Rennes Beaches

Overview

While Rennes is an inland city, it serves as a perfect and strategic base for exploring the stunning coastline of Brittany. The famous Emerald Coast is surprisingly accessible, with most of the premier beach towns like Saint-Malo reachable in about an hour by car or direct train. This makes it easy for visitors to enjoy the vibrant city life of Rennes while taking convenient day trips to the sea, offering a holiday that combines both culture and coast.

Among the most celebrated seaside destinations is Saint-Malo, home to the magnificent Grande Plage du Sillon, a vast stretch of sand perfect for long walks. Across the Rance estuary lies the elegant resort of Dinard, where the iconic Plage de l'Ecluse charms visitors with its classic striped beach tents and Belle Époque villas. For a more tranquil atmosphere favored by locals, the sheltered cove of Plage de la Garde in Saint-Briac offers a peaceful escape. These beaches are all shaped by some of the most dramatic tides in Europe, which constantly transform the coastal landscape.

Choosing between the historic ramparts of Saint-Malo and the chic resort feel of Dinard often comes down to personal taste, but it's easy to visit both. Within Saint-Malo's walls, you'll also find the popular Plage de Bon-Secours, which features a seawater swimming pool that allows for a dip even when the tide is far out. These are just a few of the highlights, as the coastline is dotted with countless other beautiful spots, from secluded coves to expansive shores, all detailed in our full list of beaches.

FAQ

People Also Ask

Is Rennes a good base for a beach holiday?

Rennes is not on the coast, but it is considered an excellent and strategic base for exploring the diverse beaches of Brittany. The city's central location and extensive public transport network, including trains and buses, make it easy to take day trips to various coastal towns. You can reach popular destinations like Saint-Malo on the Emerald Coast in about an hour by car or train.

How far is Rennes from the nearest beach?

The closest and most popular beaches to Rennes are on the Emerald Coast. The historic town of Saint-Malo, with its large Sillon beach, is approximately 70 kilometers (about 43 miles) away. This journey typically takes under an hour by car and around 50-75 minutes by direct train, making it a very popular day trip.

Grande Plage du Sillon

Can you get to the beaches from Rennes using public transport?

Yes, reaching the coast from Rennes via public transport is very feasible. The regional TER train network offers direct and frequent services to coastal cities like Saint-Malo in about an hour. Regional bus networks also connect Rennes to other coastal areas, although the train is often the fastest option for reaching the most popular beaches.

What are the tides like in Brittany and do I need to worry about them?

Brittany is famous for having some of the most dramatic tides in Europe. The sea can retreat for several kilometers at low tide, completely changing the landscape of a beach. It's important to be aware of tide times, especially for swimming, as a beach might have no water at low tide or very little sand at high tide. Tide schedules are widely available online or locally and are essential for planning beach activities like swimming or rock-pooling.

Is the sea warm enough to swim in near Rennes?

The sea in Brittany is part of the Atlantic Ocean and is known for being brisk. During the summer months (July and August), water temperatures typically range from 16°C to 19°C (61°F to 66°F). While many people enjoy swimming, the water is refreshing rather than warm. Some sheltered bays or beaches with seawater pools, like at Plage de Bon-Secours in Saint-Malo, can offer slightly warmer conditions.

Plage de Bon-Secours

Which is better for beaches: Saint-Malo or Dinard?

Both Saint-Malo and Dinard are excellent beach destinations near Rennes, each with a different vibe. Saint-Malo offers large, bustling beaches like the Plage du Sillon alongside its historic walled city. Dinard, across the river, has a more tranquil, elegant 'Belle Époque' resort feel with beautiful sandy coves like Plage de l'Écluse. A small ferry connects the two, making it easy to visit both in one day.

Grande Plage du Sillon

Plage de l'Ecluse

Are there family-friendly beaches near Rennes?

Yes, many beaches in Brittany are ideal for families. Near Rennes, Men-Du Beach in Carnac is known for its fine sand and shallow waters. In Dinard, Plage de l'Écluse is popular with families for its facilities and activities. Saint-Malo's large beaches also offer plenty of space for children to play, and some feature seawater pools for safe swimming away from the strong tides.

Plage de l'Ecluse

Should I stay in Rennes or a coastal town like Saint-Malo for a Brittany holiday?

The choice depends on your holiday style. Stay in Rennes if you want a vibrant city base with excellent restaurants and culture, and plan to take day trips to various beaches and inland sites like the Brocéliande Forest. Stay in a coastal town like Saint-Malo or Dinard if your priority is to wake up by the sea and spend most of your time on the beach and in a seaside atmosphere.

Are there any 'hidden gem' or quieter beaches I can visit from Rennes?

Yes, to escape the crowds of the main resorts, you can explore beaches like Plage du Nicet or Chevrets Beach in Saint-Coulomb, located between Saint-Malo and Cancale. These beaches are known for being more secluded and offer a more natural, peaceful setting with beautiful rock formations and calm waters, perfect for a quiet day out.

Beach du Nicet

What is the 'green tide' in Brittany?

Green tides are seasonal blooms of green algae (sea lettuce) that can wash up on some Brittany beaches, particularly during warmer months. They are caused by excess nutrients in the water. While authorities manage the cleanup, the algae can sometimes produce an unpleasant smell as it decomposes. It's a known environmental issue in the region, but it doesn't affect all beaches, and information is usually available locally if a particular beach is impacted.

Besides the northern coast, can I easily visit beaches in southern Brittany from Rennes?

Yes, you can visit the southern coast, though the journey is longer. The Gulf of Morbihan, with towns like Vannes and Carnac, is about a 1.5 to 2-hour drive from Rennes. The beaches here, such as the Grande Plage in Carnac, are often in more sheltered bays and can have slightly warmer water temperatures than the northern coast.

Are there any beaches inside Rennes itself?

While Rennes is an inland city, it has created a man-made riverside beach area called Plage de Baud. Located along the Vilaine river just 10 minutes from the city center, it offers sand, deckchairs, and hammocks. It's a popular spot for locals to relax by the water, but it is a river, not the sea, so there is no ocean swimming.