Audierne Beaches

Overview

Audierne, in Brittany, France, offers a captivating beach holiday experience for those who appreciate natural beauty and an authentic Breton port town atmosphere. It provides a wonderful contrast to bustling resort destinations, featuring a delightful mix of easily accessible family-friendly shores and wilder, more natural coastlines. This variety ensures that different types of beachgoers can find their perfect spot along its picturesque coast.

Among the highlights, Beach de Trescadec stands out as Audierne's main large sandy beach, very popular with families. For a more sheltered experience close to the town's heart, Plage des Capucins offers calm waters near the port. If you're seeking a vast, unspoiled beach favoured by locals for its natural setting and good surf, Plage de Guendrez in the Baie d'Audierne is an excellent choice. It's worth noting that the tides in Brittany significantly influence the beach experience, revealing expansive stretches of sand at low tide, perfect for walking and exploring.

Further afield, the legendary Baie des Trépassés is an iconic bay, renowned for its dramatic cliffs and powerful surf, a truly must-see location in Brittany. The broader Baie d'Audierne, which includes well-known surfing spots like Plage de Penhors, presents numerous opportunities for discovering wilder coastal expanses and enjoying various water sports. To discover even more beautiful beaches in and around Audierne, be sure to explore the longer list of beaches featured in this guide.

Top Beaches

FAQ

Is Audierne a good destination for a beach holiday?

Audierne can be a great choice for a beach holiday, especially for those who appreciate natural beauty, a charming port town atmosphere, and a mix of family-friendly and wilder beaches. It offers a more relaxed, authentic Breton experience rather than a bustling resort vibe. The main beach, Trescadec, is ideal for families, while the broader Baie d'Audierne attracts nature lovers and water sports enthusiasts.

Beach de Trescadec

Which beaches in Audierne are best for families with young children?

Plage de Trescadec is highly recommended for families with young children. It's a large, sandy beach, supervised by lifeguards in July and August, and offers calm waters ideal for swimming. Plage des Capucins, a smaller, sheltered beach near the port, is also a good option for families due to its calm waters and amenities like playgrounds nearby.

Beach de Trescadec

Plage des Capucins

Can you swim comfortably at Audierne's beaches? What's the water like?

Yes, you can swim at Audierne's beaches, particularly Plage de Trescadec, which has clear waters and is supervised in summer. The water temperature in Brittany is generally cooler than the Mediterranean, averaging around 15-17°C (59-63°F) in summer. While refreshing, many find it enjoyable for swimming, especially on warm days. Some beaches in the wider Baie d'Audierne can have stronger currents, so it's best to swim in supervised areas.

Beach de Trescadec

How do tides affect the beaches in Audierne?

Tides significantly impact Audierne's beaches, as is common in Brittany. At low tide, beaches like Trescadec become very expansive, offering vast areas for walking and playing. At high tide, the beach area is reduced. The tidal range can also affect water access and reveal or cover rock pools. It's always a good idea to check tide times before heading to the beach, especially if you plan activities like rock pooling or long walks on the sand.

Beach de Trescadec

Are there good places to stay with easy beach access in Audierne?

Yes, Audierne offers a range of accommodation with good beach access. There are hotels, guesthouses, and holiday rentals located near Plage de Trescadec and in Esquibien (which adjoins Audierne and shares Trescadec beach). Some options provide sea views and are just a short walk from the sand. Staying in Audierne town also provides easy walking or cycling access to the main beaches.

See the full list of accommodation options here.

Beach de Trescadec

What is the main beach, Plage de Trescadec, like?

Plage de Trescadec, also known as Audierne's 'Grande Plage', is a large, south-facing beach with fine white sand. It's easily accessible from the town, supervised in summer, and popular with families. It has amenities like showers and toilets, and there are cafes and restaurants nearby. The iconic red and white Trescadec lighthouse overlooks the beach.

Beach de Trescadec

Are there other noteworthy beaches in or very near Audierne town besides Trescadec?

Yes, besides Plage de Trescadec, there's Plage des Capucins, a smaller, sheltered gravel and sand beach at the port entrance, good for families. Plage de Sainte-Evette is near the marina and is the departure point for ferries to Île de Sein; it's more of a functional beach but offers views and access to water sports.

Beach de Trescadec

What water sports can you do at Audierne's beaches?

Audierne and the surrounding Baie d'Audierne offer various water sports. Sailing and kayaking are popular from Plage de Trescadec and Sainte-Evette. The wider Baie d'Audierne, with beaches like Penhors, is well-known for surfing, kitesurfing, and sand yachting. Several schools offer lessons and equipment rental.

Beach de Trescadec

People Also Ask

Are dogs allowed on Audierne beaches?

Dog regulations on Audierne beaches can vary by season. Generally, dogs may be restricted on supervised beaches like Trescadec during peak summer months (typically July and August) or may need to be kept on a leash. Some beaches in the wider Baie d'Audierne might be more permissive year-round. It's always best to check local signage or inquire at the tourist office for the most current rules.

Beach de Trescadec

When are Audierne's beaches supervised and best for a summer visit?

The main beach, Plage de Trescadec, is typically supervised by lifeguards (SNSM) during July and August. This is also the peak summer season with the warmest weather, making it the most popular time for a beach holiday. June to August generally offers the best beach weather.

Beach de Trescadec

How easy is it to access Audierne's beaches and find parking?

Plage de Trescadec and Plage des Capucins are easily accessible on foot or by bike from Audierne town centre. Parking is available near these beaches, but it can get crowded during peak season (July and August). Some parking near Plage des Capucins may be paid during summer months. Beaches further along the Baie d'Audierne usually have parking areas, but accessibility might vary.

Beach de Trescadec

Plage des Capucins

What facilities (toilets, showers, food) are available at the main beaches in Audierne?

Plage de Trescadec generally has public toilets and showers available during the summer season. There are also snack bars, cafes, and restaurants within easy walking distance. Plage des Capucins also has amenities like toilets and showers, and nearby food options due to its proximity to the port.

Beach de Trescadec

Plage des Capucins

How crowded do Audierne beaches get, especially in summer?

Plage de Trescadec, being the main town beach, can get busy in July and August, particularly on sunny days, but it's large enough to usually find a spot. Plage des Capucins is smaller and can feel more crowded. Beaches in the wider Baie d'Audierne are vast and tend to be less crowded, offering more space even in peak season.

Beach de Trescadec

Plage des Capucins

What's the difference between the beaches in Audierne town and the wider Baie d'Audierne?

Beaches in Audierne town, like Trescadec and Capucins, are generally more sheltered, family-friendly, and have more immediate amenities. The Baie d'Audierne, stretching south of Audierne, features long, exposed sandy beaches, often backed by dunes and pebble banks. These are more suited for surfing, wind sports, and long walks in a wilder, natural setting, but can be more exposed to wind and waves.

Beach de Trescadec

Plage des Capucins

Can you combine beach visits with coastal walks like the GR34?

Absolutely. The GR34 coastal path (Sentier des Douaniers) runs along the coastline around Audierne and through the Baie d'Audierne. It's very common for visitors to combine beach time with sections of this scenic trail, allowing for beautiful views and exploration of different coves and headlands.