The most beautiful beaches of the Emerald Coast | Complete guide

From the golden sands of Plage du Sillon in Saint-Malo to the picturesque Plage de l’Ecluse in Dinard, to the serene Plage de Saint-Lunaire in Saint-Lunaire, there is something for...

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Les plus belles plages de la Côte d'Emeraude | Guide complet

The Emerald Coast is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

From the golden sands of Plage du Sillon in Saint-Malo to the picturesque Plage de l’Ecluse in Dinard, to the serene Plage de Saint-Lunaire in Saint-Lunaire, there is something for everyone. For those looking for a more secluded experience, Plage de Pen Guen in Saint-Cast offers stunning views and a peaceful atmosphere. Whether you are looking for a beach getaway or simply want to soak up the sun, these beaches are sure to provide you with an unforgettable experience.

Sillon Beach - Saint-Malo

Located in the commune of Saint-Malo, Sillon Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in France. It is a perfect place for relaxation, leisure and contemplation. The beach has been a popular destination for locals and tourists for many years, offering stunning views of the nearby islands and sea.

The beauty of this beach lies in its natural environment. It is surrounded by green hills and lush vegetation, while its golden sand stretches along the shore. On a clear day, you can even see Mont Saint Michel nearby from here! The sound of the waves crashing against the rocks adds to the serenity that Sillon Beach offers to visitors. Whether you are looking to spend time alone or with family or friends, this beach will provide you with an unforgettable experience.

Did you know? :

  • Sillon Beach is one of the largest sandy beaches on the Emerald Coast and has been ranked among the 10 most beautiful beaches in France by "Le Figaro" magazine.
  • This beach has a unique geological feature: it is made up of sand from the Channel Islands, which has been transported by sea currents and tides.
  • At the beginning of the 20th century, Sillon beach was very popular with bathers and walkers, who came there to seek the fresh sea air and the sun. It was also a meeting place for the wealthiest social classes, who came to stroll there in a horse-drawn carriage.
  • During World War II, Sillon Beach was the scene of several battles between German troops and Allied forces. Bunkers were built on the beach to defend the city of Saint-Malo.
  • Since 2009, Sillon Beach has been the scene of a unique sporting event: the "La Belle Équipe" race, which consists of crossing the bay of Saint-Malo at low tide. This 6 km race attracts hundreds of runners and spectators every year.

Ecluse Beach - Dinard

Lock Beach, or Plage de l'écluse, is a beautiful beach located in the picturesque town of Dinard in Brittany. It has a long and fascinating history dating back to the 19th century. The beach was originally built by fishermen who used it as a place to dry their nets and store their boats.

Today, Plage de l’Ecluse is one of the most beautiful beaches in Brittany with its white sand, crystal clear waters and stunning views across the bay. Visitors can also explore its unique rock formations, which are believed to have been carved out by the tides over time. With its stunning scenery and rich history, it’s easy to see why this beach is so popular with locals and tourists alike.

This beach is called Lock Beach because of the story of a young woman named Her who lived on the beach with her family. She was so beautiful that she could make even the stars blush, and her beauty attracted many admirers from all over the world. But when her beloved left her for another woman, she was so heartbroken that she committed suicide by jumping off the cliffs into the sea below.

Today, Lock Beach remains one of the most beautiful places in France – and it’s easy to see why its history has captivated so many people over time. From its stunning views to its romantic atmosphere, it’s no wonder Lock Beach remains an enchanting destination for travelers today.

Did you know? :

  • The Ecluse beach was formerly called "Plage de la Malouine", because it is located on the territory of the city of Saint-Malo. It was only in 1879, when Dinard became a full-fledged seaside resort, that the beach was renamed.
  • The Ecluse beach was the location for several films, including "Les Amants" by Louis Malle in 1958, with Jeanne Moreau and Alain Cuny.
  • At the beginning of the 20th century, the beach at Ecluse was frequented by many artists and writers, such as Oscar Wilde and Claude Monet, who found inspiration in the wild beauty of the Breton coast.
  • The Ecluse beach is famous for its amazing variety of shellfish and crustaceans. At low tide, visitors can discover mussels, cockles, clams, periwinkles and crabs.
  • The Ecluse beach is also the starting point for several hiking trails, which allow you to discover the Emerald Coast from a different angle. Among them, the GR34, a famous long-distance hiking trail that runs along the entire Breton coast and offers spectacular views of the sea and cliffs.

