FAMILIES
Carnac & Quiberon
A strong combination of accessible sandy beaches, holiday infrastructure and plenty to do away from the water.
Explore CarnacBRITTANY BEACHES
The best beaches in Brittany – and where to base yourself
There is no single “best beach” in Brittany. The right coast depends on whether you want easy family swimming, dramatic scenery, surfing, island water or quieter coves.
CHOOSE YOUR COAST
Four very different Brittany beach trips
Start with the kind of coast you want, then choose the base. That usually produces a better holiday than choosing a famous beach and building everything around it.
DRAMATIC COAST
Finistère
Go west for a wilder Atlantic feel, big horizons and beaches that reward a more exploratory road trip.
Explore western Brittany
NORTH COAST
Around Saint-Malo
Combine beach time with one of Brittany’s best historic cities and easy day trips to the Emerald Coast.
Explore Saint-Malo
OFF THE OBVIOUS LIST
Hidden beaches & coves
Our recovered guide looks beyond the headline resorts for quieter stretches worth adding to a coastal itinerary.
Find secret beaches
ON THE WATER
Paddleboarding
Find calmer bays, estuaries and beginner-friendly places to get on the water safely.
Plan a paddleboarding dayPLAN BY PLACE
Beach choice should influence where you stay
A family wanting easy sand and facilities will make a different choice from a couple seeking wild coastline. Use our Stay guides to match the accommodation base to the coast.
1Saint-Malo & Dinan
Historic towns, coast and an easy direct ferry arrival.
2Carnac & Vannes
Southern Brittany for beaches, islands and the Gulf of Morbihan.
3Roscoff & Finistère
Wild western coastline, fishing towns and island trips.
BUILD THE WHOLE TRIP
Choose the place, then plan the journey
Explore Brittany first, then use our Route Finder to compare the best way to get there from the UK.