Plage du Saussaye, situated in Cancale, Ille-et-Vilaine, Bretagne, is a serene and secluded beach, often lauded for its natural beauty and tranquility. This sandy cove is nestled amidst cliffs near the Moulière Point, and is known as one of the most picturesque coves in Ille-et-Vilaine. The beach's location to the northwest of Cancale's city center, along the GR 34, makes it a peaceful retreat away from the city's bustling crowds.
The beach's natural characteristics are one of its key attractions. It boasts an immaculate strip of sand and a minimal presence of plastic particles, indicating a well-preserved environment. The coastline is rocky, and at low tide, the shoreline can reveal tide pools, adding to the beach's charm. The surrounding greenery further enhances the beach's aesthetic appeal.
A unique feature of Plage du Saussaye is the presence of small ocean pools, which serve as miniature ecosystems nestled between the rocks on the sides of the beach. These pools add to the beach's allure but visitors are advised to be cautious of the tides while exploring them. The beach is also known for wildlife sightings, with Common Bottlenose Dolphins often spotted, adding to the overall visitor experience.
Access to the beach is via a steep path from the parking area. The path, although a bit challenging, leads down to this hidden gem, offering stunning views and deep sands. The beach can be reached from Saint-Coulomb via the D201 road towards Cancale, followed by a small road on the left that leads to the beach. The journey is approximately 3.5 km.
The beach offers a small parking area which can fill up quickly during the summer months. As a result, parking along the road may be necessary. From the parking area, it's a short 5-minute walk to the beach. Despite its seclusion, Plage du Saussaye is popular among locals and can get crowded during the summer.
Given the strong currents at Plage du Saussaye, unaccompanied swimming can be potentially risky. The beach is not supervised, and caution is advised during rough sea conditions. The beach's surroundings also offer walking trails, providing visitors with opportunities to explore the area.
