This year, many of you will be spending your summer vacations by the sea in France. While the mountains have their fans, beaches are always a big hit with summer visitors. From the sea spray of the North Sea to the warmth of the Mediterranean, France has a renowned coastline, and it's sometimes hard to choose where to put your towel! We've already selected our favorite beaches in Corsica, but this time we're heading further north, to Brittany. With its wild scenery, fine sand and ever-changing tides, welcome to the Great West!
1. Pénestin's Plage de la Mine d'Or, a precious coastline
Plage de la Mine d'or, Pénestin© Frank Krautschick - stock.adobe.com
Here's one that lives up to its name: the Plage de la Mine d'Or in Pénestin, Morbihan, is a real nugget! And don't just think of it as a play on words, because its cliffs really do sparkle with the golden nuggets that were mined in the 19th century, hence its name today. Gold mine beach is even more beautiful at sunset, when the cliffs take on a thousand orange reflections.
Wondering what to do and see in Morbihan and its Gulf? Discover our top 11 most beautiful spots!
2. Tahiti beach in Carantec, Polynesia in Finistère
Pointe de Pen al Lann© Richard Semik - stock.adobe.com
This pretty cove, sheltered from the wind, is reached via a coastal path. Tahiti beach is located at the tip of Pen Al Lann and offers a splendid view of the Château du Taureau in Morlaix Bay and Louët Island. At first glance, you'll be won over by its picture-postcard setting , where a 2 km stretch of golden sand borders a turquoise-blue sea. Here, Brittany reveals its finest assets, which you can also discover by bike: discover our top 10 most beautiful bike rides in Brittany.
3. Plougonvelin's Plage des Trois-Curés, a corner of paradise
Fort de Bertheaume© philippe Devanne - stock.adobe.com
Located in Plougonvelin, between the Trez Hir beach and Bertheaume Fort, this cove is reached by a steep staircase and has the air of the calanques of southern France. The vegetation is lush, the sand golden and the water a bewitching shade of blue-green, inviting you to take a dip. The Plage des Trois-Curés (or des Curés) is said to have taken its name from the fact that monks used to come here to bathe, discreetly.
Interested in a holiday in Brittany? Discover our selection of the best campsites in Britt any!
4. Guerzido beach, sand and pebbles
Guerzido beach, Ile de Bréhat© Tommy Larey - Shutterstok.com
One of the Côtes-d'Armor must-sees is Guerzido, the main beach on the sublime Ile de Bréhat. It appeals to all holidaymakers, as it is covered with both pebbles and fine sand. That's why it's so popular in summer, so why not opt for an off-season getaway. Guerzido beach stretches from Roc'h Guenanec to Bec Per an Nouan. You'll also appreciate the seafront, with its succession of Scottish-style mansions and English-style houses.
5. Île Vierge beach, treasure of the Crozon peninsula
Plage de l'île-Vierge, Crozon© aterrom - stock.adobe.com
On the Crozon peninsula in Finistère , l'Île Vierge or Enez Verc'h is home to a small pebble beach (the Porzh Pesk strike) accessed via a steep customs path. Be careful, therefore, if you venture there. Once again, it's best to visit out of season, even if swimming may be compromised: in summer, this sumptuous site becomes increasingly crowded.
6. Plage du Sillon, a getaway in Saint-Malo
Plage du Sillon, Saint-Malo© Ariane Citron - stock.adobe.com
Plage du Sillon is the longest sandy beach in Saint-Malo, Ille-et-Vilaine. You can walk its 3 km length with your feet in the water, from the Old Town (intra muros) to the Paramé district. It's the ideal beach for a relaxing swim after discovering the treasures of the corsair city. Its windy exposure also makes it ideal for sand yachting, windsurfing or kite flying.
Discover other ideas for activities in our article entitled What to do in Saint-Malo? The 15 must-sees.
7. Anse du Guesclin beach, jewel of the Emerald Coast
Anse du Guesclin© photlook - stock.adobe.com
Situated between Pointe du Nid and Pointe des Grands Nez, in Saint-Coulomb, Ille-et-Vilaine, the fine sandy beach of Anse du Guesclin offers an unrivalled natural setting. It is also of significant historical importance, as it was here, around 580 AD, that Colomban, the Irishman who gave his name to the town of Saint-Coulomb, landed. At low tide, it's easy to get to Fort du Guesclin, a fortress built around 800 AD, where singer Léo Ferré lived in the 60s.
