The 10 Most Beautiful Beaches in Brittany

France is rich in regions that are completely distinct from one another, and perhaps one of the landscapes you wouldn't expect to find here is what Brittany offers: green hills, rugged coastlines, and the power of the Ocean. This region is located in the far northwest of the country and boasts stunning wild beaches, small towns seemingly frozen in time, and breathtaking landscapes.
Let's discover together the 10 most beautiful beaches in Brittany!

We begin this list with one of the most beautiful beaches in the entire region, the stunning beach of Les Sables d'Or at Sables-d'Or-les-Pins. Located along the English Channel on the Côte d'Émeraude, or Emerald Coast, it is a truly unique setting.

The beach is wild and pristine, featuring golden sand and stunning dunes shaped by the wind. Due to its exposure to the winds, the sea here is often rough, creating perfect waves for water sports enthusiasts such as sailing, kite surfing, and windsurfing!

Location Cotes d'Armor in Northern Brittany. 1.5 miles from Plurien and 2.8 miles from Fréhel; easily reachable from both locations within a few minutes by car or a pleasant walk - Get directions

Best for: nature, sports

Type: golden sand

We now move from the mainland to the Island of Groix, off the southern coast of Brittany. Here you'll find the magnificent beach Les Grands Sables, Europe's only convex beach: its uniqueness lies in its center being wider than the edges. You can reach the island via a ferry ride of about 45 minutes.

Prepare yourself for a unique spectacle, certainly a landscape you'd not expect in Northern France: with its Caribbean-like atmosphere, this beach features golden sand and crystal-clear waters. It is a wild beach where nature still reigns supreme. If you love such settings, Les Grands Sables will surely steal your heart.

Location On the southern Brittany coast, facing the Island of Groix. 4 miles from Lorient, accessible via a 45-minute ferry ride - Get directions

Best for: relaxation, hiking

Type: golden sand

Next, we head to Ploumanac'h, located on the so-called Pink Granite Coast. This is a small seaside and port town in Northern Brittany, an ancient fishing village that still retains its old-world charm.

This area offers a unique spectacle: fine sandy beaches alternate with pink cliffs, which were shaped over the centuries by ocean and wind erosion. The little beaches are secluded and perfect for relaxing in summer or trying to swim. "Trying" being the key word, as we're still in the Atlantic Ocean, where the water is never as warm as the Mediterranean Sea.

Apart from relaxing on the beach, this place offers some of the region's most stunning scenery, a paradise for photography enthusiasts and lovers of nature and hiking. For those unwilling to stay on the beach, you can follow one of the trails along the coast, offering stunning ocean views.

Location Northwest Brittany along the Pink Granite Coast. 1.8 miles from La Clarté and 2.3 miles from Saint Quay Perros. Easily accessible from La Clarté in 5 minutes by car or a 30-minute walk. Bus service available, lines E and Le Macareux: departures every 2 hours with a 20-minute journey - Get directions

Best for: relaxation, nature, photography

Type: white sand and pink granite rocks

Another famous spot in Brittany is Douarnenez, located in the western part of the region, known as the city of three ports. It is an important port town featuring: Rosmeur, a major port specializing in sardine fishing; Port-Rhû, a small marina where you can visit the maritime museum Port-musée showcasing ancient sailing ships; and Tréboul, a former fishing port that today is predominantly a tourist port.

In Douarnenez, you'll find beautiful beaches that are easily accessible on foot from the historic center. The first beach to visit is undoubtedly Sables Blancs, a charming and well-serviced small beach, close to many residences and situated in a scenic area.

The second beach is Saint-Jean, wilder and less frequented, flanked by rugged coastlines and cliffs. From here, you can also hike the Sentier côtier, a delightful coastal path offering spectacular ocean views.

Location Douarnenez, northwest coast, approximately 12 miles north of Quimper, at the edge of the bay that separates the Crozon Peninsula - Get directions

Best for: relaxation, sports

Type: sand and cliffs

The name Tahiti evokes the stunning white beaches of French Polynesia or Caribbean landscapes. Prepare yourself, because Plage de Tahiti Beach has this name for a reason: it is the most exotic beach in Brittany. Located in Nevez, on the southern coast of the region, it is a true paradise on earth, certainly a place you wouldn't expect to find here.

This destination is characterized by white sand and crystal-clear waters, creating a postcard-perfect landscape. It is an untouched, tranquil, and expansive beach that never feels overly crowded, making it wonderful to visit even during the off-season. You can easily reach it by car thanks to a large parking area.

Location Nevez, on Brittany's southern coast. Easily accessible by car via Kerstalen, with parking available on-site - Get directions

Best for: relaxation

Type: white sand

Still in southern Brittany, you'll find Trevignon beach, which is perfect for unwinding and taking a swim, provided you're ready for the cold waters of the Atlantic Ocean.

