Carnac Beaches

Overview

Carnac is a premier beach destination in southern Brittany, renowned for its family-friendly atmosphere. The town's main beaches are nestled within the sheltered Bay of Quiberon, offering vast stretches of fine sand with calm, gently sloping waters ideal for children. While the clear water is inviting for a swim, visitors should expect the refreshingly cool temperatures typical of the Atlantic coast.

The resort features five main beaches, each with a distinct personality. The Grande Plage de Carnac is the largest and most lively, serving as the heart of the seaside town. For beautiful scenery, many flock to Plage de Saint-Colomban, while families often prefer the sheltered coves of Plage de Légenèse and the quieter Plage de Ty Bihan. A truly unique coastal feature can be found at Plage du Men Du, where a sandbar appears at low tide, allowing you to walk to an islet. Our complete guide details these and many other beaches in the area.

One of the most captivating aspects of Carnac's coast is the dramatic tidal range, which transforms the landscape each day. Low tide reveals an expansive shoreline perfect for rock pooling and exploring. This calm bay setting is beautifully contrasted by the wild, rugged shores of the nearby Plage de la Côte Sauvage, offering a completely different coastal experience and showcasing the diverse appeal of this celebrated Breton destination.

Top Beaches

FAQ

Is Carnac a good destination for a family beach holiday?

Yes, Carnac is widely considered an excellent destination for a family beach holiday. The town features five main sandy beaches, most of which are sheltered within the Bay of Quiberon, offering calm and shallow waters ideal for children. The largest, Grande Plage, is supervised in summer and has kids' clubs. Beaches like Légenèse and Ty Bihan are also popular with families for their tranquil atmosphere. The gentle slope of the beaches creates natural paddling pools at low tide, perfect for toddlers.

La Grande Plage

Plage de Légenèse

Plage de Ty Bihan

Can you swim in the sea at Carnac and what is the water like?

Yes, you can swim in the sea at Carnac, especially during the summer months from May to September. The beaches are known for their high-quality, clear water. However, the water temperature in Brittany is cool, rarely exceeding 20°C (68°F) even in summer. While many find it refreshing for a swim, it's not considered warm. The beaches within the Bay of Quiberon are sheltered, resulting in calm waters with gentle waves, making swimming generally safe.

What are the tides like in Carnac and how do they affect the beaches?

Carnac experiences significant tidal changes, which dramatically alter the beach landscape. At low tide, the sea retreats a long way, exposing a vast expanse of sand and creating rock pools perfect for children to explore and for shore fishing (pêche à pied). At high tide, the water comes right up, providing ideal conditions for swimming and water sports. It's essential to be aware of the tide times, as the sea can come in surprisingly fast.

Which is the best beach in Carnac for water sports?

Plage de Saint-Colomban is widely regarded as the best spot for water sports, particularly windsurfing and kitesurfing, due to its favorable wind exposure. The Carnac Yacht Club, located at the western end of the Grande Plage, is the main hub for a wide variety of activities including sailing, kayaking, and paddleboarding, offering lessons and rentals for all levels.

Plage de Saint-Colomban

Grande Plage de Carnac

How do you get to the beaches from Carnac town (Carnac-Ville)?

Carnac is split into two main areas: Carnac-Ville (the town) and Carnac-Plage (the beach area). They are about 2 km apart. You can easily walk, cycle, or drive between them. In July and August, a free shuttle bus service, the 'Carnavette', connects the town center, the main accommodation sites, and the beaches, making it very convenient to get around without a car.

Are Carnac's beaches crowded?

Carnac is a popular resort, so the main beach, Grande Plage, can get quite busy, especially in July and August. However, with five distinct beaches, it's possible to find quieter spots. The smaller beaches like Légenèse, Ty Bihan, and Beaumer are often less crowded than the Grande Plage. For even more seclusion, exploring the coves towards La Trinité-sur-Mer can reveal more peaceful areas.

Grande Plage de Carnac

Plage de Légenèse

Plage de Ty Bihan

Plage de Beaumer

What is the difference between the beaches in Carnac and Quiberon?

Carnac's beaches are mostly located within the sheltered Bay of Quiberon, making them generally calm, south-facing, and family-friendly with gentle slopes. In contrast, the Quiberon peninsula offers a dual coastline: sheltered, sandy beaches on its eastern side (similar to Carnac) and a rugged, wild coast (Côte Sauvage) on its western side with dramatic cliffs and powerful surf, which is more suited for experienced surfers and sightseeing than casual swimming.

Are there beach clubs for kids in Carnac?

Yes, there are several beach clubs, especially during the summer. The Grande Plage hosts clubs like the Neptune Beach Club, which offer activities, games, and swimming lessons in a heated pool for children. The Club des Dauphins on Ty-Bihan beach and another club on Légenèse beach also provide supervised fun for kids, making them a popular feature for families.

Plage de Ty Bihan

Plage de Légenèse

People Also Ask

Is it better to stay in Carnac-Plage or Carnac-Ville for a beach holiday?

For a holiday focused purely on the beach, staying in Carnac-Plage is more convenient as you'll be steps away from the main beaches, restaurants, and seaside promenade. Carnac-Ville offers a more traditional town atmosphere with its market and church, and is slightly further from the sea (about a 2km walk or a short shuttle ride). Your choice depends on whether you prefer immediate beach access or a quieter, more town-like setting.

Are there any quieter, hidden gem beaches near Carnac?

While Carnac's main beaches are well-known, you can find quieter spots. The beach at Beaumer is often less busy and is great for shore fishing at low tide. For a true hidden gem feel, consider exploring the coastline towards La Trinité-sur-Mer, where you can find smaller coves like Men Allen or Kerbihan, often accessible via the coastal path and frequented more by locals.

Plage de Beaumer

Plage de Kerbihan

What is 'pêche à pied' and where can you do it in Carnac?

'Pêche à pied' translates to 'shore fishing' or 'foot fishing' and is a very popular local activity in Brittany. It involves collecting shellfish like clams, cockles, and mussels from the sand and rock pools at low tide. In Carnac, Beaumer beach is known as an ideal spot for this activity. It's a great way to experience local culture, but be sure to respect regulations on sizes and quantities.

Plage de Beaumer

When is the best time of year to visit Carnac for a beach holiday?

The best time for a beach holiday in Carnac is from June to September. July and August are the warmest and busiest months, with all services, beach clubs, and supervised swimming in full operation. For pleasant weather with fewer crowds, June and September are excellent alternatives. The weather is generally mild, but be prepared for cooler temperatures compared to Mediterranean destinations.