The Big Beach - Saint-Lunaire

Saint-Lunaire Beach is located in the commune of Saint-Lunaire, France (La Grande Plage). It is also sometimes called "Plage du Port-Blanc" due to its proximity to the small port of Port-Blanc, located on the western part of the beach. It has been a popular destination for locals and tourists since the 19th century.

The history of Saint-Lunaire Beach dates back to the 1800s when it was first discovered by fishermen and farmers who lived in the area. Since then, it has become a favorite spot for visitors from all over the world. Its beauty lies in its natural surroundings which include lush green fields, tall trees, and beautiful rock formations that line the shoreline.

Saint-Lunaire Beach is truly an idyllic place that will take your breath away with its beautiful scenery and peaceful atmosphere. Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway or simply want to spend time with family or friends, Saint-Lunaire has it all. You can find a wide range of accommodation, from small chalets with private pools to luxurious five-star hotels. Stroll along the seafront and have lunch at one of the many beach cafes or bring a picnic basket and enjoy on the sand as if it were your own private oasis!

Did you know?

  • The Grande Plage de Saint-Lunaire is one of the largest beaches on the Emerald Coast, with a length of almost 2 km. It offers a breathtaking panorama of the bay of Saint-Malo and the Chausey Islands offshore.
  • The beach is supervised in summer and has many facilities for families, including playgrounds, volleyball courts and beach restaurants.
  • In the early 20th century, the Grande Plage was a popular holiday resort for French high society. Many villas were built on the hills overlooking the beach, some of which can still be seen today.
  • La Grande Plage is also a famous surfing spot in Brittany, with waves that can reach over 2 metres during periods of swell.
  • On the edge of the Grande Plage is the Sentier des Douaniers, a hiking trail that runs along the Breton coast for several kilometers. This trail allows you to discover magnificent viewpoints of the sea and the cliffs, as well as wilder and more preserved beaches.

Pen Guen Beach - Saint-Cast-le-Guildo

Pen Guen Beach in Saint-Cast-le-Guildo, France is a beautiful beach that has been attracting visitors for centuries. Its beauty and serenity have made it a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. Pen Guen Beach is a swimmer's paradise and its natural beauty makes it a popular destination.

The history of Pen Guen Beach dates back to the 16th century when it was first discovered by fishermen. Since then, the beach has been cherished by generations of locals and visitors who appreciate its natural beauty. With its picturesque scenery, tranquil atmosphere and rich history, Pen Guen Beach is a true jewel in Saint-Cast-le-Guildo's crown.

Pen Guen Beach is actually a former sand quarry. It was used to supply sand to the Saint-Malo shipyards in the early 20th century. The quarry workers even installed a railway line to transport the sand to the boats!

But it is also a breathtaking view of the magnificent Fort La Latte, a medieval fortress located a few kilometers away. This historic place has even been used as a setting for several films such as "The Three Musketeers" directed by Martin Bourboulon and "Vikings" with the presence of actor Kirk Douglas. If you are a movie lover or simply interested in history, you cannot miss this unforgettable visit.

Did you know?

  • Pen Guen Beach is also known for its rich marine flora and fauna. Visitors can discover a wide variety of species such as mussels, cockles, oysters, clams, crabs and starfish.
  • The name of the beach, "Pen Guen", means "white head" in Breton, and refers to the color of the cliff that overlooks the beach.
  • Pen Guen Beach is the starting point for one of the stages of the famous Saint-Cast Pen Guen golf course, which offers breathtaking views of the beach and the Atlantic Ocean. The course is considered one of the most beautiful in France.

Sables-d'Or-les-Pins Beach - Fréhel

Located on the northern coast of Brittany, France, Les Sables-d'Or-les-Pins Beach is an incredibly beautiful beach with such a rich history that one day would not be enough to learn all of its history. It is one of the most popular beaches in France and attracts tourists from all over the world. The beach has an incredible combination of white sand, crystal clear waters and almost inaccessible cliffs, making it a perfect place to relax and enjoy the still wild nature.

