Brittany is well-known for her seaside resorts and cities, for gorgeous beaches and excellent surfing. Those who want to enjoy a vacation in Brittany, therefore, will have plenty of different destinations – each with their own charms and unique selling points to recommend them. Lately, however, we have a bit of a thing for the pretty seaside town of Carnac, on a peninsula on the southern coast of Brittany, halfway between the medieval town of Vannes and the seaside resort of Quiberon. Boasting a long history, several gorgeous beaches, ample activities to enjoy, wonderful wellness facilities, and some interesting local sights and attractions, Carnac is a popular tourist destination for good reason.
The three main things for which the area is known are, without a doubt: the beaches, the Carnac Stones, and the spas, so here is a guide to the main attractions that make booking a vacation rental in Carnac a great idea!
The Beaches
There are five beaches to choose from if you have booked a holiday rental in Carnac and are spending time in the area. The largest of these, stretching 2km long, is the Grande Plage de Carnac. It is also an accessible beach with adapted facilities, floating wheelchairs, and certified personnel in July and August to accompany those bathing, ensuring that visitors with reduced mobility will also be able to enjoy a day on the beach. As a result, it has received the "tourism and disability" national classification. Along this strand, you will also find Carnac’s yacht club, where you can try various water sports activities even if you don’t own a yacht, including sailing, SUP, sea kayaking, windsurfing, and diving. There are lots of facilities as well, to make your day at the beach all the more enjoyable and relaxing, including nearby bars and restaurants, bathrooms, changing rooms and showers, and a kids’ beach club with activities in July and August. With soft white sands and the clean and crystal clear waters for which the beaches of Carnac are renowned, as well as a lifeguard on duty in the summer and so many amenities and activities to hand, this Blue Flag beach is ideal for families.
The other beaches in the area include the two coves of Légenèse and Ty Bihan, which are more private and not as busy as the main beach but still boast free parking, toilets and showers, summer beach clubs for babies and children, swimming lessons, games, water trampolines, and more. Légenèse, furthermore, offers morning fitness classes for adults. Beaumer Beach, on the edge of town, meanwhile, is known for its shallow waters and rock pools where you can hunt for shellfish at low tide and children can swim safely at high tide. Finally, there is Saint Colomban, the beach that faces west and is where those looking to get into the town’s beloved activity of windsurfing can try it out and enthusiasts alike can enjoy the sport. Another Blue Flag gem with lifeguards on duty, it has bathrooms, showers, free parking, lessons in windsurfing, and rentals of windsurfing and kitesurfing equipment.
The Carnac Stones
A rather striking and curious sight in town and one of the things for which Carnac is so well-known is the Carnac Stones. While rows of Neolithic stones called alignments are the most iconic element, the name the Carnac Stones actually refers to a collection of different megalithic sites including the alignments as well as stone tombs called dolmens, burial mounds called tumuli, and standing stones called menhirs. More than 3,000 standing stones made of the local granite can be found, making this the largest collection of its kind in the world. Largely dating to the period 3300BC and with some going as far back as 4500BC, these ancient wonders are a sight to behold! There is a museum dedicated to the site and you can take guided tours as well but outside the summer months, from October to March, you can actually freely visit the sites. From April to September, they can only be viewed when on guided tours. In fact, the very name Carnac comes from the Celtic word, “Karn”, meaning stone or rock.
The Spas
Like several other towns in France, Carnac is renowned as a perfect spa town destination. So, if you decide to book a villa in Carnac and you are looking to properly unwind and treat yourself, be sure to seek out the various spa facilities that are available in town. Around Carnac, there are all sorts of different businesses and types of therapies to choose from and everything from cosmetic procedures to therapeutic practices to ease old aches and pains and/or health concerns. From 100% organic thalassotherapy and marine spas in unspoilt environments, to massages and facials, to yoga on the beach – there’s something for everyone. Enjoy days at the beach with the family, marvel at history but then be sure to treat yourself as well – just let your stress and worries melt away!
With all sorts of activities and attractions, truly something for everyone, the most gorgeous and peaceful surroundings, and a wonderfully slow pace of life, Carnac is a perfect holiday destination on the coast in France, particularly for those travelling as a family and with kids. Book your vacation rental in Carnac today and then be sure to come and enjoy a dream getaway along the coast on your next holiday in France with Easy Reserve.
