La Forêt-Fouesnant Beaches

Overview

La Forêt-Fouesnant in Brittany offers a charming coastal escape, nestled within the sheltered Baie de La Forêt. This setting makes it an excellent choice for a relaxing beach holiday, particularly for families. The waters are generally calm and ideal for swimming, though characteristic of Brittany, they can be refreshingly cool. Visitors appreciate the area's laid-back atmosphere and distinct nautical charm.

The main local beach is the expansive Beach Kerléven, a long, sandy stretch perfect for sunbathing and family fun. For a quieter experience, the picturesque coves of Anse de Saint-Laurent provide a natural retreat, often discovered via scenic coastal paths. An unforgettable day trip option is Plage de l'Île Saint-Nicolas, renowned for its stunning white sands and clear turquoise waters, adding an exotic highlight to your Breton visit.

Exploring further, you'll find beautiful nearby beaches such as the family-friendly Plage du Cap Coz with its calm waters, and Plage des Sables Blancs in Concarneau, popular for its lovely sunsets. It's worth noting that the Brittany coast experiences significant tides, which can dramatically alter the beachscape throughout the day. For a comprehensive look at all coastal spots, please explore our full guide to beaches in and around La Forêt-Fouesnant.

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FAQ

Is La Forêt-Fouesnant good for a family beach holiday?

Yes, La Forêt-Fouesnant is very well-suited for family beach holidays. The main beach, Kerleven, is over a kilometer long, sandy, and largely sheltered from winds, making it ideal for swimming and relaxation. It is supervised in July and August and offers facilities like a children's park and access for people with reduced mobility. The town is a 'Station Kid' resort, indicating its family-friendly focus.

Beach Kerléven

Can you swim at the beaches in La Forêt-Fouesnant and what's the water like?

Yes, you can swim at the beaches in La Forêt-Fouesnant, particularly at Kerleven beach, which offers calm and sheltered waters ideal for swimming. The water is generally clean, but like much of Brittany, it can be cool, with average temperatures in August around 17°C (63°F). The bay's configuration provides natural protection from strong currents, and Kerleven beach has a gradual slope, creating shallow areas.

Beach Kerléven

What are the tides like in La Forêt-Fouesnant and how do they affect the beaches?

La Forêt-Fouesnant experiences significant tidal variations. At low tide, large expanses of sand are exposed, which can be great for walking, exploring, and shellfish gathering (though shellfish gathering is not recommended on Kerleven beach in summer). At high tide, the water comes up much further, reducing the beach area. It's important to check tide times for activities like swimming or accessing certain coves.

Beach Kerléven

Are dogs allowed on the beaches in La Forêt-Fouesnant?

No, dogs and other domestic animals are prohibited on all beaches in La Forêt-Fouesnant year-round, according to a municipal decree (n°2023-022 PA). Horses are permitted on the foreshore from October 1 to May 31.

What facilities are available at Kerleven beach?

Kerleven beach is well-equipped, especially in July and August when it's supervised. Facilities include a first aid station, toilets, showers, and accessibility features like a Tiralo and Seahorse chair for people with reduced mobility. There's also a children's park nearby. Ample parking is available, though it can get busy in peak season.

Beach Kerléven

When is the best time of year for a beach holiday in La Forêt-Fouesnant?

The best time for a beach holiday in La Forêt-Fouesnant, focusing on warm weather and swimming, is typically from mid-July to mid-August. June and September can also offer pleasant weather for beach activities with fewer crowds. Lifeguard services on Kerleven beach are usually active in July and August.

Beach Kerléven

Are there quieter beaches or coves near La Forêt-Fouesnant besides the main Kerleven beach?

Yes, besides the main Kerleven beach, you can find smaller, more peaceful coves in the Anse Saint-Laurent area. These are accessible on foot via the GR34 coastal path and offer a more secluded beach experience. There are also small beaches near the Old Port.

Beach Kerléven

What kind of water sports can you do in La Forêt-Fouesnant?

La Forêt-Fouesnant, particularly the Baie de La Forêt and Port La Forêt, is excellent for various water sports. Popular activities include sailing, kayaking, paddleboarding, windsurfing, and even towed buoy rides. Several nautical centers offer rentals and lessons.

People Also Ask

How easy is it to get to the beaches from La Forêt-Fouesnant town or common accommodation areas?

Kerleven beach is conveniently located close to the town center of La Forêt-Fouesnant and many campsites, often within walking or cycling distance. Port La Forêt and its nearby beach areas are also easily accessible. For some of the smaller coves along the GR34, walking is the primary mode of access.

Beach Kerléven

Is there parking available at the beaches in La Forêt-Fouesnant, like Kerleven?

Yes, there is ample parking available near Kerleven beach. However, during the peak summer months (July and August), these parking areas can fill up quickly, so arriving earlier in the day is advisable.

Beach Kerléven

How do the beaches in La Forêt-Fouesnant compare to nearby towns like Bénodet or Fouesnant (Cap Coz)?

La Forêt-Fouesnant's Kerleven beach is known for being very sheltered within the bay, making it particularly calm for swimming and families. Bénodet also offers family-friendly beaches, some facing the Odet estuary and others the open sea. Fouesnant has several popular beaches like Cap Coz, which is a long sandy spit, also very sheltered and family-oriented, and Beg Meil with its coves. Each has its own charm, with La Forêt-Fouesnant often highlighted for its connection to Port La Forêt and its sailing ambiance.

Beach Kerléven

Plage du Cap Coz

Are there any specific rules or things to be aware of on La Forêt-Fouesnant beaches?

Besides the year-round prohibition of dogs, it's good to be aware of the tides, as they significantly change the beach landscape. Shellfish gathering is not recommended on Kerleven beach during summer. In July and August, Kerleven beach has supervised swimming zones. Always pay attention to any local signage and lifeguard instructions.

Beach Kerléven

What is the atmosphere like at the beaches in La Forêt-Fouesnant?

The atmosphere at La Forêt-Fouesnant's beaches, especially Kerleven, is generally relaxed and family-oriented. Being sheltered within the Bay of La Forêt, it's less about big waves and more about calm waters, sailing, and enjoying the scenic coastline. The proximity to Port La Forêt adds a nautical vibe.

Beach Kerléven

Can you walk along the coast to discover different beaches from La Forêt-Fouesnant?

Yes, the GR34 coastal path (sentier des douaniers) runs through La Forêt-Fouesnant, allowing you to walk along the coast and discover various coves and smaller beaches, such as those in Anse Saint-Laurent and around the Old Port. This is a great way to explore the coastline beyond the main beach.

Are the beaches in La Forêt-Fouesnant accessible for people with reduced mobility?

Kerleven beach offers good accessibility for people with reduced mobility, especially in July and August. A Tiralo and a Seahorse beach wheelchair are available at the first aid station during these months, allowing easier access to the water and sand. Some public toilets in La Forêt-Fouesnant are also accessible.

Beach Kerléven