Summary of the Best Beaches in Brittany
Brittany is the second most popular beach destination for French holidays after the Mediterranean, even outranking nearby Normandy. However, with over 2,000 kilometers of coastline, visitors can always find secluded spots away from the crowds.
Brittany offers stunning landscapes, featuring long, white-sand beaches, rocky coves full of fish and shellfish, and dramatic cliffs that plunge into the pounding waves of the sea. It’s renowned for some of the best—and freshest—fish and shellfish restaurants among French seaside resorts. Although Brittany is perfect for a summer holiday, it is also a wonderfully romantic destination during winter when the waves crash against the shore and stories of shipwrecks and smugglers come to life.
The Bretons carry a strong independent spirit, enriched by their Celtic culture, making Bretagne beaches a prideful escape for both locals and visitors seeking a true getaway.
Here’s a guide map to the best beaches in Brittany along the coast. Start at the rocky headlands of north Brittany, such as Cap d’Erquy, where cliffs descend into the sea. Then venture to the western and southern surfing beaches before exploring the more sheltered southern bays of the Quiberon Peninsula.
Cap d’Erquy
Located west of Saint-Malo and east of St-Brieuc, Cap d’Erquy boasts a magnificent coastline with nine beaches and rugged, picturesque scenery. The pink sandstone cliffs dramatically descend to the sea, and as a nature reserve, it offers rich local flora and fauna for walkers along the coast, epitomizing the essence of Brittany.
For families, Plage de Caroual presents a sheltered beach experience. Furthermore, the adventurous can explore clifftop paths that lead through pine trees and gorse to hidden beach spots. While Cap d’Erquy is well-known among the French, it remains a hidden gem for many international visitors.
Baie de Lannion
Along the aptly named Pink Granite Coast lies Baie de Lannion, also recognized as Grand Plage de Goas Lagorn, ideal for families with young children due to its sheltered conditions. Engage in a variety of activities, from windsurfing to kayaking, across this stretch of beach that connects the Celtic towns of Lannion and Trébuerden.
Ménéham
West of Roscoff, Ménéham can be accessed via a single-track road north of Kerlouan. This unique cliff-top village, with its stone houses nestled among massive boulders, creates a mystical landscape reminiscent of a giant’s battle. Visitors have the option to either scramble down to the boulder-strewn beach or drive to Brignogan-Plages towards the east.
Baie d’Audierne
On the western coast of Finistère, the Baie d’Audierne is a 30-kilometer long stretch of land at the southern tip. The Baie des Trépassés, the westernmost beach, offers a dramatic atmosphere that feels like the edge of the world. With the Ile de Sein in sight, it’s a perfect spot for surfers to ride the long Atlantic waves.
Côte Sauvage
The Quiberon Peninsula features a stunning stretch of sandy beaches jutting out into the ocean. At Saint-Pierre-Quiberon, the two beaches of Penthièvre Plages provide different experiences: one facing the turbulent Atlantic for adventurers and the other, Grande Plage, which runs between Plouharnel and Penthièvre on the eastern side, is suitable for sand yachting. This area, looking towards Baie de Quiberon, is ideal for families, with a boardwalk filled with shops and restaurants perfect for a post-swimming respite.
Belle-Ile
Ferries from Quiberon transport visitors to Belle-Ile, the largest island off Brittany, celebrated for its connections to classic literature such as Dumas’ The Three Musketeers and The Man in the Iron Mask. The island features breathtaking beaches, notably les Grand Sables, facing east towards France. The charming towns, including fortified Le Palais, Sauzon, and inland Bangor, offer delightful exploration opportunities.
La Baule-Escoublac
Situated just south of Belle-Île on the Guérande Peninsula, La Baule-Escoublac boasts a long stretch of white sand beach along the Baie de la Baule. This location is known for a multitude of sports opportunities, including exhilarating jet ski rides, making it a beloved destination for beachgoers.
