Sauzon Beaches

Overview

Sauzon, a picturesque port on the northwest coast of Belle-Île-en-Mer, offers a diverse beach experience. It serves as the gateway to the island's famed 'Côte Sauvage', or wild coast, known for its dramatic, windswept landscapes. Visitors will discover a coastline of contrasts, from spectacular, surf-battered shores to charming, sheltered coves perfect for a quiet swim. This variety makes Sauzon an ideal base for those wanting to experience the full spectrum of Brittany's island beaches.

Among the area's highlights is the magnificent Plage du Donnant, the island's premier surf spot, celebrated for its vast dunes and powerful waves. In stark contrast, Plage des Poulains offers an iconic view, appearing at low tide at the foot of a historic lighthouse made famous by actress Sarah Bernhardt. For those seeking convenience, Plage de Bordardoué is a sheltered cove within easy reach of the port. While not in Sauzon, no visit to the island is complete without seeing Plage des Grands Sables, a large, calm bay renowned as the island's best beach for families.

Beyond these well-known spots, Belle-Île is home to over 50 beaches, with many hidden coves waiting to be discovered along the coastal walking paths. The significant Atlantic tides dramatically transform the landscape each day, revealing new stretches of sand or isolating rocky outcrops. Whether you seek the thrill of the wild coast or the tranquility of a secluded inlet, the shores around Sauzon offer endless opportunities for exploration, as detailed in our full guide to the island's beaches.

Top Beaches

FAQ

Can you walk to any beaches from the port of Sauzon?

Yes, you can easily walk to a few beaches from Sauzon's port. A 15-minute walk along the coastal path will lead you to the sheltered cove of Port Puce. If you continue for another 25 minutes, you'll find the larger sandy beaches of Bordéry and Deuborh. The Plage du Cardinal is another small, secluded cove accessible via a pedestrian path right near the port.

What are the best beaches in Sauzon for families with children?

For families, Ster Vraz is a great option near Sauzon. It's a large, sandy cove sheltered by high cliffs, which keeps the water calm and makes swimming safer. There's also a small car park for easier access. While not in Sauzon itself, the Plage des Grands Sables on the island is famous for being family-friendly due to its vast stretch of fine sand, calm waters, and easy accessibility.

Plage de Ster-Vraz

Plage des Grands Sables

Is the water warm enough for swimming in Sauzon?

The best time for swimming in Sauzon is during the summer months, from June to August, when the sea temperature is at its most pleasant. While it's the Atlantic Ocean and can be brisk, many find it refreshing for a swim during this period. The water quality at the main beaches like Donnant and Deubord is monitored regularly during the summer season.

Plage du Donnant

Are there any good surfing beaches near Sauzon?

Yes, the most famous surfing spot on Belle-Île-en-Mer is Plage de Donnant, located on the 'côte sauvage' (wild coast) near Sauzon. It's known for its impressive waves and attracts a young, sporty crowd. However, because of the strong currents, it's considered a spot for more experienced surfers and is one of the few supervised beaches on the island in the summer.

Plage du Donnant

Are there hotels with direct beach access in Sauzon?

While Sauzon's port is the main focus, some accommodations offer very close or direct beach access. For instance, some hotels and rentals are located just a short walk from coves like Port Puce. You can find vacation rentals, like townhouses, that open onto terraces directly above a beach. It's a sought-after feature, so it's best to look for properties explicitly advertising 'beach access' or proximity to a specific beach.

See the full list of accommodation options here.

How do the beaches in Sauzon compare to those near Le Palais?

Sauzon is closer to the wild, dramatic beaches of the 'côte sauvage' like Donnant, which is great for surfing and dramatic scenery. It also has charming, smaller coves within walking distance of the port. Le Palais, as the main town, offers convenient access to more sheltered, family-friendly beaches like Ramonette. Generally, Sauzon offers a quieter, more picturesque port village vibe with access to rugged nature, while Le Palais is a busier hub with easier access to calmer swimming spots.

Plage du Donnant

Plage de Ramonette

Do I need a car to get to the beaches in Sauzon?

While you can walk to a few coves from Sauzon port, renting a bike or using the seasonal shuttle bus service is highly recommended to explore the best beaches like Donnant or Ster Vraz. Belle-Île is quite hilly. For maximum flexibility in exploring all 58 beaches of the island at your own pace, a car is useful, but booking in advance, especially in summer, is essential.

Plage du Donnant

Plage de Ster-Vraz

Are the beaches near Sauzon sandy or pebbly?

The beaches around Sauzon offer a mix. You'll find beautiful sandy beaches like the famous Plage de Donnant. Others, like Ster Vraz, are a combination of sand and small pebbles. The twin beaches of Bordery and Deuborh are also primarily sandy. Generally, Belle-Île is known for its numerous sandy coves and larger beaches.

Plage du Donnant

Plage de Ster-Vraz

People Also Ask

What is the 'côte sauvage' and are the beaches there different?

The 'côte sauvage,' or wild coast, is the western side of Belle-Île, which faces the open Atlantic Ocean. The beaches here, like Plage de Donnant near Sauzon, are characterized by dramatic cliffs, powerful waves, and a more rugged, untamed atmosphere. They are spectacular for views and surfing but can be more dangerous for casual swimming compared to the more sheltered beaches on the eastern side of the island.

Plage du Donnant

Are there any hidden or secret coves to discover near Sauzon?

Yes, part of the charm of Belle-Île is discovering its many hidden coves. The coastal path (GR340) leading from Sauzon is the best way to find them. For example, Porh Penhoet Cove is considered one of the most beautiful and lesser-known coves on the northern coast. Exploring the paths around Pointe des Poulains can also reveal smaller, more secluded spots away from the main beaches.

What is the best time of year to visit Sauzon for a beach holiday?

The best time for a beach holiday in Sauzon is from June to August. During these summer months, you'll have the warmest weather, the most sunshine for beach activities, and the sea temperature will be at its most suitable for swimming. However, this is also the peak tourist season, so expect more crowds. For a quieter experience with still pleasant weather, consider visiting in late May or early September.

Are the beaches in Sauzon supervised by lifeguards?

Not all of them are. The Plage de Donnant, being a popular surf spot with strong currents, is supervised by lifeguards daily in July and August from 1 pm to 7 pm. Most of the smaller, wilder coves around Sauzon are not supervised. It's always important to check for local signage and be aware of tide times and sea conditions before swimming.

Plage du Donnant

Can you experience tides at the beaches in Sauzon?

Yes, the tides are very significant on Belle-Île and dramatically change the landscape of the beaches. A beach that is a vast expanse of sand at low tide can become much smaller or even be split into separate coves at high tide. At Pointe des Poulains, the beach provides access to the islet with the lighthouse, but this path gets cut off by the sea during high tides, so it's crucial to be aware of the tide schedule.

Plage des Poulains

How crowded are the beaches in Sauzon during the summer?

Beaches on Belle-Île, including those near Sauzon, are busiest in July and August. Popular spots like Donnant and the larger family beaches will have more people. However, because the island has over 50 beaches and many small coves, it's always possible to find a quieter spot, especially if you're willing to walk a bit along the coastal paths. To avoid crowds on the most accessible beaches, try going early in the morning.

Plage du Donnant

Are there any beaches near Sauzon that are protected from the wind?

Yes, the orientation of the coves makes a big difference. Ster Vraz is well-protected by high cliffs, making it a good choice when easterly winds are blowing. The small coves near the port, like Port Puce, are also quite sheltered. In contrast, beaches on the 'côte sauvage' like Donnant are very exposed to westerly winds and the Atlantic swell.

Plage de Ster-Vraz

Plage du Donnant