Counting the waves…
Counting the waves…
Landrellec doesn't announce itself. You follow a narrow lane through Pleumeur-Bodou, past stone farmhouses and hedgerows thick with blackberry bramble, until the trees open onto a small car park and a glimpse of open water. The beach unfolds in a gentle crescent, its sand fine and pale, bordered by rounded boulders that have been smoothed by centuries of tide. At low water, the bay reveals a vast expanse of ribbed sand and tidal pools where families crouch with nets, hunting shrimp and small crabs that skitter between ribbons of kelp. The appeal lies in what's missing: no beach clubs, no parade of umbrellas, no loudspeakers announcing paddle-board rentals. A few fishing boats rest on trailers near the slipway. Gulls wheel overhead. In the distance, the silhouettes of Île Milliau and Île Molène rise from the water, and on clear evenings the sun drops behind them, painting the western sky in shades of apricot and bruised plum. The sea here is mild, protected by the bay's wide embrace, and even in June the water carries the bracing chill of the Atlantic. You bring your own provisions—a baguette from the morning market, rillettes, a bottle of cidre bouché—and claim a stretch of sand near the rocks. Teenagers leap from the low granite shelves. A man in waders checks his nets. By the time you leave, your feet are crusted with salt and your hair smells of iodine and wind, and you've already planned to return tomorrow.
Places, rentals, tours and events within walking and driving distance of Plage de Landrellec.
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Plage de Landrellec is generally considered family-friendly with calm waters, especially at low tide when shallow pools form among the rocks. The beach has a gentle slope and is partially sheltered, making it suitable for children. However, like all Brittany beaches, be mindful of tides and currents. There are no lifeguards on duty, so supervision is essential. The rocky areas can be slippery, so water shoes are recommended. Check tide times before visiting, as the beach character changes significantly between high and low tide.
Plage de Landrellec can be enjoyed year-round, though July and August offer the warmest weather for swimming (16-18°C water temperature). Spring and autumn provide pleasant conditions with fewer crowds, ideal for coastal walks and photography. The beach faces northwest, making it exceptional for sunset viewing, particularly during summer evenings. Low tide reveals fascinating rock formations and tidal pools. Winter visits offer dramatic scenery and solitude, though weather can be unpredictable. For the best beach experience, visit during mid-to-low tide when more sand is exposed.
Plage de Landrellec is located in Pleumeur-Bodou, between the coastal towns of Trégastel and Trébeurden. By car, follow the D788 coastal road and turn onto the D21 toward Landrellec. There is a free parking area near the beach, though spaces can be limited during peak summer season. The beach is accessible via a short path from the car park. Public transport options are limited; driving is recommended. The location is approximately 10 kilometers from Lannion, the nearest town with a train station.
Plage de Landrellec is a quieter beach with limited on-site facilities. There are no beach clubs or restaurants directly on the sand, so bringing provisions is advisable. However, the nearby village of Pleumeur-Bodou has small shops and restaurants within a short drive. For more dining options, the coastal towns of Trébeurden and Trégastel (both within 5 kilometers) offer numerous seafood restaurants, crêperies, and cafés. Accommodations range from vacation rentals to hotels in surrounding communities. Basic amenities like public toilets may be available at the parking area.
Plage de Landrellec offers a more tranquil, less touristy alternative to its famous neighbors. Unlike the dramatic pink granite boulders of Trégastel or the wider sandy stretches of Trébeurden, Landrellec features a charming mix of sand and rock formations in a quieter setting. The beach's position between these two popular destinations means fewer crowds while maintaining scenic Côtes-d'Armor beauty. It's ideal for visitors seeking peaceful coastal scenery, sunset photography, and rock pool exploration without the commercial development found at larger nearby beaches.