The area around Sables-d'Or-les-Pins beach has been inhabited since prehistoric times and its beauty has been celebrated by many famous writers throughout history. From Alexandre Dumas to Victor Hugo, many have described this beach as one of the most beautiful places they have ever seen. Its unique location at the mouth of the Fréhel River makes it all the more special as it offers breathtaking views of both land and sea.

Plage des Sables-d'Or-les-Pins in Fréhel is a hidden gem of Brittany. However, it is important to note that this beach is subject to the tides, which can affect the amount of space available for swimming and lounging.

The beach stretches for a long distance, providing plenty of space for beach games, picnics and sunbathing. However, when the tide is high, much of the beach can be submerged by waves, which can limit the space available for visitors.

However, the tides also have an advantage: they offer a unique opportunity to discover a variety of seascapes throughout the day. At low tide, visitors can explore the rocks and low tides, discover shells and crustaceans, or observe seabirds. At high tide, visitors can admire the beauty of the beach from the top of the cliff, or enjoy the panoramic view from the hiking trails.

It is important to note that the beach at Les Sables-d'Or-les-Pins is supervised during the peak summer season to ensure the safety of visitors. There is also a marked swimming area to ensure that swimmers remain safe.

Overall, Les Sables-d'Or-les-Pins Beach is a great place to relax for families, couples and groups of friends. Although there may be some tidal limitations, it also offers a unique opportunity to experience the wonders of nature.

Did you know? :

  • The beach gets its name from the maritime pines that grow on the golden sand dunes surrounding the bay. These pines were planted in the early 20th century to protect the beach from strong winds and erosion.
  • Sables-d'Or-les-Pins beach is located in a protected bay that is sheltered from the strong winds and waves of the ocean.

The beaches of Saint-Jacut-de-la-Mer

We decided to present you four emblematic beaches of Saint-Jacut-de-la-Mer. Why four? Because it was impossible to determine which one was our favorite!

La Banche Beach: Located to the east of the village, this is the largest beach in Saint-Jacut-de-la-Mer. It offers a breathtaking view of the Ébihens Island and the Emerald Coast. It is a beach that is also known for its fine, golden sand. La Banche Beach is very popular with families because it offers plenty of space to play, run and build sandcastles. In addition, if you are a water sports enthusiast, La Banche Beach is the ideal place to practice kitesurfing or stand-up paddleboarding, as the conditions are often perfect for these activities. Finally, La Banche Beach is accessible to people with reduced mobility thanks to an adapted path, which makes it accessible to all.

Rougeret Beach: This is a small cove of fine sand, it is ideal for swimming and relaxing in the shade of the maritime pines. A bucolic place, preserved from the tourist hustle and bustle. Rougeret Beach is nestled between cliffs and rocks, offering natural privacy to bathers and nature lovers. If you like peaceful atmospheres and breathtaking views of the sea, you will be won over by the beauty of this cove. In addition, the maritime pines offer shaded exposure in certain places to rest and picnic in peace. If you are looking for an intimate and relaxing beach, Rougeret Beach is a must-see on your itinerary.

There you will find a nautical center, summer surveillance, catering services... At low tide, you will reach the Ébihens archipelago in a few minutes for a relaxing and contemplative stroll.

Manchette Beach: Located to the west of the village, it offers a panoramic view of Lancieux Bay and the Pointe de la Garde. Known for its breathtaking panoramic view of Lancieux Bay and the Pointe de la Garde, Manchette Beach is also a popular spot for shore fishing. Indeed, at low tide, the beach reveals many rocks and small coves, sheltering a variety of shellfish and crustaceans that shore fishing enthusiasts can collect. In addition, Manchette Beach is accessible on foot from the village of Saint-Jacut-de-la-Mer by taking the coastal path, thus offering a beautiful walk along the Breton coast. The beach is bordered by a beautiful pine forest (pine forest) which offers a shaded area, perfect for relaxing after a day at the beach. If you are looking for a place to enjoy the view, fish on foot and walk in a preserved natural setting, Manchette beach is an ideal place.

