The untamed beauty of the western coast of the Quiberon Peninsula in Morbihan, France is a haven for nature enthusiasts. Its fine sandy beaches, meandering hiking trails, sweeping creeks, wave-carved arches, expansive dunes, and opportunities for water sports contribute to its reputation as a popular summer seaside resort. Accessible in about two and a half hours by car from Nantes, or as a day or two-trip from Paris, the west coast of the Quiberon Peninsula offers a diverse taste of the French landscape.
We made our adventure there at the beginning of autumn during our two-week Brittany coast road trip. Blessed with the golden autumn sunshine, a perfect backdrop for our exploration on foot.
The Quiberon Peninsula is a dream setting between two seas boasting awe-inspiring landscapes. On one side, the wild and untamed beauty of the Atlantic Ocean, and on the other, the serene Bay of Quiberon with its inviting sandy beaches. Our entire day was a journey along the rugged west coast of Quiberon. The 8km stretch of the Côte Sauvage, aptly named the “wild coast,” proved to be a paradise for hikers.
We had stopped at the following places:
- The southern end of the Quiberon Peninsula
- Port Maria
- Chateau Turpault
- Port Guibello
- Plage Port Bara
- Arche De Port Blanc Roche Percée
The southern end of the Quiberon Peninsula
Our adventure commenced at the southern tip of the Quiberon Peninsula, Le Conguel headland. The nearest parking facility is Parking Conguel, conveniently located near public amenities. As we made our way towards Le Conguel headland, the expansive views of the ocean filled us with anticipation and excitement.
Port Maria
Constructed from the 18th to the 19th century, Port Maria was once the leading sardine port in France during the 1950s. Despite having had thirteen canneries in its prime, only two remain today. Recently, we explored one of these canneries. Presently, Port Maria in Quiberon serves as a hub for transporting passengers and goods to the islands of Belle-Île, Houat, and Hoëdic.
Along the harbourfront, numerous restaurants provide delightful dining options. We decided to try one of these establishments, where a tempting 3-course seafood menu awaited us, priced at a reasonable 25 Euros.
Chateau Turpault
Perched on the rocks, Château Turpault stands as a distinctive landmark at the gateway to the Côte Sauvage. This private manor, located not too far from Port Maria, provides an excellent photo opportunity, especially during high tides, and boasts a splendid view of Belle-Île-en-Mer in the distance.
Port Guibello
As we continued our drive along the wild west coast, we stumbled upon this enchanting spot by chance. Therefore, we decided to turn back and take a spontaneous detour. Despite the powerful waves, a few locals were daringly diving into the sea. We ventured onto the cliffs and encountered numerous cone-shaped rock piles. Curiously, there was no information available to explain their significance.
Plage Port Bara
Nestled close to the village of Kergroix, Port Bara Beach is a hidden gem surrounded by rugged cliffs, adding to the beauty of the wild west coast of the Quiberon Peninsula. Although swimming is not allowed due to ground swells, the landscapes are nothing short of magnificent.
Trails along the cliffs wind through towering dunes, guiding us to our ultimate destination of the day—the Arche De Port Blanc Roche Percée (Port Blanc Arch Pierced Rock).
Arche De Port Blanc Roche Percée
Roche Percée translates to “pierced rock” in English. During low tide, we had the opportunity to catch a peek of the arch. Sunset added a touch of magic to the scene, as the evening light streamed through the arch, creating a romantic and spectacular natural setting.
A set of stairs led from the clifftop down to the arch, but unfortunately, part of the stairs had collapsed, restricting access to the arched rock. Despite this, we soaked in the exceptional view and the breathtaking landscape until the sun dipped below the horizon.
Travel tips for the wild west coast of Quiberon Peninsula
Where to stay
Quiberon offers a variety of hotels and apartments for your holiday stay. Some have excellent locations, such as the following accommodations, all situated along the beachfront:
How to get there
The SNCF train from Auray travels to Quiberon, reaching its final destination at Gare de Quiberon. With several stops on the peninsula, it’s convenient to explore nearby sites on foot from the train station.
However, for a more extensive exploration and to visit various places, having a car is advisable. Take the exit at Auray from the RN65 and proceed towards Quiberon on the D768, the primary road to the Quiberon Peninsula. Here are some approximate distances: Paris to Quiberon (505 km); Nantes to Quiberon (160 km); Rennes to Quiberon (155 km).
Connected to the mainland by a narrow sandbank, the Quiberon Peninsula is so slender that, at one point, you can witness the sea on both sides, with the narrowest stretch measuring about 22 metres wide.
Be aware of safety
The beaches along the untamed coastline of the Quiberon Peninsula can pose risks due to groundswells. It’s crucial for visitors to adhere to swimming restrictions. Exercise caution, as the coastline retains its wild nature even during calm weather.
The 8km-long Côte Sauvage (wild coast) cliff hiking trail lacks shade, so it’s important to guard against sunburn. Additionally, be prepared for potentially windy conditions.
