What to do · Carnac and the Gulf of Morbihan
Carnac's Grande Plage
Information
- Price
- Independent visit · free
- Duration
- 3 h
- Season
- Supervised swimming in summer
- Who it's for
- Children
What it is
The Grande Plage is the main beach of Carnac-Plage, the coastal district of the town, a few minutes south of the menhirs. It has about 2 km of fine white sand facing south, over the Bay of Quiberon. The Quiberon peninsula closes it off to the west and shelters it from the big Atlantic swell, so the water usually arrives calm: it is the beach to go to with children after seeing the alignments.
It is the largest of Carnac's five beaches. Behind it runs the boulevard de la Plage, with hotels, bars and shops, and the centre of Carnac-Plage is a few minutes away by bike.
Getting there and parking
The address is boulevard de la Plage, in Carnac. From the Maison des Mégalithes you head south, towards the sea, in just a few minutes by car. There is parking next to the beach, which fills up early in July and August; if you can, go by bike or on foot from where you are staying.
Without a car, the beach is reached by public transport: the buses that arrive in Carnac from Auray station stop in the village and in the beach area.
Facilities
The beach has a lifeguard post, toilets, drinking water, a bar and a children's club on the sand. It holds the Pavillon Bleu (Blue Flag) for water quality and management, and the Tourisme et Handicap label for motor, hearing and mental disability, with an assistance service and adapted equipment for bathing for people with reduced mobility.
Swimming and safety
Swimming is supervised in the summer season. Every year the town council publishes the period and hours of the lifeguard post; in previous seasons it has been in the afternoon, so do not assume there is supervision in the morning. Always swim in front of the post and respect the flags.
Although the bay is calm, the tide matters: at low tide the shoreline moves away and at high tide the strip of dry sand narrows. Check the tide table before putting up the parasol.
When to go
From June to September for swimming; the water of southern Brittany's Atlantic is cool even in August. In July and August the beach fills up from mid-morning, and the best times are first thing and at the end of the afternoon, with the sun going down over Quiberon. Outside summer it is a good long walk on the sand, with the beach almost empty.
With children
It is the area's family beach: fine sand, gentle slope, sheltered water, lifeguards and a children's club. Bring shade, because there are no trees on the sand.
To sleep right on the beach, Le Diana Hôtel & Spa is on the same boulevard. For galettes, the Crêperie Chez Marie.
Tips
- Check the tide before you go At high tide the dry sand shrinks a lot; at low tide you walk a good way to the water.
- Go by bike in August The beach car park fills up by mid-morning and Carnac is a few minutes' ride away.
- Combine it with the menhirs The alignments in the morning, when it is cooler, and the beach in the afternoon.
Frequently asked questions
Is Carnac's Grande Plage supervised?
Yes, in summer it has a lifeguard post. The town council sets the dates and hours each year.
Is it good for small children?
Yes. The water arrives sheltered by the Quiberon peninsula, the sand is fine and there is a children's club and lifeguards in summer.
Is it wheelchair accessible?
It has the Tourisme et Handicap label, with an assistance service and adapted equipment for bathing. Ask at the lifeguard post.
