Daphné is the writer of the Brittany chapter for our newest France guidebook. Right here she shares the most effective seashores alongside its epic shoreline.
Brittany doesn’t supply your typical seashore expertise. It’s not a matter of throwing on a bikini and leaping straight into the ocean; you’ll need to pack a fleece, a raincoat, and ideally – should you’re not one for chilly water – a wetsuit.
However don’t let that put you off. The area, which alone makes up for a 3rd of France’s shoreline, is dwelling to a number of the nation’s most lovely seashores – starting from sandy and tropical to wild and rocky, by surfer-friendly and able to celebration.
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Much less crowded than most spots in hotter elements of the nation, Brittany’s seashores typically go away you with the satisfaction of getting stumbled upon an unspoiled gem. You will be stunned to learn the way heavenly the seascape can get and the photograph opp is properly price sacrificing these excellent tan strains.
These are our favourite seashores in lovely Brittany.
1. Plage de l’Île Vierge, Crozon
One to observe from afar
A small cove on the jap flank of the Crozon peninsula ignored by pine timber and swathes of heather, Plage de l’Île Vierge was as soon as some of the coveted spots within the space on a sunny afternoon. And with good purpose – dealing with clear, turquoise waters, the white, stoney seashore, quietly tucked away between the cliffs, can appear other-worldly.
For the previous few years, nonetheless, entry to the seashore has been closed for security causes. Persist 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 barely one of many many wonders you’ll be able to count on to see should you hike the GR34 within the Crozon peninsula. Don’t miss the majestic Cap de la Chèvre additional down south.
2. Plage de la Torche, Plomeur
Surfers’ paradise
A two-kilometer (1.2 miles) stretch of sand dealing with the Atlantic Ocean, Plage de la Torche has change into recognized for its rolling waves that entice surfers from world wide all 12 months lengthy. For individuals who don’t journey in a cool, board-loaded campervan, the seashore can also be an inspiring spot for a stroll, a lie-down and a swim, adopted by a crêpe at one of many cute eating places dealing with the ocean.
3. Plage des Grands Sables, Belle-Île-en-Mer
For the crusing fanatics
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Positioned on an island actually named after its magnificence, Plage des Grands Sables lives as much as the popularity of Belle-Île. You will discover it after a 15-minute automobile drive from the principle city, Le Palais, that includes lovely views of the coast and the neighboring islands of Houat and Hoëdic.
An extended stretch of sand shielded from the wind and bathed in daylight all through the day, it’s the right place for a calming household day trip. The seashore’s prime location has additionally made it a hotspot for water sports activities. You may hire kayaks, paddles and windsurfing tools from the close by crusing college.
4. Plage de la Mine d’Or, Pénestin
Greatest seashore for a sundown
Someplace between the setting of Dune and that of a desert island film, Plage de la Mine d’Or is certainly one of Brittany’s most astonishing seashores. The 2km-long website is bordered by imposing, ochre-colored cliffs that have been mined for gold on the finish of the nineteenth century, giving the Mine d’Or – “goldmine” in French – its identify.
A well-liked spot in the summertime, the seashore is no doubt some of the spectacular sights within the space, however you’ll additionally discover cute, intimate coves should you head additional south on the strolling path.
Planning tip: Head to the seashore at sundown, when many of the crowd has cleared — the cliffs are drenched in a good looking golden-orangey shade.
5. Plage des Sables Rouges, Île de Groix
The right picnic cease on a motorbike journey
The rocks that make up the island of Groix’s coast are recognized to comprise a number of garnet and when the climate will get stormy, particles of the mineral scatter alongside a number of the seashores, coloring the sand a stunning shade of pink. On the jap aspect of the island, only a quick stroll from the city of Locmaria, Plage des Sables Rouges is likely one of the spots the place this phenomenon is most seen. A small, cozy seashore that’s fashionable with native households, the positioning is definitely accessible from the coastal path and shielded from the wind.
Planning tip: Groix is a small island; should you can, skip the automobile and go beach-hopping on a motorbike.
6. Grande Plage du Sillon, Saint-Malo
Make your fishing debut
Stretching over 3km (1.8 miles) and ignored by fancy lodges and eating places, the quiet Plage du Sillon sits proper subsequent to the middle of Saint-Malo and is a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of town. It makes for a beautiful stroll with views of the city’s well-known fortified partitions and, within the distance, of the Seventeenth-century Nationwide Fort.
As you get nearer to the southern aspect of the seashore, you’ll discover locals armed with buckets crawling over rocks fishing for crabs, clams and oysters. It’s some of the fashionable hobbies in Saint-Malo, so don’t hesitate to become involved. All the time take a look at the newest guidelines on quotas and guarded species earlier than you set off.
Detour: A couple of kilometers from Plage du Sillon, you’ll discover Pointe de la Varde, a protected pure website culminating 32 meters (105ft) above sea stage, providing an unobstructed view of the encompassing bay. Stroll north by Plage du Minihic and catch the GR34 footpath that can take you all the best way to the positioning.
7. Grande Plage de Carnac, Carnac
For a household day trip
Carnac’s declare to fame isn’t precisely beach-related: the realm is generally recognized for internet hosting the world’s highest focus of standing stones relationship again to the fifth century BCE. However only a five-minute drive from the positioning, lining the bay of Quiberon, you’ll discover just a few sandy seashores – 5, to be exact – which might be Carnac’s satisfaction and pleasure.
The Grande Plage is the most important certainly one of them. An extended stretch of sand sheltered from the waves and that includes typical striped seashore huts, it’s fashionable with native households and the right spot for eager sandcastle makers.
Planning tip: There are many eating places and snack bars inside strolling distance of the seashore.
8. Plage de l’anse du Pissot, Pléneuf-Val-André
The insider choose
Entry to the small Plage de l’anse du Pissot is just not straightforward. From the GR34 footpath, you’ll should hold your eyes out for the steep set of stairs that takes you right down to the hidden, intimate seashore. A lot lesser recognized than its larger neighbor, Plage du Val André, it’s properly price going out of your strategy to discover the spot should you’re a fan of gorgeous, unspoiled pure magnificence.
