Trévignon's hidden cove
La Baleine Beach is a white-sand cove roughly 200 metres long, nestled at the foot of Trévignon lighthouse on land protected by the Conservatoire du Littoral. Its iconic whale-shaped rock, turquoise and emerald waters and granite formations create an almost Mediterranean landscape. One of the most photogenic beaches in Finistère, it is mainly frequented by locals. 30 minutes from Fouesnant.
La Baleine in pictures
⭐ 4.7/5 22 reviews (MonSwim)
⭐ "Dazzling white sand and emerald water. One of the most beautiful beaches in Finistère, you'd think you were in the south of France."
Nathalie R., MonSwim⭐ "A little paradise of a beach, mostly visited by locals. The whale-shaped rock is impressive, the children love it."
Laurent M., Google Maps⭐ "Unspoilt cove at the foot of the lighthouse, an exceptional setting. Crystal-clear water and pristine sand."
Bretagne-Bretons.fr
Parking and beach access
La Baleine Beach is reached from the car park at Pointe de Trévignon (free, around 80 spaces). From the car park, a 5-minute footpath follows the coast to the cove, passing through dunes and coastal vegetation. The path offers lovely views of the lighthouse and the sea. Public toilets are available at the harbour car park.
By car
From Trégunc, head for "Pointe de Trévignon" via the D1. The car park facing the harbour is at the end of the road. In peak summer, arrive before 10:00 AM or use the overflow car park on the route de la Corniche (300 metres back). From Concarneau: 10 minutes. From Fouesnant: 30 minutes.
Via the coastal path
La Baleine is accessible via the GR34 from Pointe de Trévignon (5 min on foot) or from Kersidan Beach by walking west along the coast (20 min, 1.5 km). This is one of the finest stretches of the coastal path in the area.
Visiting with your dog
La Baleine Beach is part of the Conservatoire du Littoral site: dogs are banned all year round, with no exceptions. This permanent ban is in place to protect the area's biodiversity (seabird nesting on the dunes). Fine for non-compliance: €38.
Alternative: Kersidan Beach (1.5 km to the east) allows dogs from 1 October to 31 May. The GR34 coastal path outside the lagoon area is also open to dogs on a lead.
Swimming safely
La Baleine cove faces south-east, sheltered from the prevailing westerly winds by the rocks of the headland. This gives it a mild microclimate: the water is often calmer here than on the open beaches nearby. Sea temperature reaches 18 to 20 °C in July and August, with possible peaks around 21 °C during prolonged warm spells.
The beach is lifeguard-patrolled from 15 June to 15 September (hours posted on site, typically 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM). Toilets are available nearby. Bathing water is monitored by the ARS with fortnightly samples throughout the summer. The quality rating has consistently been "Excellent".
The water is shallow near the shore, ideal for children. Further out, currents can form around the rocks, so stay within the patrolled area. The Trégunc coastline is largely free from green algae, unlike some bays in northern Finistère. Check tide times on maree.info.
Exploring the rock pools at low tide
At low tide, the granite formations framing the beach reveal a network of rock pools hiding starfish, anemones, small crabs, shrimps and sea urchins. This is a wonderful activity for curious children: bring a small net and a bucket and go exploring. Please return all creatures to their habitat before you leave.
Shellfish gathering is permitted as long as you respect the minimum size regulations (notices displayed on the beach in summer). Clams, winkles and cockles can be found in the sandy foreshore between the rocks. Remember to replace any stones and return creatures to their habitat before you leave.
Trévignon lighthouse just above
La Baleine Beach stretches out below Trévignon's white and green lighthouse, built in 1924. From the beach, the view of the lighthouse is spectacular, especially in the late afternoon when the low sun gilds the granite. The lighthouse marks the entrance to the bay of Concarneau and remains a landmark for sailors. It is not open to visitors, but the path around it offers a 360° panorama of the sea, the harbour and the Glénan Islands.
Restaurants nearby
The restaurants are at Trévignon harbour, a 5-minute walk from the beach.
Crêperie La Marinière
Type: Breton crêperie
Address: 1690 Hent Feunteun Aodou, Pointe de Trévignon
Phone: 02 98 50 03 62
Hours: Daily from 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM in season
Rating: ⭐ 4.3/5 (620 Google reviews)
Price: €8 to €15 per galette
Sea-view terrace, generous galettes, moules-frites. The must-visit spot on the headland.
Le Casier
Type: Brasserie, seafood
Address: 35 rue du Port, 29910 Trégunc
Phone: 02 98 50 01 68
Hours: 7 days a week in season, 10:00 AM to midnight (food served 12:00 PM–3:00 PM and 7:00 PM–10:00 PM). Off season, closed Thursdays.
Rating: ⭐ 4.5/5 (1,161 Google reviews)
Price: €15 to €30
Harbourside brasserie with ocean views. Trévignon langoustines, cotriade fish stew, Angus bavette steak, sharing boards. Homemade chocolate for the crêpes. Booking recommended in summer.
Le Pass Port
Type: Café-restaurant, crêperie, ice cream parlour
Address: 250 rue du Port, 29910 Trégunc
Phone: 09 82 21 81 90
Hours: Thursday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM (food served 12:00 PM–2:00 PM and 7:00 PM–9:00 PM)
Rating: ⭐ 4.2/5 (1,500+ Google reviews)
Price: €10 to €20
Panoramic views of the Glénan Islands and the bay of Concarneau. Moules-frites, fish and chips, crêpes, homemade ice cream. Relaxed family atmosphere. Wheelchair accessible.
Where to stay nearby
Our sea-view apartments at Cap Coz are a 30-minute drive from La Baleine Beach, along the coastal road that follows the bay of Concarneau.
