Trestraou Beach
White sand, turquoise water, and a ferry to wild islands
About
Plage de Trestraou stretches 1.4 km along the northern coast of Perros-Guirec, its white sand meeting genuinely turquoise water in a way that surprises first-time visitors to Brittany. The beach faces north, which keeps the light clean and the horizon open — you're looking straight out toward the Sept-Îles archipelago, visible on clear days. It's a lively town beach with a casino landmark anchoring one end and a pier where ferries depart for the protected seabird reserve offshore. Full facilities mean you won't go without: lifeguards, showers, and a promenade that hums all summer long.
How to get there
Trestraou sits just five minutes from Perros-Guirec centre by car or bus. The bus runs Monday to Saturday every three hours — handy but plan around the timetable. Large car parks sit near the casino and promenade; parking is paid during July and August, free outside that period. Access to the beach itself is easy, with a promenade and a dedicated ramp; a beach wheelchair is available seasonally from the mairie.
Who it's for
For couples
An evening stroll along the promenade with the casino lit up and the Sept-Îles fading into the dusk makes for a quietly romantic end to the day — book a table at La Goélette and linger over it.
For families
Supervised swimming zones, easy beach access with a wheelchair ramp, and full on-site facilities take the logistical stress out of a family beach day — just remember dogs aren't allowed in summer, and keep children inside the flagged swim areas given the current risk.
Our take
Strong currents are possible at Trestraou — always swim inside the supervised zones and take lifeguard flags seriously, regardless of how calm the water looks. That caveat stated, this is one of northern Brittany's most rewarding town beaches: 1,400 metres of white sand, turquoise water that defies the latitude, and a ferry pier that puts a UNESCO-level seabird reserve within easy reach. The north-facing aspect keeps the light photogenic and the horizon dramatic. It gets busy in July and August — that's the trade-off for the facilities and the location. Come in June or early September and you get almost everything with noticeably fewer people. Avoid November through February: Atlantic storms hit an exposed north-facing coast hard, and there's little to gain from the visit.
What to do
The unmissable move is boarding a ferry from Trestraou pier to the Sept-Îles Archipelago, 8 km offshore — a protected reserve home to a gannet colony and remarkable seabird diversity. Four kilometres away, Plage de Saint-Guirec at Ploumanac'h offers iconic pink granite rock formations and a small oratory chapel right on the beach. Walkers can follow the GR34 coastal path to the red granite lighthouse at Ploumanac'h (Men Ruz), about 5 km out, for sweeping views back toward Trestraou.
Stand at the Trestraou pier looking back along the full 800-metre arc of white sand with the casino in the background — best in early morning before the beach fills.
The ferry departure point also frames the Sept-Îles on the horizon, giving you a shot that captures both the beach and the wild archipelago beyond.
Where to eat
Ker Bleu and Chez Édouard — a brasserie doubling as a pizza spot — are both within 200 metres of the beach and cover most moods. A crêperie, La Brocherie, and La Goélette are all within 300 metres if you want to eat your way along the promenade. Between them you have solid options without walking far from the sand.
Where to stay
Hôtel Ker Mor is the closest option at 200 metres, followed by Best Western Les Bains and the design hotel L'Agapa, both around 300 metres away. For a longer stay with a wellness angle, Thermes marins de Perros-Guirec is 400 metres out and offers thalassotherapy. Pierre & Vacances at 500 metres suits families wanting self-catering flexibility.
Photography
Shoot from the pier at golden hour for a wide frame of white sand, turquoise water, and the Sept-Îles silhouette on the horizon. The casino facade and promenade make a strong foreground element in morning light before the beach fills.
Good to know
Dogs are prohibited on the beach during the summer season, so leave them at the accommodation. Swim only within the supervised zones marked in season — strong currents are possible and the Atlantic swell is moderate, meaning conditions can change faster than they look from the shore. Do not dismiss the current risk: stay inside the flagged areas and heed lifeguard instructions at all times. Arrive early in high season to secure a good spot on the sand before the beach fills up.
Map
Nearby places
Ker Bleu
Chez Édouard
Crêperie
La Brocherie
La Goélette
Hôtel Ker Mor
Best Western Les Bains
L'Agapa
Thermes marins de Perros-Guirec
Pierre & Vacances
Sept-Îles Archipelago
Plage de Saint-Guirec, Ploumanac'h
Phare de Ploumanac'h (Men Ruz)
Things to see around Perros-Guirec
Sept-Îles Archipelago
Protected seabird reserve with gannet colony; ferry departs from Trestraou pier
Plage de Saint-Guirec, Ploumanac'h
Iconic pink granite beach with oratory chapel
Phare de Ploumanac'h (Men Ruz)
Red granite lighthouse accessible on foot via GR34
Frequently asked
The information on this page is provided for guidance only and may evolve. Access conditions, safety and infrastructure can change without notice. Always check official sources before traveling.
Nearest beaches
Other lively beaches in France
More beaches in Brittany
Reviews of this beach
- No reviews yet, what a shame — leave yours and share your experience.
Photo credits
Sources and licenses for the photos shown above.
- Photo 1 — Olivier Bruchez · source · CC BY-SA 2.0
- Photo 2 — Olivier Bruchez · source · CC BY-SA 2.0
- Photo 3 — Globetrotteur17.. · source · CC BY-SA 2.0
- Photo 4 — Allie_Caulfield · source · CC BY 2.0
- Photo 5 — Besenbinder · source · CC BY-SA 3.0
- Photo 6 — neyssensas · source · CC BY-SA 2.0