Sandy coves and turquoise waters in Fouesnant
Beg Meil, which means "tip of the mill" in Breton, is a peninsula in Fouesnant about fifteen kilometres south of Quimper. A seaside resort since the Belle Époque, where Marcel Proust once stayed, it has kept all its charm: handsome villas tucked into lush gardens, shady lanes leading down to sandy coves and crystal-clear waters you could easily mistake for the Mediterranean.
Beg Meil in pictures: coves, trails and village
⭐ 4.5/5 Visitor reviews (Google, Tripadvisor)
⭐ "Turquoise coves that feel like the Caribbean. A true little Breton paradise."
- Marion D.⭐ "A lovely, peaceful spot with a wonderfully wild coastline. The coves are stunning and never crowded."
- Philippe R.⭐ "The coastal paths offer incredible views. Bot Conan cove is a well-kept secret!"
- Isabelle L.
Free parking and access to the coves
Address: Beg Meil, 29170 Fouesnant
By car
From Fouesnant, follow signs to Beg Meil along the main road. A free car park is located in the centre of the village, close to the boat slipway and local shops. From this central point, waymarked paths lead in every direction, and you can reach any cove within a 5 to 15-minute walk.
Once you have parked, you will not need the car again: everything is best explored on foot.
By bus and bicycle
The BreizhGo network serves Fouesnant. From the bus stop, it is about 5 km by bike to Beg Meil. Cycle paths connect the peninsula to the rest of the town.
Dogs on the coves: summer rules
Dogs are not allowed on the beaches and coves from 1 June to 30 September. Outside this period, they are welcome on the sand. The GR34 coastal path remains open all year round to dogs on a lead, making it an excellent way to enjoy the shoreline with your four-legged friend, even in the height of summer.
Turquoise waters and safe swimming
The coves at Beg Meil face south and south-west, well sheltered from the wind by maritime pines and rocks. The waters are calm and shallow, ideal for swimming with the family.
- Crique des Oiseaux: the most popular, with fine sand and shallow water, perfect for young children
- Lantecoste: 5 minutes from the centre, calm water and a sheltered setting
- La Roche Percée: a spectacular natural arch, especially at high tide
- Bot Conan: a secret, unspoilt cove and a firm favourite with locals
- Les Dunes, Lanroz, Kerambigorn: a string of coves to explore over several days
Check the tide times to make the most of each cove.
Coastal path, kayaking and boat trips
The GR34 (customs officers' trail) crosses the peninsula and links Beg Meil to Cap Coz along roughly 6 km of family-friendly trail through pine woods, heathland and rocky coastline. Allow 2 to 3 hours with time to stop and take in the views.
The Beg Meil slipway is the departure point for the Glénan archipelago in season (Vedettes de l'Odet ferries). It is also a popular spot for sea kayaking, diving and sailing.
Crêperies, restaurants and ice cream shops in Beg Meil
The village of Beg Meil has everything you need for a great meal:
- Crêperie de Kervastard: the oldest crêperie in Fouesnant (since 1936). Buckwheat galettes, sweet crêpes, craft cider. Sunny terrace. 22 rue des Glénan. Tel: 02 98 94 96 16.
- La Cabane Beg Meil: lounge bar-restaurant with cocktails, tapas, oysters and seafood. Relaxed atmosphere, cosy terrace. Rating: 4.3/5. 31 rue des Glénan.
- Artisan ice cream shop in the village: homemade ice cream to enjoy while strolling along the slipway. A Beg Meil summer classic.
The Beg Meil market takes place every Wednesday morning in summer, on the Kervastard car park: local producers, artisans and Breton specialities.
Your stay between the coves and the Baie de la Forêt
Our holiday rentals at Cap Coz are just 10 minutes' drive from Beg Meil, and the two are linked by the GR34 coastal path. You get the best of Fouesnant: the hidden coves of Beg Meil, the long sandy beach at Cap Coz and the Glénan archipelago, reachable by boat.