And if you're not particularly interested in beach relaxation or if the weather isn't favorable, consider exploring the nearby Pointe de Trevignon. This peninsula offers spectacular ocean views and numerous trails. Don't miss the Port of Trevignon, a small harbor where fishing boats and trawlers return each day.

Location Trégunc, in Southern Finistère. Reachable in 10 minutes by car from town. Bus Line 13B also serves the area (a 20-minute ride to Plage De Peuren, followed by a 0.6-mile walk) - Get directions

Best for: relaxation

Type: white sand

We are at Bénodet's main beach, located in the far western part of the region. Thanks to its location, this beach is very easy to reach on foot, with plenty of parking nearby if needed. Moreover, it's situated where the Odet River meets the ocean, creating a truly unique setting.

Bénodet Beach is suitable for everyone: being in the city, it offers a variety of services, including children's areas, cabin rentals, and amenities for visitors with disabilities. During the peak months of July and August, there is also a lifeguard service. It's undoubtedly one of the beaches not to miss, especially if you want to attempt a dip in the Atlantic Ocean waters.

Location Bénodet, on Brittany's southern tip, in the heart of the Breton Riviera. A mere 0.3 miles from the town center, easily walkable - Get directions

Best for: relaxation, sports

Type: golden sand

We now venture offshore again, this time to reach the Glénan Islands, a small archipelago off the western coast. It's a true paradise and is considered one of Brittany's treasures; it's also very easy to get to by ferry, with an average travel time of just 15 minutes.

Plage de l'île Saint-Nicolas, located on its namesake island, is one of the most beautiful beaches of this small archipelago. Featuring a long stretch of white sand, crystal-clear waters with shades of blue, and almost Caribbean-like scenery, Ile Saint-Nicolas is a tiny island you can easily explore on foot. You can even reach the center to enjoy the panoramic views of the surroundings. If you arrive around lunchtime, you may find small local eateries as well.

Location Glénan Archipelago, off the coasts of Concarneau and Loctudy, Finistère. Drive or take bus 13B to Pointe De Trevignon, then take a 15-minute ferry to the island - Get directions

Best for: relaxation, sports

Type: white sand

The Quiberon Peninsula is one of the most beautiful corners of Brittany. Its coastline alternates between wild rugged stretches and stunning fine-sand beaches, dotted with small towns and villages that seem to transport you back in time.

This area is rich in beaches, but one of the first to visit is undoubtedly La Grande Plage, also simply known as Plage Quiberon: the area's main beach. Close to the town, the beach is characterized by golden sand and plenty of services, making it ideal for families with children. The only downside is that during summer, because of its central location and the beauty of the surroundings, it can get very crowded, so it's best to arrive early in the morning.

Location Southern Brittany, Quiberon Peninsula, facing Belle-Ile-en-Mer. Easily reachable through Tire-Bouchon, a shuttle train connecting Auray and Quiberon - Get directions

Best for: relaxation

Type: golden sand

Lastly, let's discover Erquy, one of the most beautiful spots in Brittany. Located in the northern part of the region, it's a favorite summer destination, especially for families.

In Erquy, you'll find some of the most picturesque beaches, almost postcard-like. Wild, spacious, and serene, these beaches are perfect for relaxing walks along the ocean or capturing stunning photographs. One of the most famous is Plage de Lourtuais, nestled in a cove. It features an expansive sandy shore and calm waters. Not far away is Plage du Portuais, accessible by following a wooden staircase - the further you descend, the more breathtaking the views become! The beach destination of Erquy is a family-friendly summer spot, revered for its generous natural surroundings filled with heather-covered pink sandstone cliffs.

Location West coast, 2.2 miles from Erquy. Reachable in 5 minutes by car or a 30-minute walk - Get directions

Best for: relaxation, nature

Type: golden sand

Brittany is one of the wildest and most enchanting regions of France, fortunately still untouched by mass tourism, which preserves its authenticity and beauty.

From the U.S., reaching Rennes, the region's capital, requires some planning since there are no direct flights from most major American cities. You'll need to make at least one stop, with airlines like Air France and Delta being excellent options. Alternatively, you can choose to fly into Paris, well connected with U.S. cities by numerous flights. From there, Rennes is just a 1 hour 30 minute train ride away. Renting a car directly from the Paris airport is also a great alternative. In fact, a car is the best way to explore Brittany, granting access to remote beaches and locations (rental starting at $45/day). Otherwise, consider joining a 2-day guided tour from Paris through Normandy and Brittany.

Affordable flights starting at $140 - check deals

Where to stay browse top accommodations on Booking