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A fan of swimming or natural coastal beauty? Did you know that, according to the regional prefecture¹, Brittany has 2,730 km of coastline and 11 islands! So what are you waiting for to pack your bags and enjoy a waterside stay in western France? To take your days admiring the Channel or the Atlantic Ocean to a whole new level, discover our ranking of the 5 most beautiful beaches in Brittany!
In the heart of Finistère, on the Crozon peninsula, lies a hidden treasure. It’s a wild beach, nestled between towering cliffs and maritime pines, and bordering the Atlantic Ocean. Its white pebbles and translucent waters give it the feel of a Marseille calanque. Kayaking enthusiasts love it!
Access has to be earned, ideally by boat or via a steep path. The Guardian newspaper has even ranked it among the most beautiful in the world, according to an article in Le Parisien²!
However, to preserve this Natura 2000 site, swimming has been banned here since 2020. Come and admire it, and take the opportunity to visit the mineral museum, just 1.4 km away. It would be a shame to miss out on gazing at Brittany’s most beautiful beach!
Address: coastal path, 29160 Crozon.
Looking for a truly unique beach in the Morbihan? Head to Pénestin! Plage de la Mine d’Or is overlooked by a 15-metre cliff in shades of ochre and yellow.
This geological site, a former 19th-century gold mine, is unique in Europe. According to the Morbihan Tourist Office³, guided tours are even organised to learn all about its history.
Considered by many to be the most beautiful beach in Brittany for its colours, it stretches for 2 km of fine sand. The cliff blazes with a thousand colours as the sun begins to set! From this swimming spot, you can follow the Sentier des Douaniers coastal path, which leads to a more intimate cove or to the Pointe de Bile, a paradise for birdwatchers.
Address: Allée des Tennis, 56760 Pénestin.
Fancy a paradise beach in Brittany, far from the crowds? Take the boat from Quiberon to reach Île d’Houat. There, an arc of more than 2 km of fine sand awaits: Plage de Treac’h Er Goured.
Sheltered from the wind by a dune ridge, this wild, unsupervised beach belongs to the Conservatoire du Littoral (coastal protection agency)⁴. Its biodiversity is impressive: a wealth of shells litter the sand, and dolphins are sometimes spotted offshore. According to one visitor review, the flowers found on the dunes, such as lilies and everlastings, add to its charm. It’s arguably Brittany’s most beautiful beach for lovers of raw nature.
3.5 km away, you’ll find the Bar-Kreiz menhir, a witness to this Breton island’s Celtic heritage.
Address: Plage de Treac’h Er Goured, 56170 Île-d’Houat.
A taste of Caribbean paradise right in the heart of Finistère! That’s the promise of Plage de Saint-Nicolas, on the Glénan archipelago. Reachable by boat from the port of Concarneau, this island, with its fine golden sand, is washed by clear waters. How could it not make the list of Brittany’s best beaches?
Awarded Blue Flag status, according to the Fouesnant-les-Glénan Tourist Office⁵, it faces due south. During spring tides, shore fishing becomes the top activity for finding the famous pink clams of the Glénan islands. Among the other assets of this must-visit Breton beach, perfect for a family holiday:
Address: Plage de l’Île Saint-Nicolas, 29170 Fouesnant.
Welcome to Trégastel, home to some of the most beautiful beaches in northern Brittany! Coz-Pors is more than just a stretch of sand. It’s a unique bay, dotted with pink granite rocks sculpted by nature into striking shapes. Have fun spotting the “Dice”, the “Stack of Pancakes” or the “Witch”!
The calm waters of the Channel make it an ideal, safe swimming spot for the whole family. Supervised in summer, this lovely Breton beach is fully equipped with facilities to make your stay comfortable, along with a restaurant and a bar.
And to prolong the magic, hop aboard a cruise to the Sept-Îles archipelago or visit the Marine Aquarium, located less than 300 metres away.
Address: Rue du Général de Gaulle, 22730 Trégastel.
| Beach Name | Department | Main Highlight | Ideal for… |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plage de l’Île Vierge | Finistère | Spectacular wild cove scenery reminiscent of a calanque (swimming forbidden) | Sightseeing, kayaking and photography. |
| Plage de la Mine d’Or | Morbihan | Unique cliffs in ochre and gold hues | Sunsets, geology and hiking. |
| Plage de Treac’h er Goured | Morbihan (Île d’Houat) | Vast stretch of fine sand, wild and unspoilt | Getting away from it all, peace and quiet, and lovers of raw nature. |
| Plage de Saint-Nicolas | Finistère (Glénan archipelago) | A “Caribbean” setting with white sand and turquoise water (Blue Flag beach) | Families, supervised swimming and water sports. |
| Plage du Coz-Pors | Côtes-d’Armor | Famous pink granite rocks with extravagant shapes | Families and fun walks. |
Fancy pitching your parasol on one of Brittany’s most beautiful beaches? Book your waterside campsite now to make the most of the coastline’s beauty during your holiday!
The best period runs from June to September. July and August are the most popular months, with water temperatures ranging between 15°C and 19°C. Do note, however, that these beaches can be admired for their beauty in any season, if swimming isn’t your top priority.
Top of the list is undoubtedly Plage de La Torche in Plomeur (Finistère), a spot of international renown. The Côte Sauvage in Quiberon (Morbihan) and Plage de la Palue on the Crozon peninsula (Finistère) are also well worth serious consideration.
¹ Préfecture et services de l’État en région Bretagne. (2025). Sea and coastline.
² Morbihan.com. (n.d.). Visit to the geological site of the Mine d’Or – Pénestin.
³ Le Parisien. (2017). Brittany: Île Vierge, a corner of paradise to protect.
⁴ Conservatoire du Littoral. (n.d.). Treac’h er Goured – Île d’Houat (56).
⁵ Office de Tourisme de Fouesnant-les-Glénan. (n.d.). Plage de Saint-Nicolas (Les Glénan) in Fouesnant.
