La Mine d'Or beach
Located in the picturesque department of Morbihan, right on the southern edge of Brittany, La Mine d'Or beach is a hidden gem. Nearby lies the charming resort village of Pénestin, renowned not only for its breathtaking golden cliffs that embrace the village from the sea but also for its distinctive mine. This site was once the heart of gold mining activities in the 19th century, adding a touch of historical intrigue to your beach vacation.
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Beach description
The two-kilometer-long beachline is covered with sand mixed with fine pebbles and is flanked by ochre-colored clay cliffs on the landward side. At low tide, the beach becomes wide and comfortable, offering ample space for everyone. However, during high tide, vacationers must stay close to the rocks, which can be quite dangerous due to the potential for rockfalls or soil collapse. To ensure the safety of tourists on the beach, three rescue stations have been established, vigilantly monitoring the situation until sunset.
Moreover, the beach is ideal for a tranquil and serene vacation, unmarred by the trappings of civilization. There are no sunbeds, umbrellas, or beach cabins here, but toilets are conveniently located near the parking lots. On the southern side, a fresh stream emerges from beneath the cliffs, serving both as a shower and a source of drinking water.
The sea is warm and shallow, albeit slightly turbid due to the clay particles in the sand. The sea bottom and its inhabitants become visible during low tide: crabs, oysters, starfish, and the elusive sea urchins concealed among the rocks. Therefore, it is advisable to collect seafood wearing protective footwear, while also heeding the special flags at the rescue stations that warn of the incoming tide.
But the crowning feature of this locale is the ideal conditions for paragliding, thanks to the low, accessible cliffs that are easy to launch from, even for beginners. Additionally, the winds blow in favorable directions, allowing athletes to glide along the coast without being carried far out to sea.
When is the best time to go?
The French Atlantic coastline is a splendid destination for beach enthusiasts, offering a blend of beautiful landscapes, cultural experiences, and maritime pleasures. Determining the best time to visit for a beach vacation depends on several factors, including weather preferences and crowd tolerance.
- Summer (June to August): This is the peak season, with the warmest weather and the most sunshine. July and August are particularly busy, as both international tourists and locals flock to the beaches. If you enjoy a vibrant atmosphere and don't mind the crowds, this is the ideal time to soak up the sun and enjoy water activities.
- Spring (April to June): The weather begins to warm up, making it a pleasant time for those looking to avoid the summer crowds. The water might still be a bit cool for swimming, but it's a great time for beach walks and enjoying the coastal scenery.
- Early Fall (September to October): The water remains warm enough for swimming, and the summer crowds have dissipated. This period offers a more tranquil beach experience with mild weather, ideal for those seeking relaxation.
Ultimately, the best time for a beach vacation on the French Atlantic coast is late June through early September, when the weather is most conducive to beach activities and the ocean is invitingly warm.
Video: Beach La Mine d'Or
Infrastructure
A paved road leads from the village to the beach, supported by a modest parking area. Nearby, there are cafés and diners close to the beach. Further on, within the clay cliffs, an improvised passageway has been carved out, leading to a white dirt track that winds down to the shore. It culminates in a small observation deck, shielded by massive boulders on the seaside.
All the main infrastructure is situated above the beach, at a safe distance from the cliffs. Visitors can find cafés, restaurants, sports equipment and bicycle rentals, paragliding centers, and even a horse-racing club. Due to the peculiarities of the landscape, high-rise construction is prohibited on the edge of the slope, ensuring that hotels are not located directly on the waterfront. The closest hotel to the beach is Hotel L'Ancre d'Or, situated a mere hundred meters from the entrance to Plage de la Mine d'Or. This quaint two-story building boasts a spacious terrace enveloped by lush, flowering hydrangeas. Cozy and comfortable, the rooms are equipped with expansive balconies offering sea views. As an added treat, the host serenades guests with his own songs in the evenings. Adjacent to the hotel is a renowned restaurant, with breakfast included in the stay.
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Tourists resting in Penestin should definitely visit the unique surroundings of this village. This can be done by yourself, but it is better to book one of the numerous travel agencies of Entre mer et Vilaine - a seven-kilometer walk along the coast with a professional guide. He will walk through the most picturesque places, show the abandone gold mine and other local attraction. The group will then stop at the scenic estuary where the fresh water of the Vilein River is mixed with the salt sea water. There you can observe the rare birds nesting in these places, as well as taste the famous local oysters, which are grown here on the sea farms. And by the evening, tourists will have an unforgettable experience – the orange mountains in the sunset turn into fantastic gold bars, which spread their magical shine over many kilometers. It is worth noting that it is an exclusively hiking trip, for cycling enthusiasts there is another route – Vélocéan, which can also be purchased in any tour operator.
Another interesting excursion is a boat trip to the mussel and oyster farms with free champagne and dinner cooked of freshly picked shellfish. And, of course, all the vacationers in Penestine need at least once to make a paragliding flight under the professional supervision of experienced instructors of the center "Golden Wings".