Daphné is the writer of the Brittany chapter for our newest France guidebook. Right here she shares the very best seashores alongside its epic shoreline.
Brittany doesn't provide your typical seashore expertise. It's not a matter of throwing on a bikini and leaping straight into the ocean; You'll wish to pack a fleece, a raincoat, and ideally – if you happen to'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 house to among the nation's most stunning seashores – starting from sandy and tropical to wild and rocky, by way of surfer-friendly and able to social gathering.
Much less crowded than most spots in hotter components of the nation, Brittany's seashores typically go away you with the satisfaction of getting stumbled upon an unspoiled gem. You'll be stunned to learn the way heavenly the seascape can get and the photograph opp is effectively value sacrificing these excellent tan traces.
These are our favourite seashores in stunning Brittany.
1. Plage de l'Île Vierge, Crozon
One to 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 soon as some of the coveted spots within the space on a sunny afternoon. And with good purpose – going through 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 simply one of many many wonders you’ll be able to count on to see if you happen to 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 going through the Atlantic Ocean, Plage de la Torche has grow to be recognized for its rolling waves that entice surfers from world wide all yr lengthy. For many 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 crepe at one of many cute eating places going through the ocean.
3. Plage des Grands Sables, Belle-Île-en-Mer
For the crusing fanatics
Situated on an island actually named after its magnificence, Plage des Grands Sables lives as much as the status of Belle-Île. You'll discover it after a 15-minute automotive drive from the primary city, Le Palais, that includes stunning 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 through the day, it's the proper place for a soothing household day trip. The seashore's prime location has additionally made it a hotspot for water sports activities. You possibly can hire kayaks, paddles and windsurfing tools from the close by crusing college.
4. Plage de la Mine d'Or, Pénestin
Finest seashore for a sundown
Someplace between the setting of Dune and that of a desert island film, Plage de la Mine d'Or is one among Brittany's most astonishing seashores. The 2km-long web site is bordered by imposing, ochre-colored cliffs that had been mined for gold on the finish of the nineteenth century, giving the Mine d'Or – “goldmine” in French – its title.
A preferred spot in the summertime, the seashore is doubtless some of the spectacular sights within the space, however you'll additionally discover cute, intimate coves if you happen to head additional south on the strolling path.
Planning tip: Head to the seashore at sundown, when a lot of the crowd has cleared — the cliffs are drenched in a stupendous golden-orangey coloration.
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 include a number of garnet and when the climate will get stormy, particles of the mineral scatter alongside among the seashores, coloring the sand a shocking shade of crimson. On the jap facet of the island, only a brief stroll from the city of Locmaria, Plage des Sables Rouges is among the spots the place this phenomenon is most seen. A small, cozy seashore that’s common with native households, the positioning is well accessible from the coastal path and shielded from the wind.
Planning tip: Groix is a small island; if you happen to can, skip the automotive 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 missed 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 stunning 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 facet of the seashore, you'll discover locals armed with buckets crawling over rocks fishing for crabs, clams and oysters. It's some of the common 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: Just a few kilometers from Plage du Sillon, you'll discover Pointe de la Varde, a protected pure web site culminating 32 meters (105ft) above sea stage, providing an unobstructed view of the encircling bay. Stroll north by way of Plage du Minihic and catch the GR34 footpath that may 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 world is generally recognized for internet hosting the world's highest focus of standing stones courting again to the fifth century BCE. However only a five-minute drive from the positioning, lining the bay of Quiberon, you'll discover a number of sandy seashores – 5, to be exact – which can be Carnac's delight and pleasure.
The Grande Plage is the largest one among them. A protracted stretch of sand sheltered from the waves and that includes typical striped seashore huts, it's common with native households and the proper 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 shouldn’t be 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 effectively value going out of your technique to discover the spot if you happen to're a fan of lovely, unspoiled pure magnificence.
