The Most Beautiful Beaches of Groix (including the famous convex beach!)

15 October 2025

Are you looking for the most beautiful beach on Groix to lay down your towel? The island off Lorient hosts an astonishing variety of coves and stretches of sand: family-friendly, wild, or hidden, they charm all travelers seeking relaxation and nature. Here is our selection of beaches not to be missed during a day (or a longer stay) on the island, with access tips and good practices.

1. Grands Sables Beach — the convex star

A long white sandy beach, Grands Sables is famous for being one of the few convex beaches in Europe: a unique, shifting shape giving it an “exotic” feel in Brittany. Very spacious even at high tide, it attracts families, swimmers, and sunbathers. Accessible on foot from Port-Tudy via the coastal path (about 45 minutes) or faster by bike, it is supervised during the season and has seasonal facilities.

Practical tip: In high season, favor morning or late afternoon outside weekends for a calmer atmosphere; bring water and a parasol, as shade is scarce.

2. Les Sables Rouges — a surprising mineral palette

Located on the east of Groix, Les Sables Rouges beach owes its name to the garnet hue of some sands and rocks — a stunning contrast with turquoise water on sunny days. The effect is even more striking in winter as the phenomenon occurs more often. A perfect small stop along the coastal path, ideal for a photo or picnic.

Access: The beach is about an hour’s walk from Port-Tudy or fifteen minutes by bike. It is very easy to reach by car.

3. Port-Mélite — family beach and water activities

Port-Mélite beach is supervised in season (July and August). It is especially popular with swimming enthusiasts because it is sheltered, and it delights children in summer thanks to the nautical center offering kayak rentals and activities.

Access: The beach is about a half-hour walk from Port-Tudy. It has an access ramp, convenient for families and people with reduced mobility.

4. The Coves of Pointe des Chats — for snorkeling and lunar landscapes

Pointe des Chats, located in the southeast of the island, and its coves offer a unique rocky landscape and rich underwater environments for snorkeling. These coves are wilder: ideal for those seeking tranquility and underwater discoveries (beware of currents and tides).

5. Small Beaches and Hidden Treasures — Porh Koustic, Pen Ganol, Porh Skeudoul…

Along the coastal path, more than fifteen small beaches and coves dot the island: Port Coustic, Pen Ganol, Port Skeudoul… each with its own character — quiet spots, fine sand, or rocks suitable for shore fishing. These places are perfect for changing scenery throughout a hike on the island.

Practical information and safety

Access from the mainland: Groix is reached by boat from Lorient with BreizhGo Océane (45-minute crossing). Check the schedules and consider booking in advance, especially in high season.
Tides and currents: Some beaches (notably coves and exposed areas) require vigilance: check tide schedules and avoid venturing too far alone.
Supervision: Grands Sables and Port-Mélite beaches are supervised in July and August — check the signs on arrival or the island’s website.
Environmental respect: Groix is part of protected areas. Take your waste with you, do not pick protected fauna/flora, and respect marked access points. Check all recommended practices for your visit on the island.

In short — which beach to choose on Groix according to your desires?

For relaxation and white sand: Grands Sables.
For exceptional scenery and photos: Les Sables Rouges.
For family water activities: Port-Mélite.
For snorkeling and diving in rich waters: Pointe des Chats.

From Grands Sables to Pointe des Chats, passing by Les Sables Rouges and the secret coves, each beach on Groix reveals a unique side of the island. Some invite swimming and family fun, others contemplation, diving, or walking along the waves.

Accessible by boat from Lorient, Groix can be discovered for a day or a longer stay, on foot, by bike, or along the coastal path.

Whatever the season, the light changes, the colors transform, and the charm always works. So, whether you are looking for the calm of a secluded cove or the liveliness of a large beach, let yourself be guided by the island’s rhythm and the sound of the waves: on Groix, every beach is a promise of escape.