Brittany's Most Beautiful Beaches

Brittany boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the whole of France. From hidden coves to vast stretches of white sand, they all have one thing in common: some of the clearest waters you could ever hope to swim in. Here are the ones you definitely shouldn’t miss…

Saint-Guirec

The beach on the edge of the sweet village of Saint-Guirec is recognisable for its pink granite rocks. It’s a sheltered spot, so perfect for long summer days on the beach, with or without kids. There is a fantastic coastal path that connects it with a big chunk of the rest of the coastline, too.

Morgat

Resort

This is surely one of the most beautiful beaches in the Finistère deapartment of Brittany, resembling a slice of Carribean paradise rather than a pocket of northern France. Located in the Armorique Regional Park on the Crozon peninsula, Morgat beach offers more than 1km of soft, white sand. The resort village of Morgat lies just behind, making it an easily accessible base. From here, take the coastal path a short way to Fort Kador for stunning views through the pine trees back towards the bay.

Bénodet

Resort

Bénodet lies in the south of the Finistère department and is a pretty seaside resort with gorgeous beaches left, right and center. The beaches here are perfect if you want great facilities, too, as Bénodet has everything you need for a classic seaside holiday. West towards Île-Tudy is a brilliantly vast beach, too.

Cap d’Erquy

The panoramic views offered from Cap d’Erquy are really something special. Sand dunes meeting the emerald sea, with the deep hues of the heaths and iconic purple stone in the background, make this spot one of Brittany’s most striking. People come here to explore this coastline from above on the many footpaths and enjoy the wild beaches from below.

Le Guilvinec and Penmarch

There are many gorgeous beaches between the harbour towns of Le Guilvinec and Penmarch in Brittany. Plage du Ster, to start off with, is a complete delight. It’s a vast stretch of sand, perfect for families and easily accessible. East of Le Guilvinec is Plage de Skividan, another gorgeous stretch of fine sand and clear water. Its size, too, keeps it from getting too busy. Around this area, the sandy pathways that snake behind the beaches over the coastal grasses couldn’t be a nicer setting for an easy stroll.

Trestrignel

Trestrignel beach has some of the finest white sand you’ll ever see. It lies in a sheltered spot between two small peninsulas – the Pointe du Château(which definitely deserves a visit) and Pointe du Sphynx – and is only a 15-minute walk from the pretty beach town of Perros-Guirec. If the weather is fine, you’ll have an incredible view out over the Sept-Îles archipelago and the isle of Tomé.

Baluden

Baluden beach is found on the beautiful island of Belle-Île-en-Mer, just off the Brittany coastline. Baluden is loved by locals and visitors alike thanks to its west-facing aspect, which perfectly captures the afternoon sunshine. There is a small car park, but visitors do have to walk a little way until they reach the sand. While you’re there, head to Herlin beach – another (bigger) sandy cove – which is just next door.

About the author

Holly Howard

Holly is a freelance writer based in Béziers, South of France. From London to a life in the Languedoc, she has written for French Property News and Living France among other titles and covers travel, lifestyle and culture. She can be followed at: www.lostinthelanguedoc.com