The area surrounding Carnac is globally renowned for its standing stones, which predate Stonehenge. The purpose of these mysterious alignments remains unknown, but if prehistoric families were coming here on holiday, they certainly knew what they were doing.
Carnac is a water lover’s paradise, its many bays and coves making it the perfect destination for windsurfing, sailing, boat rental and marine equipment hire, yachting, kitesurfing, paddleboarding and kayaking. Or you can just sunbathe and eat seafood – the oysters here are famous, and can be purchased straight from the people who raise them at L’Anse du Pô. For fine local produce in a more traditional setting, book ahead at Chez Auguste.
With five beaches to choose from, this is a mecca for watersport lovers
– but don’t miss ‘France’s Stonehenge’ to round out your visit
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Spoilt for choice
Take your pick of the five beaches around Carnac
Ready to kickstart your beach holiday of dreams and get back to nature? Book with Brittany Ferries for a seamless journey
Saint-Colomban
This least sheltered of Carnac’s beaches is a top spot for kitesurfers and windsurfers. The 500m stretch of sand is also popular with swimmers.
Ty-Bihan
This beach extends for 400m and has glorious views across Quiberon Bay and out to sea. In summer it offers activities for children, from swimming to group games.
Légenèse
Bordered by rocks, Légenèse is sandy and sheltered, making it perfect for swimming. For sailing enthusiasts, the Carnac Yacht Club is located just east of the beach. The centre also offers diving and rowing, plus boat licence tuition.
Grande Plage
The largest of Carnac’s beaches – at 2km – boasts fine
white sand and a host of facilities, including specialist equipment
for disabled travellers.
Beaumer
This sandy beach, on the other side of Churchill Point from Carnac, offers great views over Stuhan island and towards Kervilhen, a nature reserve that’s well worth a visit in its own right. Swimming is only possible at high tide, making this an excellent playground for children.
Men-du
This beach is actually part of Trinité-sur-Mer, but sneaks into this selection for its great view of the impressive sandbank that runs out to a dune in the sea.
‘If you plan to cycle along dirt tracks or near beaches, consider an electric mountain bike’
From two bases near Carnac, Nautic Sport rents and sells catamarans, trimarans, dinghies, windsurfers, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards. It also rents out boats and can help with the training necessary to acquire a motor boat licence.
Further east, from Locmariaquer or Port Navalo, take a cruise around the stunning Gulf of Morbihan and its 42 islands on board the Vedettes l’Angélus. English-language audio guides are included in the price.
Finally, there’s fishing. Of course. Tours d’Iles offers a variety of fishing trips that leave from Quiberon, all under the guidance of experienced professional fishers. The same company also does birdwatching and dolphin-spotting trips, and has just converted one of its boats to run on eco-friendly solar-battery power.
WHERE TO STAY
Gîtes à Fleur de Pô
Well-equipped self-catering seafront accommodation with a private stretch of beach.
Dihan Evasion
Stay in an eco-chalet, cabin or even a treehouse.
Alternatively, you can arrange your accommodation through Brittany Ferries when you book your ferry crossing by clicking here.
All these magnificent sea views and the fabulous, varied coastline may make you wish you could take it all in from the water. You can. There’s virtually nothing that you can do on or in the water that you can’t do in and around Carnac.
For gentle fun, it’s hard to beat hiring a small electric boat from E-Sea in Trinité-sur-Mer and pootling along through Quiberon Bay, or the Crac’h river as it flows into the sea.
For a more active experience, try Plug and Play, which offers kitesurfing, wakeboarding, waterskiing, plus towed dinghy tours of Quiberon Bay. Private and group lessons are available.
Stone age
Carnac is home to the world’s largest collection of megalithic stones
The perfect all-in-one
getaway
Saint-Malo
Explore the rich culture, architecture
and heritage
Quimper
Experience the region’s relaxed,
old-world feel
BRITTANY overview
If you’re staying on dry land, the relatively flat landscape makes this a great area to explore by bike, readily available to hire at reasonable rates (velocarnac.com). If you plan to cycle along dirt tracks or near beaches, consider an electric mountain bike.
There are five sandy beaches just over 5km from Carnac, and all are certified as having high water quality and cleanliness (no dogs are allowed). From west to east (and with a bonus final stretch), they are:
– or water – in Carnac
Get down to earth
‘There's virtually nothing that you can do on or in the water that you can't do in Carnac’
Paddle your own
There are plenty of chances to cool off
in Quiberon Bay
Wind in your hair
Whether on land or sea, the choice of activities is vast
Sacred spot
These mysterious standing stones predate Stonehenge
White walks
Carnac’s pristine beaches are ideal for rest and play
Farm to table
The Anse de Pô offers beautiful scenery – and oysters
Family friendly
Ty Bihan looks out over Quiberon Bay and is great for children’s activities
Wheels in motion
Take in the Grand Plage, Carnac’s biggest beach,
by bike
Fresh perspectives
Explore the coast via dinghy to get a feel for the region
Getting to carnac
Carnac lies on Brittany’s southern coast and is a two-and-a-half-hour
drive from both Saint-Malo and Roscoff ferry ports. Brittany Ferries sails to Saint-Malo from Portsmouth, and to Roscoff from Plymouth.
A lot on your plate
Enjoy your delicacies on the beach at every opportunity
Keep angst at bay
Stay right on the harbour at Anse du Pô and wake up to calming waters
Photos ©Marta Goikoetxea, ©Alexandre Lamoureux, ©Fanch Galivel, ©Kilian David, ©Gîte A Fleur de Pô, ©Gangs of Mothers
From two bases near Carnac, Nautic Sport rents and sells catamarans, trimarans, dinghies, windsurfers, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards. It also rents out boats and can help with the training necessary to acquire a motor boat licence.
Further east, from Locmariaquer or Port Navalo, take a cruise around the stunning Gulf of Morbihan and its 42 islands on board the Vedettes l’Angélus. English-language audio guides are included in the price.
Finally, there’s fishing. Of course. Tours d’Iles offers a variety of fishing trips that leave from Quiberon, all under the guidance of experienced professional fishers. The same company also does bird-watching and dolphin-spotting trips, and has just converted one of its boats to run on eco-friendly solar-battery power.
WHERE TO STAY
Gîtes à Fleur de Pô
Well-equipped self-catering seafront accommodation with a private stretch of beach.
Dihan Evasion
Stay in an eco-chalet, cabin or even a treehouse.
Alternatively, you can arrange your accommodation through Brittany Ferries when you book your ferry crossing by clicking here.