Les Grands Sables Beach

What it is

Les Grands Sables is Belle-Île's largest sandy beach: about 2 km of fine, pale sand on the inner coast, the eastern one, between Le Palais and Locmaria, continued by Samzun beach. It faces the Bay of Quiberon and the islands of Houat and Hoëdic. Unlike the wild west coast, which is rock and cliff, here the water is calm, the beach is sheltered from the west winds and gets the sun almost all day. It is the families' beach.

Getting there and parking

From Le Palais it is about 5 km. Leave by the coast road, pass the Pointe du Bugul and go down to the beach. There is a large car park next to the sailing school. By bike it is a short ride from the port; the bike, as on all the island's beaches, stays off the sand. To reach the beach you go through one of the two openings in the La Ferrière fortifications, the last military remains on the island.

The Belle-Île Bus runs daily from the Easter holidays to the All Saints holidays and reaches the main beaches.

What there is

• Sand and calm water. The bottom is sand and on the shore there are shellfish all year round, little crabs and razor clams, which children look for at low tide.
• Water sports. The beach is a water-sports base: they hire out Hobie Cats, windsurf boards, kayaks and paddleboards. The Horizon sailing school gives catamaran and windsurf lessons, and Ty School gives paddleboarding lessons.
• Fishing. Surfcasting is allowed outside bathing hours; sole and sea bass are caught.
• Food. In July and August a food truck sets up in the car park. The rest of the year, the restaurants are in Locmaria or Le Palais.

The tourist office does not state in its listing whether there is a lifeguard or on what dates. Ask at the Le Palais office before going with small children in season, and respect the flags if there are any.

When to go

From June to September for swimming; it is the Atlantic, so expect cool water. With a west wind, when the wild coast is churning, this shore stays calm: it is the beach for windy days. At low tide there is more sand for looking for shellfish. Check the tide table on the island's tourism website.

With children and with a dog

Calm water, fine sand, parking next door and water activities: it is the most convenient option on the island for a family beach day. The official listing does not give the rules for dogs: before taking one in summer, ask at the tourist office.

Looking after the beach

The seaweed and debris the sea leaves on the tideline, the laisse de mer, are left in place: they feed the ecosystem. The coastal wardens remove plastics and large waste every morning in summer and once a week in winter. Take your rubbish with you.

Nearby

On the way from Le Palais, the Belle Fontaine, Vauban's watering place, can be visited for free. To sleep near the port, there is the Hôtel Le Clos Fleuri. If you come by bike, the beach is a good end to the island tour.