Brittany, France

Saint-Quay-Portrieux Beaches

Overview

Saint-Quay-Portrieux, a charming seaside resort in Brittany, France, offers a wonderful beach experience for all types of visitors. The local beaches are generally excellent for swimming, enjoyable at both high and low tide. This destination is notably family-friendly, providing a pleasant mix of lively areas near the town's heart and quieter coves perfect for tranquil relaxation.

Among the town's coastal gems, Plage de la Comtesse stands out with its scenic beauty and the unique opportunity to walk to an island at low tide. Families often gravitate towards Plage du Châtelet, a sheltered beach conveniently situated in the town centre. For those interested in history, Plage Bonaparte offers a dramatic coastal setting with significant wartime heritage. Pet owners will find a welcoming spot at Grève de L'Isnain, known for allowing dogs throughout the year. Another key beach is the expansive Plage du Casino, a popular and central hub for beachgoers.

The coastline of Saint-Quay-Portrieux holds intriguing features, such as the distinctive black sand, a result of natural mineral deposits, that can be observed on shores like Plage de la Comtesse and Grève Noire. The rhythm of the tides significantly shapes the beach experience, revealing vast stretches of sand for exploration or altering access to certain areas, sometimes causing beaches like Plage de la Comtesse to nearly vanish at high water. To discover the full array of beautiful and diverse beaches this Breton destination has to offer, be sure to explore our comprehensive guide.

FAQ

What are the beaches in Saint-Quay-Portrieux like for swimming?

Most beaches in Saint-Quay-Portrieux are great for swimming. The sea typically doesn't go out too far, even during spring tides, allowing for swimming at both high and low tide. The main Plage du Casino even has a large outdoor seawater pool, and Plage du Châtelet also has one, which are perfect alternatives if you're nervous about swimming in the open sea. However, swimming is not permitted at Plage du Portrieux.

Are the beaches in Saint-Quay-Portrieux good for families?

Yes, Saint-Quay-Portrieux is considered very family-friendly. Plage du Casino is the largest and most popular family beach with soft sand, a seawater pool, a paddling pool at low tide, a playground, and kids' clubs. Plage du Châtelet and Plage de la Comtesse also have paddling pools and are popular with families. Many beaches are lifeguarded during summer months (July and August).

When is the best time of year to visit the beaches in Saint-Quay-Portrieux for warm weather?

For the warmest weather and best beach conditions, the ideal time to visit Saint-Quay-Portrieux is from mid-July to mid-August. For general outdoor tourist activities with pleasant weather, late June to mid-September is also recommended.

Can I bring my dog to the beaches in Saint-Quay-Portrieux?

Most of the main beaches in Saint-Quay-Portrieux, such as Plage du Casino, Plage du Châtelet, Plage de la Comtesse, and Plage du Portrieux, have an all-year-round ban on dogs. However, Grève de l'Isnain is a quieter, wilder-feeling beach where dogs are allowed all year round. It's always best to check local signage for the most current regulations.

What's the water temperature like in Saint-Quay-Portrieux for swimming?

The sea water temperature in Saint-Quay-Portrieux is generally cool. In summer (June-August), the average water temperature rises to around 17.1°C (about 62.8°F). On some days in August and September, it can warm up to 20°C (68°F) or slightly above, but it generally doesn't exceed this. Many find this refreshing, but some might prefer a wetsuit, especially outside of peak summer.

Are there beaches with lifeguards in Saint-Quay-Portrieux?

Yes, several beaches in Saint-Quay-Portrieux have lifeguard services, particularly during the peak season of July and August. These include Plage du Casino, Plage du Châtelet, and Plage de la Comtesse.

Is it easy to find parking near the beaches in Saint-Quay-Portrieux?

Yes, parking is available near the main beaches. For example, Plage du Casino, Plage du Châtelet, and Plage de la Comtesse all have car parks nearby. Some areas in the town centre and near Place de la Plage are blue zones, allowing parking for a maximum of 1.5 hours.

What is the 'black sand' phenomenon seen on some Saint-Quay-Portrieux beaches?

The sand on some beaches, like Grève Noire and Plage de la Comtesse, can sometimes appear black. This is due to the natural accumulation of Ilmenite, a black mineral, in the sand, creating a unique and striking visual effect.

People Also Ask

Can you walk to Île de la Comtesse from the beach?

Yes, at low tide, a path is revealed allowing visitors to walk from Plage de la Comtesse to the Île de la Comtesse. It's important to be aware of the tide times to ensure a safe return.

Are there any quieter, more secluded beaches in Saint-Quay-Portrieux?

Yes, if you're looking for quieter options, Grève Noire, located near Plage du Casino, is more secluded. Grève de l'Isnain is also described as quieter and wilder-feeling. Grève de Fonteny, nestled in a residential area, offers a haven of relaxation away from the town centre bustle.

What kind of activities can you do at the beaches in Saint-Quay-Portrieux besides swimming?

Besides swimming, you can enjoy various activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding (rentals available at Plage du Casino), exploring rock pools at low tide, especially at Plage du Châtelet, and beach games. The GR34 coastal path also runs along the coast, offering great walks with beach views. Some beaches also have children's clubs and playgrounds.

How do the tides affect the beaches in Saint-Quay-Portrieux?

Saint-Quay-Portrieux experiences significant tides, but the sea generally doesn't retreat too far, meaning you can usually swim at both high and low tide. At low tide, large expanses of sand are revealed, perfect for walking and exploring rock pools or accessing Île de la Comtesse from Plage de la Comtesse. Some beaches, like Plage de la Comtesse, almost vanish at high tide.

Are the beaches in Saint-Quay-Portrieux accessible for people with reduced mobility?

Some beaches offer accessibility features. For instance, Plage du Casino and Plage de la Comtesse provide access for people with reduced mobility. An all-terrain mobility device called a “Hippocampe” can be hired at Plage du Casino to help access the beach. It's best to contact the local tourist office or the aid station at Plage du Casino for detailed information.

Is Saint-Quay-Portrieux more of a lively resort or a quiet getaway for a beach holiday?

Saint-Quay-Portrieux offers a mix. It's a well-equipped seaside resort with popular family beaches like Plage du Casino that can be lively, especially in summer, with amenities like a casino, restaurants, and shops nearby. However, it also has quieter coves and beaches like Grève Noire or Grève de l'Isnain for those seeking more tranquility. The town itself has a charming port atmosphere.

Are there any non-smoking beaches in Saint-Quay-Portrieux?

Yes, Plage du Casino is designated as a non-smoking beach. The official holiday guide also states that all beaches in Saint-Quay-Portrieux are non-smoking.

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Plan your day with the latest beach weather conditions

Saint-Quay-Portrieux: Weather Today

📅 Saturday, July 26, 2025
Today offers an average beach day in Saint-Quay-Portrieux. The maximum air temperature will reach 21.9 °C. Expect mostly cloudy skies. There's a slight chance of rain, so it might be wise to pack accordingly. The wind will be moderate, with stronger gusts at times. The sea temperature is a comfortable 21.1 °C, with moderate waves. The UV index will reach 5. Be sure to apply sunscreen.
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Air

Low / High14.5°C/21.9°C
Feels Like (High)22.3°C
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Sea

Sea Temperature21.1 °C
Wave Height0.7 m
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Rain

Rain Chance15%
Rainfall0 mm
Rain Duration0 h
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Sun

Sunrise / Sunset06:38/21:57
Sunshine Hours1.9 hrs
UV Index5.35
Cloud Cover76%
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Wind

Speed17.3 km/h
Gusts34.6 km/h
DirectionW

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