The Victorians on both sides of the English Channel fell in love with this salt-whipped part of Brittany – and it’s not hard to see why. With its wide, sandy beaches, yacht-dotted harbours and medieval past, Saint-Briac-sur-Mer makes for the perfect seaside getaway.
BEACHES
Named for its shimmering green waters, Saint-Briac’s Côte d’Émeraude (Emerald Coast) will easily cast its spell. All you have to do is choose where to lay your towel. There’s the picturesque Plage du Perron, which leads out to a tiny islet at low tide. The Plage du Bechet, with its retro beach hut vibe. Or chic St. Lunaire, great if you have little ones in tow.
HISTORY
Saint-Briac-sur-Mer’s history is brimming with swashbuckling pirates and tales of the sea. St. Malo makes for an alluring start, with its imposing port walls and Gothic cathedral. You could explore the charming cobblestone streets of medieval Dinan, or visit Saint-Briac-sur-Mer’s 17th-century church. Mont Saint-Michel in nearby Normandy is certainly worth a day out: clustered on a tiny outcrop, it makes for one of the most spellbinding sights in northern France.
FOOD & DRINK
Everything delicious in Saint-Briac-sur-Mer seems to start with a ‘c’. Tuck into hearty crêpes with salted butter. Wash them down with cider, whether sparkling, sharp or sweet. If the temperature drops, a glass of cognac is never far away. This part of Brittany is also home to ‘chouchen’ – a delicious type of mead made from fermented honey.
Keep your eyes peeled for people taking part in pêche à pied (literally ‘fishing on foot’) – favoured by locals, it involves collecting mussels and clams from the seashore when the tide is out.