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Brittany beaches and coast

The coast of Brittany is very often beautiful, with a great mix of white sandy beaches suitable for swimming, attractive rocky coves and pools to explore, and dramatic cliffs and rock formations to admire and photograph.

Likewise the islands off the coast of Brittany - of which there are many, from large islands such as Belle-Ile to tiny islets like St-Cado  - and each have something different to offer and to enjoy.

The Brittany coast is second in popularity in France only to the Cote d'Azur - and it is much easier to find a quiet corner for yourself in Brittany than on the crowded beaches of the Riviera!

Some of the highlights of the coast include:

- the Emerald coast (Cote d'Emeraude) around Dinard and Cancale in north-east Brittany

- Cote de Granit Rose at the north of the Cotes d'Armor region around Perros-Guirec, and Cap-Fréhel (and nearby Fort la Latte)

- Finistere and western Brittany eg Benodet and many others, and including Crozon and the dramatic coastline of the Crozon Peninsula.

- Gulf of Morbihan (including Ile d'Arz and Ile aux Moines)

the Finistere coastline seems to have escaped a romantic name but is equally impressive!

 

Islands of Brittany

There are numerous islands off the Brittany coast, and many can be visited by boat on excursions from the mainland. These include:

Islands on the southern / Morbihan coast: Belle-Ile-en-Mer, Ile Houat and Ile Groix, and the nearby tiny island at St-Cado.

Islands on the northern coast: Ile Bréhat (north of Paimpol) and Ile Batz

Islands to the west: Molène and Ouessant;  see also Ile-de-Sein (listed under 'classified most beautiful villages')

Also visit the Quiberon peninsula and the Glénan archipelago.

Visit Brittany - travel information

Map of Brittany coast, France