FRANCE
Discover 6 top Brittany beaches, from rugged cliffs to serene coves
Brittany’s beaches offer something for everyone, from golden seaside charm and dramatic natural beauty to spa escapes and unforgettable coastal adventures.
The rugged jewel of northwestern France, Brittany is a land of centuries-old lighthouses, windswept cliffs and wild seas. Its dramatic coastline, stretching over 2,800 km, is dotted with a tapestry of beaches, each offering its own slice of coastal magic. Whether you’re in the mood for sunbathing on golden sands, hiking hydrangea-lined cliffside trails or tucking into seafood in a sleepy harbour village, Brittany has something for you. Discover our pick of the six best beaches in Brittany, from renowned retreats to hidden gems.
6 Brittany beaches for your next France getaway
First, let’s get familiar with the layout of the province. Brittany is divided into four departments: Finistère on the westernmost tip; Côtes-d’Armor to the north; Ille-et-Vilaine, where you’ll find regional capital Rennes, in the east; and Morbihan to the south.
1. Tahiti Beach, Finistère: an island vibe without the crowds
Its sheltered location and gentle waves make Tahiti Beach ideal for families, although it’s worth noting that there are no lifeguards supervising. Kids will love exploring the rock pools at either end, while the main beach offers ample space for sunbathing and beach games. Hire a kayak or paddleboard to go out on the water, or take the short uphill hike inland through some greenery to a viewpoint that looks over to Louët Island and the 16th-century Taureau Fort.
- Carantec
- The nearest train station is in Morlaix, about 20 minutes’ drive away. About 1 hour’s drive from Brest or 2 hours from Rennes.
2. Morgat Beach, Finistère: family-friendly seaside charm
The renowned seaside resort of Morgat features a golden-sand beach that curves gracefully around a sheltered bay on the Crozon peninsula. The main beach stretches for nearly a kilometre, backed by Belle Epoque villas and a bustling marina that serves as the gateway to some of Brittany’s most spectacular coastal scenery.
There’s plenty to do here, from sailing to kayaking and paddleboarding, with equipment rental available at the marina. But the real draw lies just offshore: tucked into the rocky coastline are sea caves famed for their vibrant red and pink hues caused by minerals in the sandstone. The best way to see them is by joining a boat tour, during which you’ll also be regaled with some local legends linked to the caves.
Good to know: Around 4km south is the gorgeous Virgin Island Beach (Plage de l’Île Vierge). It’s a protected area so no visitors are allowed, but you can gaze down on its craggy cliffs and turquoise waters from the coastal path above, which also happens to be part of the popular GR34 hiking trail.
- Crozon
- About an hour’s drive from Quimper. Consider staying at the 4-star Mercure Quimper Centre Hotel, which offers a great base to explore Brittany’s far-western beaches, with a direct road to Crozon and nearby cultural sights like Quimper Cathedral.
3. Trestraou Beach, Côtes-d’Armor: a popular sandy beach with plenty of facilities
Côtes-d’Armor is a region known for its quaint villages but famed for its Pink Granite Coast. Head to Trestraou Beach, within the seaside resort of Perros-Guirec, for fine sand and clean swimming waters. Perros-Guirec’s most popular beach is both easy to get to and stunningly beautiful, offering panoramic views across to the Sept-Îles archipelago on the horizon.
There are lifeguards on duty during the summer months, as well as the usual range of water sports if you fancy getting more active. You could also while away the day with a stroll along the beachfront promenade, or by tucking into a seafood platter at one of the waterfront bistros. Looking for adventures further afield? Hike the local stretch of the GR34 trail, also known as the Customs Officers’ path (Sentier des Douaniers) to admire surreal pink rock formations, or take a boat trip to the Sept-Îles archipelago to spot seabirds like northern gannets and puffins.
- Boulevard Joseph le Bihan, 22700 Perros-Guirec
- The nearest train station is in Lannion, about 15 minutes’ drive away. About 2 hours’ drive from Rennes.
