Plage de Trestraou sits at the eastern edge of Perros-Guirec in Côtes-d'Armor, a sheltered crescent of 700 metres of fine sand framed by the dramatic pink granite headlands that define the Côte de Granit Rose. The beach faces roughly northeast into the Bay of Perros, which limits swell and provides calm conditions suited to swimming and sailing. At low tide a broad expanse of ribbed sand is exposed, popular with children exploring rock pools at the flanking headlands. A sailing school has operated from Trestraou for decades, running courses for all ages from July through August. The beachfront is neat and well maintained, with a café, toilets, and a small promenade of seasonal shops. The beach holds a Blue Flag designation and lifeguards are posted in high season. A network of coastal walking paths links Trestraou to the famous Sept-Îles archipelago viewpoints and to the smaller coves of the Côte de Granit Rose. Boat trips to the Sept-Îles nature reserve — home to a large gannet colony as well as puffins and grey seals — depart from the nearby Trestraou port, making the beach a practical hub for wildlife excursions on the north Breton coast. The town of Perros-Guirec stretches back from the beachfront with a full range of accommodation, restaurants, and weekly markets. Lannion, the nearest large town with TER rail connections to Rennes, is 12 km inland and reachable in 20 minutes by car.
Amenities
- Lifeguards Jul–Aug
- Sailing school
- Café
- Toilets
- Blue Flag
Good to know
- Best for
- families, swimmers, wildlife-watchers, couples
Location
Boulevard Joseph Le Bihan, 22700 Perros-Guirec
48.8084, -3.4380 View on map
Highlights
- 700 m of sheltered sand backed by the iconic pink granite cliffs of the Côte de Granit Rose
- Sailing school operating throughout the summer for children and adults
- Departure point for wildlife boat trips to the Sept-Îles gannets and puffins
- Blue Flag beach with lifeguards in July–August and rock pools at the headland fringes
Tips for visiting
- Book the Sept-Îles boat trip early in summer — departures from Trestraou port sell out by mid-morning
- The western headland has excellent rock pools exposed at low tide — good for an hour of exploration with children
- Parking at Place du Trestraou is metered in summer; arrive before 9 am or after 6 pm for the easiest space
- Perros-Guirec market runs on Thursday mornings — combine an early market visit with an afternoon on the beach
When to visit
June to September for swimming and sailing. Late May offers the pink granite coastline without crowds. Sept-Îles wildlife trips run April through October.
Frequently asked questions
How do visitors reach Plage de Trestraou from Rennes?
Take a TER train to Lannion (approximately 2 hours 20 minutes from Rennes), then drive or take a taxi the 12 km to Perros-Guirec. There is no direct public transport from Lannion to the beach.
What wildlife can be seen from the beach?
The Sept-Îles archipelago, visible offshore, hosts France's only mainland gannet colony as well as puffins, razorbills, and grey seals. Boat trips depart from the nearby port and last around two hours.
Is the water calm enough for children to swim?
Yes. The bay orientation provides sheltered conditions with little swell, making Trestraou one of the calmer north Brittany beaches. Lifeguards are on duty in July and August.
Are there restaurants near the beach?
A café operates directly on the beachfront and a small cluster of restaurants and crêperies lines the promenade directly behind the beach. The town centre of Perros-Guirec is a short walk away with a wider choice.