5 secret holiday beaches | Brittany tourism

All share crystal-clear waters, fine golden sand and a sense of renewed peace. From verdant pockets in secret corners, come along as we visit this summer’s Breton beaches: five little gems in wonderfully tranquil paradise settings. Natural little treasures for a spectacular summer!

In the blink of an eye

1. White sand and turquoise water between the cliffs

Rospico cove in Nevez

You’ll be swept away to another world in this cove nestled between the cliffs of Nevez! Come and bathe in its clear waters and feel its soft white sand: little ones will love its shallow pools at low tide. With swimsuit on, explore the seabeds with a mask and snorkel. Or the hiking addicts may be drawn to the ultimate coastal path, the GR® 34. Passing through Kerascoët and its thatched cottages, it’ll lead you to Tahiti – paradise, as we said!

Névez

Where to sleep

2. Amid the tamarix of North Finistère

Traon Erc’h beach in Roscoff

Little beach? Big cove? We could wax lyrical about this 65-metre slice of secret, wonderfully south-facing paradise but it offers so much more: a salty yoga session in the early morning, facing Callot Island and Carantec amid the fragrant aromas of the nearby exotic garden. Swim or sunbathe until sunset on the golden sand. The turquoise water is never far away so dive in! Or enjoy some family time, chasing the little crabs, including the velvet variety. There’s joy for the taking in this captivating cove!

Roscoff

Where to sleep

La Résidence des Artistes

Ideas

The inratables of the summer, the place to be to treat yourself to a seafood platter, the best views on the GR®34, the best spots to start surfing… in short, all the good...

3. Alone in the world in Côtes d’Armor

Corps de Garde beach in Binic

King of the hiking trails, the Douaniers path will take you to this fine sandy cove like an end-of-road reward. On your private, secluded beach, you too will be a celebrity. You’ll have it all to yourself (almost)! Tucked between two headlands on the south side of Binic-Étables-sur-Mer, it bears no traces of human life. Discover the seabeds and surrounding rocks at low tide – the tranquillity and translucent waters will help you escape it all. Your own desert island story for the day!

Binic-Etables-sur-mer

Where to sleep

Les eaux turquoise de la plage du Petit Pérello à Ploemeur (Morbihan)

4. A hide-out for those in the know near Lorient

Petit Pérello beach in Ploemeur

This destination is almost a well-kept secret! Below Fort du Talud, keep an eye out for people walking, towel slung over shoulder, towards a clear water cove. Do the same, take off your sandals and feel the white sand caressing your feet. This adorable beach nestled between the rocks, sheltered from the wind, faces south with a view of Ile de Groix. In the gorse, crickets respond to the lapping waves. It’s the holiday vibe, lie back and enjoy!

Ploemeur

Where to sleep

5. Leisurely days in a protected paradise

Pissot cove in Val-André

Sheltered from the wind and prying eyes, Pissot beach promises the ultimate relaxation in the sunshine. To access the beach, descend the steps and discover its gentle curves. Bathing in emerald waters lined by lush vegetation is the Breton way of life! With a good book in hand, bask in this hidden gem, while admiring the Pléneuf headland and Verdelet island. As the day draws to a close, take the famous Douaniers path (again!) down to the little Dahouët marina.

Pléneuf-Val-André

Where to sleep