Carantec is one of those villages that rose to prominence in the 20th century as a popular getaway for well-off city dwellers. Despite the many Parisians who own vacation homes here, Carantec is not a fancy seaside resort like Deauville in Normandy, Biarritz in the Basque Country, or Saint-Tropez on the Côte d’Azur. The high cliffs on which Carantec sits leave no room for a flashy promenade.
You won’t find designer boutiques or luxury limousines in the compact center of Carantec, and certainly no tourist crowds. The town’s charm is more discreet and elegant than ostentatious. Its most spectacular features are the beaches, which offer sea lovers free, relaxed access for strolling, swimming, or simply lying in the sand.
Beaches in Carantec
La Grève Blanche is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful beaches in Brittany. The westernmost of Carantec’s beaches is not very long, but the sand is fine and largely free of seaweed, making it the most pleasant for swimming. La Grève Blanche is bordered by a cluster of rocks to the east, and to the west, visitors’ eyes are drawn to Île Callot.
No mention of Carantec’s beaches would be complete without Île Callot. This tidal island is the cherry on top of Carantec. Accessible only at low tide via a paved road connecting it to the mainland, only select vehicles are permitted to cross, otherwise, it’s a pedestrian paradise. A path leads across the narrow island to its tip, where after a relaxed 10-minute walk, visitors reach a tiny chapel on a hill, Callot’s main attraction. From the hill, there’s a stunning view of Saint-Pol-de-Léon, located between Carantec and Roscoff. The silhouette is especially impressive at sunset, when the sky glows with soft orange or vibrant violet hues.
A beachside webcam provides a wonderful live view over the stretch facing Île Callot and toward Saint-Pol-de-Léon.
Plage du Kelenn
Kelenn is Carantec’s main beach, a clean, wide stretch of sand accessible via a steep road from the town center. On sunny days, it’s the liveliest beach. In addition to three restaurants, you’ll find a sailing school, the “Club Mickey” during summer holidays (where entertainers look after kids of all ages), and options to rent boats or kayaks. Speaking of boats, tours to Château Taureau depart from Kelenn.
More Beach Adventures
The fortress sits on an island in the middle of the Bay of Morlaix. In the Middle Ages, Château Taureau served as a military outpost to defend against repeated English invasions of nearby Morlaix, and later as a prison.
You can also spot the castle from the neighboring beach, which bears the exotic name Tahiti. While Brittany’s typical drizzly weather may not conjure South Pacific vibes, Tahiti Beach is a great swimming spot on warmer days.
Whether under bright sunshine or cloud cover, Le Clouet is always quieter than Kelenn or Grève Blanche. Located on the eastern side of Carantec, it offers views of the sea inlet near Morlaix. Le Clouet is a long, narrow beach, ideal for a peaceful stroll. Behind the beach, lined with tall, old trees, lies Carantec’s golf course.
The beaches are all connected. Where the path doesn’t follow the shoreline, it winds along the cliffs, offering magnificent sea views and passing through the village center. To experience the full beauty of Carantec, start at Grève Blanche, continue east through the center to Kelenn, and finish the tour at Le Clouet.
Restaurants in Carantec
Not every town can claim this: Carantec is home to Patrick Jeffroy, one of the world’s top 300 restaurants. Its namesake, Michelin-starred chef Patrick Jeffroy, left Paris for the north coast of Finistère. Unsurprisingly, the fine cuisine comes at a price, menus range from €50 to €138. On market days, the chef is often seen personally selecting ingredients early in the morning. Afterwards, a special market menu with ultra-fresh produce is offered for around €40. And it’s not just the food that’s exceptional, the view from L’hôtel de Carantec, overlooking Kelenn Beach and the Bay of Morlaix, is just as memorable.
Another great dining option is L’Abri du Pêcheur. In addition, the three restaurants at Kelenn offer solid French and Breton cuisine. Choosing galettes, crêpes, or moules frites (mussels with fries) is always a safe bet, and budget-friendly too.
Image: Comité Régional du Tourisme de Bretagne | © Alexandre Lamoureux