guide
Are you preparing your vacation in an aquatic park campground in the lovely region of Brittany and looking for the most beautiful spots for swimming? The region lines up more than 2,700 kilometers of coastline, meaning that choosing where to lay your towel is no simple matter. Between the Côte de Granit Rose, the Crozon cliffs, the ramparts of Saint-Malo and the wild creeks of Belle-Île, each department hides its gems.
Here is our top 10 of the most beautiful beaches in Brittany, from Côtes d’Armor to Morbihan.
Set on the Crozon peninsula, Île Vierge beach is reached after a sporting descent along the cliff. This cove with turquoise waters, framed by pines, is among the most photographed panoramas of Finistère. Access remains reserved for experienced hikers, which preserves its wild character.
Visitors’ favorite: the color of the water, almost Caribbean, which contrasts with the ochre rocks of neighboring cliffs.
Practical information:
Check out the various aquatic park campgrounds in Finistère right now to discover Île Vierge beach!
Located at the foot of Pen-Hir point, Pen Hat beach unfolds a long ribbon of golden sand facing the Atlantic. It attracts surfers and lovers of wide open spaces, seduced by its regular waves and mineral setting. The Tas de Pois, these rock formations standing offshore, complete a striking landscape.
Visitors’ favorite: the panorama of Tas de Pois at sunset, one of the most beautiful on the peninsula.
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This famous beach of the Côte de Granit Rose is found in Perros-Guirec, in the heart of Côtes d’Armor. The sand meets the famous pink granite rocks, sculpted by erosion into surprising shapes. The oratory of Saint-Guirec, placed on a rock in the middle of the beach, adds a unique patrimonial touch.
Visitors’ favorite: the walk to Mean Ruz lighthouse, natural extension of the beach.
Practical information:
Quickly discover our aquatic park campgrounds in Côtes d’Armor and choose from more than 10 properties!
Trestraou is the large urban beach of Perros-Guirec, perfect for families. It deploys 1,200 meters of fine sand facing the Seven Islands, a natural reserve prized by bird lovers. The casino, restaurants and thalassotherapy center on the edge make the place convenient for spending the day.
Visitors’ favorite: boarding for the Seven Islands, from the pier located on the beach.
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Sillon beach stretches nearly 3 kilometers facing the ramparts of Saint-Malo. It welcomes swimmers, sand-sailing enthusiasts and walkers who came to admire the famous equinox tides. Wooden breakwaters, planted perpendicular to the sea, offer original play ground for children at low tide.
Visitors’ favorite: the walk along the seawall, punctuated by large waves during spring tides.
Practical information:
Interested in discovering Sillon beach? Quickly reserve your aquatic park campground in Ille-et-Vilaine!
Between Saint-Malo and Cancale, Chevrets beach comprises l‘one of the most beautiful landscapes of the Emerald Coast. It extends nearly 1 kilometer between Meinga point and Besnard islet, accessible on foot at low tide. The surrounding dunes, classified as sensitive natural area, shelter protected flora.
Visitors’ favorite: the crossing on foot to Besnard islet, to organize according to tide schedules.
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The Grand Beach of Carnac stretches 2 kilometers facing Quiberon bay. Its soft sand and progressive slope make it an ideal location for families with children. Behind, the promenade lines hotels and restaurants typical of the seaside resort.
Visitors’ favorite: the view of Quiberon peninsula and Belle-Île at the horizon, particularly beautiful at sunset.
Practical information:
Interested in booking an aquatic park campground in Morbihan? Discover more than 40 campgrounds!
Located in Locmaria, Grand Sands beach is the largest in Belle-Île-en-Mer. Its particularity: it is the only convex beach in Europe, meaning it advances toward the sea instead of hollowing out a bay. The sand is fine and the water shallow for several meters, which delights young swimmers.
Visitors’ favorite: the inverted shape of the beach, which creates a unique peninsular effect in Europe.
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On the west coast of Belle-Île, Donnant beach opens a vast sandy arena framed by steep cliffs. The Atlantic rollers make it a spot prized by surfers, while non-swimmers stroll for the wild setting. The trail down offers one of the most beautiful views on the island.
Visitors’ favorite: the rock arch north of the beach, accessible at low tide.
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In Saint-Jean-Trolimon, Tronoën beach marks one of the longest sand cordons of Finistère south. It deploys 5 kilometers of continuous beach, ideal for walking, water hiking or afternoons facing the ocean. Tronoën chapel, planted nearby, houses one of the oldest calvaries in Brittany.
Visitors’ favorite: the monumental calvary of Tronoën chapel, to discover before or after swimming.
Practical information:
Do you dream of mornings facing the sea and afternoons of aquatic activities guaranteed whatever the Breton weather? Book your next stay on our site and combine the main beaches of the region with the comfort of an equipped campground. On which Breton beach will you lay your towel first?
Each Breton département has its own gems: Finistère for its wild beaches, Côtes d'Armor for the Pink Granite Coast, Ille-et-Vilaine for the Emerald Coast, and Morbihan for Belle-Île and Carnac. The choice mainly depends on the type of scenery you're after, wild or family-friendly.
Water temperature at Brittany's beaches ranges in summer between 16 and 19°C on the Channel coast, and between 17 and 20°C on the Atlantic coast. Morbihan generally has the warmest waters in the region. A wetsuit or neoprene swim shorts can help extend your time in the water.
Yes, you can swim all year round at Brittany's beaches, though swimming out of season remains best left to experienced, properly equipped swimmers. Coastal walking and open-water swimming clubs are springing up all over the region. For families, the June-to-September period remains the most comfortable.
Several Breton beaches are particularly well suited to young children: the Grande Plage in Carnac for its gentle slope, Trestraou in Perros-Guirec for its full range of facilities, and the Grands Sables on Belle-Île for its shallow water. Choose lifeguarded beaches sheltered from the prevailing wind.
