Saint-Guirec Beach and Its Oratory

What it is

Saint-Guirec beach is the cove of the village of Ploumanac'h: gently sloping sand, very sheltered among pink granite rocks and with clear water. It faces the islet of Costaérès and its castle. It is a family beach, a few minutes' walk from the Ploumanac'h lighthouse, and sits right on the customs officers' path.

Its hallmark is the oratory of Saint Guirec, a small stone chapel built on a rock on the beach itself. Tradition says the saint landed here in the 7th century, and the oratory, built in the 11th century, commemorates it. At high tide the water surrounds it; at low tide it is left dry and you walk up to it. At the back of the beach, up a flight of steps, is the chapel of Saint-Guirec, of 16th-century origin.

In the garden of what was Gustave Eiffel's house, above the beach, you can see the rock called Napoleon's Hat.

Getting there and parking

The Saint-Guirec car park, next to the beach, has 122 spaces and 6 for people with reduced mobility, and is paid from 4 July to 30 August. In summer it fills up early. The alternative is the free Ploumanac'h car park (172 spaces), from which a free shuttle runs to Saint-Guirec beach and the port every half hour, from 9:00 to 23:00, from 6 July to 31 August.

The Le Macareux shuttle also stops at Ploumanac'h in July and August, if you come from Perros-Guirec or Trégastel.

Facilities and swimming

The beach has lifeguards in the summer season, toilets, showers, drinking water and a play area. Around it there is a bar, restaurants and a children's club. It has facilities for people with disabilities; ask at the lifeguard post what help is available that day.

Swimming is calm, but swim in front of the post when there is supervision and respect the flags. Outside summer there are no lifeguards.

For the rules on dogs on the beach, check the signs at the entrance: the Perros-Guirec town council sets them by season.

The tide rules

It is a beach that changes a great deal with the tide. At high water, the strip of sand narrows and the oratory is in the water, which is the postcard image. At low water the rocks are uncovered, the oratory is left dry and pools with crabs and seaweed appear: the best time to go with children. Check the Perros-Guirec tide table before going.

When to go

In July and August, early in the morning or late in the afternoon, to find room on the sand and in the car park. In May, June and September it is quieter, although the water is cool. For photos of the oratory, go at high tide in low light.

To round it off

The Castel Beau Site is on the same beach, and its restaurant, La Table de Mon Père, looks out at the rocks. For something simpler, go down to the port of Ploumanac'h, to Les Vieux Gréements.