Brittany, France

Oz Beaches

Overview

Welcome to the coast of Oz, a corner of Brittany defined by its wild, dramatic shoreline rather than typical resort warmth. This is a destination for those who appreciate breathtaking natural beauty, from vast sandy expanses to hidden, rocky coves. While many people enjoy swimming, the bracing Atlantic water is part of an authentic coastal experience focused on stunning landscapes and the powerful rhythm of the ocean.

Our editor's picks capture the diverse character of the region. For a day of convenience and family fun, Plage de Morgat serves as the peninsula's lively heart. Nearby, the world-famous cove of Virgin Island's Beach offers an unforgettable view from the coastal path, though the beach itself is now protected and access is restricted. For sheer scenic beauty and incredible sunsets, the vast expanse of Plage de Goulien is a must-see, while those seeking a more rugged, unspoiled atmosphere will find it at the locals' surfing favorite, Plage de Lostmarc'h.

A defining feature of the beaches here is the dramatic tide, which can transform a small sliver of sand into a vast plain perfect for walking and exploring rock pools. Paying attention to the daily tide times is essential for enjoying the coastline safely and fully. Beyond our top picks, the coast is dotted with countless other beautiful spots waiting to be discovered in our complete guide, each offering a unique slice of the spectacular Breton coast.

FAQ

Is Oz, Brittany a good destination for a classic sunbathing and swimming holiday?

Oz is fantastic for a beach holiday, but it's different from a Mediterranean resort. The scenery is wild and beautiful, perfect for beach walks, exploring rock pools, and relaxing. While people do swim, the water in the English Channel is refreshingly cool, even in summer, with average temperatures around 17°C (63°F). It's ideal for those who love dramatic coastal landscapes and a mix of beach time and nature activities rather than just hot weather and warm-water swimming.

Is Oz a good beach destination for families with young children?

Yes, Oz is very family-friendly. The main beaches like 'Plage des Grands Sables' offer vast expanses of sand at low tide, perfect for sandcastles and playing. Many coves are sheltered, creating calmer waters for paddling. The low tide also reveals fascinating rock pools, providing hours of entertainment for kids. Most main beaches have lifeguard supervision during July and August.
Plage des Grands Sables
Plage des Grands Sables

Can you actually swim in the sea in Oz or is the water too cold?

You can definitely swim in Oz, and many locals and visitors do, especially from June to September. However, you should be prepared for chilly water. The sea temperature rarely exceeds 18°C (64°F). Most people find it invigorating for a quick dip rather than long swims. Wearing a wetsuit is a popular option for those who want to spend more time in the water for activities like bodyboarding or paddleboarding.

What are the tides like in Oz and why do I need to pay attention to them?

The tides in Oz are among the most dramatic in Europe, with a huge difference between high and low tide. This completely transforms the beaches: a small strip of sand at high tide can become a vast plain several hundred meters wide at low tide. It's crucial to check the tide times ('horaires des marées') daily. This is not only for safety, as you can get cut off by the incoming tide in certain coves, but also to plan your day, as some beaches are only suitable for sunbathing at low tide.

Is it better to stay right on the coast or in the main town of Oz-Ville?

This depends on your preference. Staying in a coastal village like Port-Blanc puts you steps from the beach for early morning walks and late evening sunsets. These locations are quieter. Staying in Oz-Ville, which is a few kilometers inland, offers more restaurants, shops, and a weekly market. You would need to drive or take a local bus to the beaches, but you get a more vibrant town atmosphere in the evenings.
See the full list of accommodation options here.

How do the beaches in Oz compare to the ones near Saint-Malo?

The beaches in Oz tend to be wilder and more integrated with a rugged, natural landscape compared to the grand, historic city-backed beaches of Saint-Malo. While Saint-Malo's beaches are impressive and directly accessible from the walled city, Oz offers a greater number of smaller, hidden coves and a quieter, more nature-focused atmosphere. If you want a beach experience combined with urban history, choose Saint-Malo. For coastal walks and a more tranquil setting, Oz is ideal.

Are there any hidden, less crowded beaches in Oz?

Absolutely. While the main beaches are popular, the coastline is dotted with small, sheltered coves known as 'criques'. A local favorite is the 'Crique de l'Île Vierge', accessible via a 15-minute walk along the coastal path (the GR 34). These spots often require a bit of a walk from the nearest car park and have no facilities, but you'll be rewarded with tranquility and stunning scenery.
Virgin Island's Beach
Virgin Island's Beach

What's the general vibe of the beaches in Oz - are they party beaches or more relaxed?

The beaches in Oz have a very relaxed, family-friendly, and nature-oriented vibe. You won't find loud beach clubs or a party scene here. The atmosphere is about enjoying the natural beauty, with people walking their dogs, families playing on the sand, and hikers passing through on the coastal trails. Evenings are quiet, centered around a meal or a sunset walk.

People Also Ask

How do you get to the beaches from the main areas to stay?

If you're staying in a coastal village, you can simply walk. From the main town of Oz-Ville, the easiest way is by car, as most beaches have dedicated parking areas (though they can fill up in peak season). A local bus service, 'Oz-Bus', also connects Oz-Ville to the main beaches during July and August. For the more secluded coves, you'll often need to park and then walk along the coastal footpaths.

Are there restaurants and toilets directly on the beaches in Oz?

The larger, more popular beaches like 'Plage des Grands Sables' and 'Plage du Port' typically have a couple of cafés or simple restaurants serving crepes, seafood, and drinks, along with public toilet facilities. However, the smaller, wilder coves and beaches have no facilities at all. It's a good idea to bring your own water and snacks if you plan to explore beyond the main spots.
Plage des Grands Sables
Plage des Grands Sables

What is all the green seaweed on the beaches? Is it a problem?

The seaweed you see is a natural phenomenon on the Brittany coast, particularly the green sea lettuce ('ulva'). Its presence varies depending on the tides and weather. While large accumulations can be smelly, the local councils work to clear the most popular beaches. On the wilder beaches, it's simply left as part of the natural ecosystem. It's generally not a major problem but something to be aware of.

Are the beaches in Oz supervised by lifeguards?

The main, busiest beaches in Oz are supervised by lifeguards ('Poste de Secours') during the peak season, which is typically from the beginning of July to the end of August. The specific hours are usually posted at the beach entrance. Smaller, more remote coves are not supervised, so you should exercise extra caution if you choose to swim there.

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The fastest way to find the best Oz Beaches

Oz Beaches Map

Plan your day with the latest beach weather conditions

Oz: Weather Today

📅 Tuesday, December 9, 2025
Today is unfortunately not a good beach day in Oz. Expect a very wet day with continuous moderate rain. The maximum air temperature will be 14.3 °C. The wind will be strong, with even stronger gusts. The sea temperature is 11.9 °C, and the waves will be very high. The sky will be completely covered with clouds, so there will be no sunshine.
🌬️

Air

Low / High12.4°C/14.3°C
Feels Like (High)10.6°C
🌊

Sea

Sea Temperature11.9 °C
Wave Height3.9 m
🌧️

Rain

Rain Chance100%
Rainfall14.5 mm
Rain Duration15 h
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Sun

Sunrise / Sunset08:57/17:23
Sunshine Hours0.0 hrs
UV Index0.65
Cloud Cover100%
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Wind

Speed48.6 km/h
Gusts89.6 km/h
DirectionS

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