8. Ile Saint-Nicolas beach, the Caribbean in Brittany
Île Saint-Nicolas beach, Glénan archipelago© d.lemoine - stock.adobe.com
Back to Finistère, in the Glénan archipelago. This little corner of paradise may look like an exotic island, but you're actually in Brittany! The main island, Saint-Nicolas, offers beautiful panoramic views over the archipelago and is home to a sumptuous beach of golden sand. The crystal-clear waters may be a little cool, but you'll soon get the hang of it! Divers will also appreciate the richness of the seabed.
9. Sables-d'Or-les-Pins beach, a seaside icon
Sables-d'Or-les-Pins beach© JPchret - stock.adobe.com
Sables-d'Or-les-Pins is a seaside village in the Côtes-d'Armor region that came into being in the 1920s. Admire its coastline, lined with Art Deco mansions and Anglo-Norman villas and, above all, enjoy its beautiful beach of fine blond sand. It's the ideal spot for outdoor activities such as sand yachting and kitesurfing. A dune spit, a natural curiosity, extends the beach.
10. Grands Sables beach, a unique site
The Grands Sables beach in Groix© Pat on stock - stock.adobe.com
Located on the Morbihan island of Groix, between Pointe du Spernec and Pointe de la Croix, Plage des Grands Sables is remarkable for many reasons. First and foremost, it is known for its unique shape, being one of the few convex beaches in Europe. Another interesting fact is that it moves over the years: 160 m in two years, after all! Last but not least, the color of the water and sand - white tinged with red - is worth the detour.
11. L'Écluse beach, Dinard
Offering breathtaking views over Saint-Malo Bay, this fine sandy beach is one of the most popular in the seaside resort of Dinard. Plage de l'Écluse is bordered by a pedestrian promenade, where visitors can stroll while admiring the magnificent Belle Époque villas overlooking the beach and the beach huts that make this place timeless. The calm, shallow waters of Plage de l'Écluse make it a safe place for children, while water sports enthusiasts can enjoy sailing, kayaking and paddleboarding.
12. Grève Blanche beach in Belle-Île-en-Mer, one of Brittany's most beautiful beaches
Belle-Île-en-Mer 's Grève Blanche beach is a true natural wonder. Situated on the island's north coast, this beach is renowned for its fine white sand and crystal-clear waters , offering breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. La Grève Blanche beach is surrounded by spectacular cliffs, making it an ideal spot for hiking enthusiasts and lovers of breathtaking natural scenery. It's also an ideal spot for watching seabirds, such as gulls and cormorants, nesting in the surrounding cliffs.
13. Île Tudy beach, Île Tudy
Île Tudy beach is one of Brittany's hidden gems. Set in a charming fishing village, this little beach is the ideal place for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the busier seaside resorts. Ile Tudy is renowned for its magnificent beach and shady dunes. Take a stroll and you'll discover the low-slung houses and narrow streets that characterize this small fishing village. Ile Tudy is a charming place to discover in all weathers.
14. Keremma beach in Plouescat, one of Brittany's most beautiful beaches
Plouescat'sKeremma beach is one of the most beautiful beaches on Brittany's north coast. This sandy beach stretches for over 4 kilometers, offering plenty of space to relax and soak up the sun. Keremma beach is surrounded by dunes and cliffs, making it an ideal spot for hikers and lovers of breathtaking natural scenery.
15. Kervel Beach, Locquirec
This large, clean, supervised beach offers magnificent sea views and a walk along the fine sand, with an unforgettable coastal path. At low tide, the vastness of the beach is impressive and makes for a long walk. Although popular with tourists in summer, it remains wild and accessible, with free parking and a small shop/bar for refreshments. In the evening, it's pleasant to stay a little longer to enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
Did our selection convince you? Discover our dedicated article What to do in Brittany? The 17 must-sees. Take the opportunity to discover the 10 must-see music festivals in Brittany.
And if you prefer Normandy, check out our selection of the most beautiful Normandy beaches!
Take a look at our train fares and book now !
