Take A Trip To This Underrated Destination For A Crowd-Free Beach Vacation
When you think of the best beaches in the world, locations like Playa Del Carmen, Bali, Koh Samui, and Ibiza are probably the first ones to pop into your mind. But what if we told you that there is an underrated beach destination that offers sun, sand, and surf to add to your bucket list? Think France. No, not Nice or Marseille. Go a little farther north, all the way to Brittany. This northwestern region of the country is closer to the British isles of Jersey and Guernsey than it is to Paris, but the towns that pepper the coastline here offer some pristine beaches off the beaten path.
One of the best beaches in all of Brittany is Plage du Sillon, located just outside of the walled city of Saint-Malo. If that name is ringing a bell, it may be because you've read the 2014 Pulitzer Prize-winning novel "All The Light We Cannot See" by Anthony Doer. The story is set in the city, and the 2023 Netflix adaptation was also filmed there, so visiting the beaches of Saint-Malo can truly become a literary tour of the region. Plage du Sillon stretches for 1.8 miles and is a surfer's paradise. It is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful beaches in France. So if you're jonesing for a French beach getaway and want to avoid the crowds in the south, here's why Brittany should definitely be on your itinerary.
Brittany's beaches are calm and less busy
These beaches are so wow-worthy, that you'll be paraphrasing Britney Spears with, "It's Brittany, bish!" The Telegraph has reported on the best Brittany beaches and the Plage de Tahiti tops the list. Just a 20-minute drive from Roscoff, this beach proves to be super-secluded and only accessible by a footpath, meaning you won't have to elbow other tourists out of the way for the perfect tanning spot. Another beach off the beaten path is Plage Saint-Jean, which is a 30-minute drive from Quimper, and surrounded by a stone chapel and a maritime cemetery. The outlet reports that Plage de Morgat, which is less than an hour's drive from the town of Brest, is super family-friendly because it offers a beach club for children. Sables Blancs, which is a 30-minute drive from Quimper, also has a kids-only beach club!
TimeOut gushed about Plage Sainte-Barbe, which is about a five-minute drive from the town of the same name, noting that it is basically a deserted beach. You should definitely bring your own food and drinks, and any gear like kayaks, surfboards, or towels that you might want for your stay because the beach is completely devoid of amenities. Talk about deserted! Good thing there's no charge to visit it: fantastic if you're traveling on a budget.
Brittany's beaches offer clear water and white sands
Air France's in-flight magazine En Vols has dished on underrated Brittany beaches and it reports that calmer experiences in the sun and surf are guaranteed. It lists Anse de Rospico on the peninsula of Nevez, and Petit Pérello beach in Ploemeur as secluded beaches with turquoise waters and white sand. If you're seeking a unique beachside retreat, you're in luck! The Castel Beau Site looks out over the rose-tinted rocks of Saint-Guirec beach, along the aptly named Pink Granite Coast. You'll be just steps from the sand and can unwind in the nearly 100-year-old stone building when the day is done.
If you're overwhelmed with all the possibilities, Britanny's tourism website offers downloadable maps. They've pinpointed all the best activities, beaches, hotels, and restaurants in the region, making your road trip through the French countryside worry-free. So if you've ever wanted to rent a cute French Deux Chevaux Vapeur and beach hop along the northwestern coast of France, this is the sign you've been waiting for.