Want to hear the sound of the waves crashing on the rocks?
To see flakes of foam fly?
To watch the seagulls playing in the foamy swell?
So many promises kept by a getaway to the sea in winter.
This season allows you to enjoy a more confidential Brittany where you can even feel alone in the world...
More invigorating too.
From the coastal paths, with all due caution, immerse yourself in wild nature, in its raw state, and measure the power of the elements that shape it.
Sky and sea, they merge in a "glaz" color, halfway between blue, green and grey... A lively spectacle, hypnotic in places, to be enjoyed in all weathers.
Because you have to know how to deal with (often) rough weather and, in winter, the walks along the Breton coast are really not lacking in air!
Ready for a good cure of sea spray and sea air?
Read alsoThe ten most beautiful and unmissable natural sites in Brittany
In Saint-Malo, to experience the high tides (Ille-et-Vilaine)
Saint-Malo is the scene of the highest tides in Europe.
Saint-Malo Tourism
12 m… This is, on average, the difference between high and low tide during high tides in the bay of Saint-Malo.
The most important in Europe.
Here, the coefficient regularly exceeds 110. The phenomenon is particularly impressive at the rising tide when the waves come up against the breakwater of Sillon beach.
Post yourself on the ramparts of the corsair city, near the Saint-Thomas gate, to observe it in complete safety.
At low tide, the landscape becomes downright lunar.
Take the opportunity to go for a walk on the islet of Grand Bé.
Next high tides
: February 2 and 3, March 3 to 5 and March 19 to 21.
How to access it?
By train, TGV from Gare Montparnasse in Paris (average travel time: 2h45).
By car, from Paris, by the A11 to Rennes then by the D 137.
Our advice:
Follow the tour “Along the highest tides in Europe”, offered by Sensations littoral.
On the largely uncovered Malouine beach, a naturalist guide helps you understand the phenomenon and also its impact on the foreshore (i.e. the part of the coast that is covered and uncovered).
At Cap d'Erquy, to have your eyes in the "glaz" (Côtes-d'Armor)
Neither green nor blue, nor grey, but a bit of all three, it's the color of Cap d'Erquy.
Alexandre Lamoureux / OT Cap d'Erquy
Not blue, green or grey, but a bit of all of these, depending on the lights, the weather or even the mood of the day!
Immerse yourself in the famous Breton "glaz", which designates the thousand shades of sky and sea, while strolling on Cap d'Erquy.
Associated with its neighbor Cap Fréhel, this promontory of pink sandstone is one of the Great Sites of France.
On foot, take the GR 34 and enjoy great views of the fine sandy beaches or the Saint-Michel islet surmounted by its small chapel.
By bike, through the moor, it's nice too!
How to access it?
From Paris, by car, via the A11 to Rennes then via the N12.
By train, by TGV Paris-Brest, stop at Saint-Brieuc or Lamballe station.
Our advice:
The port of Erquy is the leading Breton port for scallop fishing: the return of the boats is a usual scene in winter not to be missed!
As for the nut, you can taste it at the restaurant or buy it directly from the local fishermen.
Read alsoFrom Saint-Malo to Vannes, our favorite tables in Brittany
On the Landunvez tourist route, facing the sea winds (Finistère)
Ireland?
Missed !
Colin Le Roy / Brest Ocean Lands
Head all the way west! On its tip of northern Finistère, the westernmost in France, the Landunvez tourist route has a false air of Ireland. A wild landscape that alternates rocks and dunes swept by sea winds. Winter here is mind-blowing! On stormy days, a walk is even a “must” on this 5 km coastal road. Follow it from Portsall, infamous for the sinking of the Amoco Cadiz, to Penfoul beach, a popular spot for surfers. Along the way, don't miss the Saint-Samson chapel, isolated on its moor and ultra-photogenic.
How to access it?
From Brest, take the direction of Saint-Renan, via the D5 and D 105, then the D68 to Argenton.
Facing the sea, turn right on the D27 and follow the signs for “Landunvez Tourist Route”.
Allow 40 mins.
Several parking lots along the road.
Our advice:
After the walk, warm up with a tea and a crepe at Le Chenal, in Porspoder.
This former popular ballroom is now both a café, a restaurant, a bookstore, an exhibition gallery… and a true local institution.
On the island of Sein, to take a deep breath of iodine (Finistère)
Ile de Sein, a car-free island battered by winds and tides.
Emmanuel Berthier
Brittany in winter means offering yourself the possibility of an island… just for yourself!
On Sein, exit the car, you live a most immersive island experience.
5 km off the Pointe du Raz, the island seems to be resting on the ocean... Past the alleys of the port and its colorful houses, there is only you and the moor beaten by the wind and the tides .
A real head-to-head with nature.
Count less than 2 hours to go around, between creeks and pebble cords.
Don't leave without having tasted the oysters reared at the foot of the lighthouse or even the lobster stew, "the" specialty of the island!
How to access it?
The Penn Ar Bed company provides a daily round trip from and to the Audierne ferry terminal.
Return ticket: €30.
Crossing: 1 hour.
Our advice:
Go kayaking with Ile de Sein Nautisme, to meet the inhabitants of the Chaussée de Sein: gray seals and bottlenose dolphins.
Always magical!
The ride lasts 2 hours and the equipment is provided, including lycra, fleece, hat... We promise, we are less cold than we think.
Read alsoBrittany, discovering an unknown Finistère
On the wild coast of Quiberon, to see the waves breaking (Morbihan)
To observe this raging sea is to risk taking a shower of icy water.
But the game is worth the candle!
Loïc Kersuzan / Quiberon Tourism
Cliffs chiselled by the spray, arch pierced by the ocean… In calm weather, the spectacle of the waves breaking on the rocks is already striking here.
So, imagine with a warning of high winds: facing a raging sea, we are full of eyes and ears.
And often even the shower!
Under a beautiful winter sun, the wild coast of Quiberon takes on pretty golden reflections.
To contemplate, along the 8 km of coastal path, from the Pointe du Percho to the tip of Beg-er-Goalennec.
From here, if the sky is clear, enjoy a beautiful panorama of Belle-île-en-Mer, just opposite.
How to access it?
From Vannes, follow the N165 to Auray, then the D768 to Saint-Pierre-Quiberon.
The coastal road starts in the village of Portivy.
Several parking lots along the road.
Our advice:
Do you like seafood?
Book a table at Le Vivier restaurant, for a tasting… with a breathtaking view of the wild coast and the ocean (reopening at the beginning of February).
Read alsoFrom Quiberon to Belle-Île, a charming stopover in southern Brittany
SEE ALSO -
The most beautiful natural sites in Brittany