inside the house, nevertheless you’ll moreover uncover cute, intimate coves when you occur to move extra south on the strolling path.
Planning tip: Head to the seashore at sunset, when a variety of the group has cleared — the cliffs are drenched in a stupendous golden-orangey coloration.
5. Plage des Sables Rouges, Île de Groix
The appropriate picnic stop on a bike journey
The rocks that make up the island of Groix’s coast are acknowledged to incorporate a lot of garnet and when the local weather will get stormy, particles of the mineral scatter alongside among the many seashores, coloring the sand a surprising shade of crimson. On the jap aspect of the island, solely a short stroll from town of Locmaria, Plage des Sables Rouges is among the many spots the place this phenomenon is most seen. A small, cozy seashore that is frequent with native households, the positioning is effectively accessible from the coastal path and shielded from the wind.
Planning tip: Groix is a small island; when you occur to can, skip the automotive and go beach-hopping on a bike.
6. Grande Plage du Sillon, Saint-Malo
Make your fishing debut
Stretching over 3km (1.8 miles) and missed by fancy lodges and consuming locations, the quiet Plage du Sillon sits correct subsequent to the center of Saint-Malo and is a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of city. It makes for a surprising stroll with views of town’s well-known fortified partitions and, inside the distance, of the Seventeenth-century Nationwide Fort.
As you get nearer to the southern aspect of the seashore, you’ll uncover locals armed with buckets crawling over rocks fishing for crabs, clams and oysters. It’s a few of the frequent hobbies in Saint-Malo, so don’t hesitate to grow to be concerned. On a regular basis check out the latest tips on quotas and guarded species sooner than you set off.
Detour: Just some kilometers from Plage du Sillon, you’ll uncover Pointe de la Varde, a protected pure website culminating 32 meters (105ft) above sea stage, offering an unobstructed view of the encircling bay. Stroll north by means of Plage du Minihic and catch the GR34 footpath which will take you all one of the best ways to the positioning.
7. Grande Plage de Carnac, Carnac
For a family day journey
Carnac’s declare to fame isn’t exactly beach-related: the world is mostly acknowledged for web internet hosting the world’s highest focus of standing stones courting once more to the fifth century BCE. Nevertheless solely a five-minute drive from the positioning, lining the bay of Quiberon, you’ll uncover a lot of sandy seashores – 5, to be actual – which may be Carnac’s delight and pleasure.
The Grande Plage is the biggest one amongst them. A protracted stretch of sand sheltered from the waves and that features typical striped seashore huts, it’s frequent with native households and the right spot for keen sandcastle makers.
Planning tip: There are numerous consuming locations and snack bars inside strolling distance of the seashore.
8. Plage de l’anse du Pissot, Pléneuf-Val-André
The insider select
Entry to the small Plage de l’anse du Pissot should not be easy. From the GR34 footpath, you’ll ought to maintain your eyes out for the steep set of stairs that takes you proper all the way down to the hidden, intimate seashore. Lots lesser acknowledged than its bigger neighbor, Plage du Val André, it’s successfully worth going out of your approach to find the spot when you occur to’re a fan of beautiful, unspoiled pure magnificence.