Châtelet Beach: a fine sand beach located between two cliffs, it is accessible at low tide. It offers an idyllic setting for lovers of nature and tranquility. Châtelet Beach is a natural jewel nestled between two majestic cliffs, like a hidden treasure on the coast. At low tide, it proudly reveals itself, offering an expanse of fine sand as far as the eye can see. This beach is a haven of peace for lovers of nature and serenity, far from the noise of the city and the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Le Châtelet invites you on a true sensory journey. You can enjoy the gentle sound of the waves breaking on the shore, feel the sea breeze caress your face, admire the raw beauty of the cliffs that surround you and feel the warmth of the sun on your skin. You can also explore the wonders of the beach by strolling on its dunes or by carefully scrutinizing the small animals that live there.

This beach is also a place of rejuvenation for the mind. The calm and serenity that reign there are conducive to meditation and contemplation. It is the ideal place to take a moment to step back, empty your mind and regain your energy.

So, if you are looking for a peaceful place to escape from the frenzy of city life, Châtelet Beach is a destination not to be missed. It promises you an unforgettable experience, where nature, tranquility and beauty blend harmoniously for your greatest pleasure.

Each of these beaches is unique in its own way and offers different landscapes and activities. I therefore encourage you to discover them all during your visit to Saint-Jacut-de-la-Mer.

Did you know?

  • The beaches of Saint-Jacut-de-la-Mer are particularly renowned for their crystal clear waters, their tranquility and their picturesque charm.
  • The municipality has 11 different beaches, each with its own personality and charm. Some beaches are perfect for swimming and water sports, while others are quieter and more secluded, offering an ideal setting to relax and enjoy nature.

Anse du Pô Beach - Erquy

The beautiful Anse du Pô beach is located in the charming coastal town of Erquy. This beach offers you an open landscape and a large beach for your family vacation.

Anse du Pô is a fine sandy beach bordered by crystal clear water and wild dunes. Families with children will find their happiness there thanks to the many activities offered.

The shallow waters of the beach are ideal for family swims and little adventurers. Those looking for a bit of excitement can also enjoy water sports such as kayaking, windsurfing and kitesurfing. Hikers can follow the marked trails along the dunes and cliffs to discover breathtaking landscapes.

Anse du Pô is also a privileged place for fishing enthusiasts (on foot), who can collect shellfish, crabs and shrimps in the rocks at low tide.

If you are looking for peace and relaxation, Anse du Pô is a great place to enjoy the sun and the benefits of the sea. You can relax on the fine sand while contemplating the natural beauty of the place.

For foodies, don't miss out on tasting freshly caught seafood at the many restaurants and beach bars located nearby.

L'Anse du Pô is a little corner of paradise on the Breton coast, offering activities for all tastes in an exceptional natural setting. A delightful place for large families!

Did you know? :

  • Anse du Pô beach is lined with pink sandstone cliffs that offer spectacular views of the sea and surrounding islands. These cliffs are also home to a rich and varied fauna and flora, including seabirds, rare plants and wild animals such as foxes.
  • Anse du Pô is also famous for its rich culture and history. The beach and surrounding area have been inhabited since prehistoric times, and remains from the Bronze Age have been discovered in the area. Many legends and stories have also been associated with this beach over the years, making Anse du Pô a fascinating place to explore and discover.

Fosse aux Vaults Beach - Saint-Coulomb:

Fosse aux Vaults Beach is a hidden and little-known beach, located in a secluded cove. It is a place of serenity where nature reigns supreme. You will be charmed by its crystal clear waters, fine golden sand and preserved natural setting. The cliffs that surround it add a romantic touch and the beauty of the beach.

The beach is also famous for its pink sand, which offers a unique visual spectacle. You can relax on the warm sand while contemplating the beauty of the Atlantic Ocean.

La Fosse aux Vaults is also a popular spot for amateur surfers and water sports enthusiasts, thanks to its waves and currents. You can try your hand at board sports without the risk of getting injured in the overly powerful currents.

Hikers and walkers can also enjoy the trails that run along the beach and surrounding cliffs, for spectacular views and breathtaking panoramas.

Finally, the Fosse aux Vaults is also an ideal place for picnics with family or friends. You can settle comfortably on the beach or on the surrounding rocks and savor local specialties while enjoying the breathtaking view.

Did you know? :

  • Fosse aux Vaults Beach is also associated with many local legends and stories. It is said that it was once a place of smuggling and piracy, with ships hiding their treasures in the caves and grottos along the coast. Today, the beach is a quiet and secluded place, offering a refuge for nature lovers and adventurers looking for a unique and unforgettable experience.
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