Les Grands Sables, white sand beach | Belle-Île-en-Mer Tourist Office

Océan - Profiter de l'Océan, Se dépasser - sports, Changer de rythme - déplacement doux, Belle île en mer, île de Bretagne, Bretagne sud, au large du Golfe du Morbihan

Les Grands Sables Shellfish and crustaceans...

Les Grands Sables (The Great Sands) is a nearly 2 kilometre stretch of white sand nestled in a sheltered bay between Le Palais and Locmaria. In short, a paradise of farniente and mastering the art of lazing about… or the art of sailing! Its calm waters are ideal for kayaking, paddle boarding and sailing too!

On your marks, get your towels, GO!!!

Getting there

A dream beach

A beach dream!

Nature Ile Photogénique, Profiter De L'ocean, Cote Interieur, Grands Sables, Automne Pauline Coupez World Else

Plages - Partir à la plage, Se dépasser - sports, Belle île en mer, île de Bretagne, Bretagne sud, au large du Golfe du Morbihan

Geology, history & watersports…

A beach full of surprises!

Accessible from Le Palais by the scenic coastal road, the descent after the Bugul headland offers one of the most stunning panoramas of the interior coast over the islands of Houat and Hoëdic and the bay of Quiberon.

Stretching over nearly 2 km, with the Samzun beach extending it further, there are two entrances through the”La Ferrière” fortifications, some of the last remnants of the island’s military past.

This vast beach of clear, fine sand, facing northwest, enjoys sunlight throughout the day and remains sheltered from westerly winds. The calm sea and the sandy intertidal zone (unique to Belle-Île due to its protection from ocean swells) offer abundant shells year-round, as well as small crabs and razor clams!

The strandline is made up of various brown seaweeds (such as fucus, kelp, and wrack), brownish-green sargassum, and small clusters of green algae (like sea lettuce), contributing to the water’s clarity.

Why you should loves les Grand Sables...

For its crystal clear waters

For its unique panorama on Houat and Hoëdic

For the feeling of being on the edge of the world

Understanding the strandline

On each of Belle-Ile’s beaches, various components of the strandline wash ashore: 70% algae and 30% driftwood and other macro-debris. The seaweed contributes to the vegetative growth at the upper parts of the beaches, enriching the ecosystem and aiding in dune formation.

The strandline (laisse de mer) is fundamental to the beach’s food chain and ecosystem. It symbolizes a healthy, clean beach and must be preserved.

Coastal wardens from the Belle-Île Community of Communes manually remove macro-debris such as jerrycans, nets, and plastic bottles, which pose significant threats to wildlife. During the summer, beaches are cleaned daily, and in the winter, this occurs weekly.

You, too, can help protect the beach ecosystem! Be sure to pick up your waste (like bottles, paper, and cigarette butts) or gather any litter you come across during your walk. This small effort can make a big difference in maintaining the beauty and health of these natural spaces.

Les Grands Sables

An ideal spot for water sports!

Belle-Ile’s watersports basecamp

Not the lounging-around type? Worry not! Les Grands Sables is host to a variety of watersports, from paddleboarding and Hobie Cat rentals to kayaking and windsurfing, ensuring there’s something for everyone.

Discover the world of sailing or perfect your windsurf technique with Horizon Sailing School, or paddle board along Belle-Ile’s idyllic interior coast with Ty School!

Want to take the plunge?

Trust them!

Ecole de voile : Belle-Ile Horizon

Ecole de Stand Up Paddleboard : Ty School

Location de bateaux : Belle-Ile Horizon

Surfcasting is allowed outside of swimming hours, and the best anglers will bring back sole and sea bass!

House of Nature / CPIE

Stopover at the Grands Sables

Although a foodtruck may serve you on the Sailing School parking in July and August, you’ll have to make your way to Locmaria for a proper meal. As for accommodation, the area offers plenty of options, including campsites, holiday rentals, and even a holiday residence!