Brittany is a popular seaside destination, so much so that more and more beaches are falling victim to overtourism. And yet, there are still some places that have remained confidential. In this article, we present Brittany's most beautiful secret beaches, protected from overtourism.
Taking the right steps to preserve Brittany's beaches
The beaches featured in this article have been selected not only for their low visitor numbers, but also for their excellent state of preservation. To keep them that way, take steps to protect the environment. For example, try to avoid approaching them by car, preferring instead to walk, for example along the sentier des Douaniers. Carry a bag to collect your garbage, or even to pick up rubbish you come across along the way, as part of a regenerative tourism approach. Choose non-polluting sun creams, and avoid picking up driftwood or shells on the beach. If you want to go even further, you could even consider making a donation to an association working to combat plastic pollution of the oceans.
1. Pors Péron beach, Beuzec-Cap-Sizun
Pors Péron beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Finistère, perhaps even one of the most beautiful beaches in Brittany! Located in Beuzec-Cap-Sizun, it's tucked away between lush green cliffs, giving it a particularly calm atmosphere. Despite its turquoise waters and fine sand, the beach is rarely visited. Yet it's accessible by car and doesn't require any strenuous hiking. The reason it remains a secret is that it's far from urban centers and popular seaside resorts. So you can enjoy a very quiet beach even in the height of summer.
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2. Gwin Zégal beach, Plouha
Among Brittany's secret beaches, there's one that's particularly original, and one of the Petit Futé's favorites: Gwin Zégal beach. Its calm, blue waters are home to a tiny harbor of some forty piles. These are actually tree trunks planted with their roots in the sand! This method, which dates back to the Middle Ages, has virtually disappeared. The beach at Gwin Zégal, in the Côtes d'Armor region, is one of the last in the world to perpetuate this tradition, much to the delight of visitors. Visitors are few and far between, however, as the beach is only accessible via the "Douaniers" path or a long flight of steps from the parking lot.
3. L'anse du Pissot, Pléneuf-Val-André
Côtes d'Armor's Anse du Pissot is a quiet, pleasant spot, sheltered from the wind, cars and crowds. Access is on foot via the GR34, so visitors are few and far between. Those who do can enjoy the emeraldwaters and unspoilt vegetation in peace. Holidaymakers are invited to preserve the area's pristine condition by avoiding walking off the marked trails and by collecting their garbage, or even by organizing a garbage collection walk.
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4. Tréac'h er Gourèd beach, Houat island
Off the coast of Sarzeau, before Belle-Île-en-Mer, the island of Houat is one of the most beautiful spots in Morbihan. Yet it remains relatively unspoiled by mass tourism, as the beach at Tréac'h er Gourèd clearly illustrates. It's a long strip of blond sand stretching for 2 kilometers and lapped by bluish waves. The site, rich in dune formations, is protected by the Conservatoire du Littoral. This protection, combined with the fact that the island is only accessible by boat, and is closed to cars, makes this unspoilt spot one of Brittany's most beautiful secret beaches, protected from overtourism.
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5. Corps de Garde beach, Binic-Étables-sur-Mer
Plage du Corps de Garde is located in Binic-Étables-sur-Mer, near Saint-Brieuc in the Côtes-d'Armor region. It is only accessible via the "Douaniers" path, which guarantees a reasonable number of visitors. This quiet spot is nestled between two cliffs, protecting it from strong winds. It's the wildest of the local beaches, and certainly one of the most beautiful. We therefore invite you to take steps to protect the environment, notably by bringing a bag to collect your garbage, as there is no garbage can on site.
6. La Mer Blanche, Fouesnant
La Mer Blanche is a lagoon forming an inland sea in Fouesnant. Its originality makes it one of Brittany's most beautiful secret beaches, protected from overtourism, especially as the landscape changes with the tides. While the sandy bottom is visible at low tide, it's at high tide that the inland sea really fills up. So check the tide tables to make sure you're ready for a swim. You can also take advantage of this wild and little-visited environment to enjoy one of Brittany's most beautiful hikes.
7. Trescadec beach, Audierne
Trescadec beach is located in Audierne, Finistère. It's one of Brittany's most beautiful secret beaches, protected from overtourism, because in addition to being 600 m long, its sand is as white as it is fine. This is not a wild beach. It's well equipped, with volleyball nets and lifeguards on duty. Yet it's never overcrowded. It's an excellent compromise if you want a private beach without sacrificing comfort and easy access. It's also an eco-friendly destination, having been awarded the Blue Flag. This label is awarded to the cleanest beaches that best protect the environment.
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8. Traon Erc'h beach, Roscoff
Located in Roscoff, Traon Erc'h beach stretches over just 65 meters facing south, giving it excellent sunshine. The beach is made up of sand punctuated by a few large rocks that children love to climb on. The water is clear and sheltered from the wind.
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9. Toëno beach, Trébeurden
Toëno beach is one of the few secret beaches in Brittany protected from overtourism , located on the pink granite coast, which is usually so popular with tourists. And yet it has many assets: fine sand, a good location that's hardly out of the way, which is why it's so unpopular, clear waters and gentle winds that make kitesurfers happy.
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10. Petit Pérello beach, Ploemeur
Located in Ploemeur, Morbihan, the Petit Pérello beach boasts many assets: unspoilt vegetation, fine white sand and a calm turquoise sea. We invite you to adopt eco-responsible gestures to preserve this little paradise. Although it's no longer a real secret, this beach is still reasonably popular, especially out of season.
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