4. Sillon Beach, Ille-et-Vilaine: history, activity and beauty all in one stretch
Moving further east along Brittany’s coast, in Ille-et-Vilaine, you’ll find beaches at Saint-Malo, famous for its historic walled city and seafaring history. Set against the medieval-era ramparts is Sillon Beach, a 3-km sandy stretch with three distinct sections: Grande Plage, Hoguette Beach and Rochebonne Beach.
If you’re travelling with kids, Grande Plage is a Blue Flag beach with lifeguards in the summer, plus sailing and windsurfing. Further east, Hoguette and Rochebonne are lovely for early-morning swims in dawn’s soft pinks and oranges, while the whole stretch is popular for spectacular sunsets over the bay. Want to catch the sunset from your hotel? Book a sea-view room at the chic Mercure St Malo Front de Mer Hotel, just across the promenade.
Good to know: Bookending Sillon Beach on its west is Éventail Beach, ideal if you want a dose of culture with your swim. After a brisk dip in the water, you can take a guided tour of the 17th-century National Fort or explore Saint-Malo’s cobbled streets, which brim with crêperies and craft stores.
- Saint-Malo
- Trains from Rennes to Saint-Malo take around 80 minutes, or it’s about an hour by car.
5. Saint-Colomban Beach, Morbihan: good for water sports enthusiasts
Along the province’s south coast in the Quiberon Bay lies Carnac, another well-known Brittany seaside resort with several beaches to choose from. Many will flock to the main Carnac Beach, a 2-km sandy stretch with gentle waves, lifeguards in the summer and a cluster of cafés and bars at its west end. But for fewer crowds, head instead to Saint-Colomban Beach, just a hop and a skip west.
Open to prevailing winds, Saint-Colomban is ideal for kitesurfers and windsurfers, and you can find schools nearby offering lessons for all ages and abilities. There are lifeguards here too in high season, and a gentle gradient that’s good for swimming. Time to eat? Head back into town for some traditional crêpes, but don’t forget to taste some Pô oysters, Carnac’s delicious local specialty.
Good to know: Carnac is most renowned for its standing stones (also known as menhirs) on a site dating back some 7,000 years. That’s at least 1,000 years older than Stonehenge.
- Boulevard de l’Océan, 56340 Carnac
- Direct buses from Rennes take about 3 hours, while driving takes about 2.
6. Quiberon Beach, Morbihan: a gateway to island adventures
Quiberon Beach (La Grande Plage) anchors the peninsula’s eastern shore in the sheltered waters of a bay. Families love this beach due to its calm conditions and fine sand, as well as showers, toilet facilities and a beach club for kids aged three to 12.
Take advantage of the gentle conditions to go paddleboarding or kayaking – there are water sports equipment rentals dotted about – or stroll to Port-Maria harbourfront and choose from one of the many terrace bistros to tuck into grilled sardines and cold seafood platters paired with delicious wines from the nearby Loire Valley. Fancy some island hopping? Ferries leave daily from Port-Maria to the islands of Belle-Île-en-Mer and Houat, where you’ll find rocky, windswept landscapes laced with hiking trails and dotted with pastel-coloured villages. End your day with a blissful massage at Nuxe Spa in Mercure Quiberon Hotel and Spa – this 4-star Brittany hotel also features a heated pool and a cosy cocktail bar.
- 24 Quai de Belle Île, 56170 Quiberon
- It’s just over 2 hours by train to Quiberon from Rennes, and about the same length of time if you’re driving.
Brittany’s coast is a mosaic of moods – tranquil or wild, sunny or windswept – but always full of character. These beaches offer sand and surf, plus the chance to trace the steps of ancient Celts, savour oysters by the sea or explore picturesque hiking trails that give way to rugged coastal beauty. Which of Brittany’s beaches will you choose for your next holiday?
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Mercure hotels nearby
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