A weekend in Quiberon

We might as well start with the most spectacular. Take the 8-kilometre coastal path (3h15 walk) on foot or by bike, and embark on an exploration of the unmissable Côte Sauvage, whose sometimes brutal beauty and almost supernatural light have inspired generations of painters who have tried to capture its splendour in their pictures.

From the town of Quiberon, follow the path along the coast and let the invigorating iodine air wash over you as you listen to the dull roar of the foaming waves bubbling at the foot of the cliffs. On the Côte sauvage, all your senses are on alert! Just outside the town, you can admire the Pointe du Château Turpault, a solitary cliff on which sits an elegant Anglo-Medieval manor house, an architectural curiosity dating from 1910.

As you make your way along the Côte Sauvage, you'll discover the Pointe du Percho, offering one of the most breathtaking views of the whole peninsula, the Arche de Port-Blanc, a magnificent stone arch straddling the water, the sight of which plunges you into an almost mystical contemplation, and the sublime beaches of Port-Blanc and Port-Bara, all golden sands and turquoise waters that contrast with the austerity of the cliffs. Not forgetting the astonishing heart-shaped menhir at Beg Er Goh Lannec, the absolute star of holiday photos and postcards from Quiberon.

Due to the natural phenomenon of surf (powerful and unpredictable waves), swimming is strictly forbidden along the whole of the Côte Sauvage. The beaches are nevertheless perfect for a picnic break. Sitting on the fine sand, you can watch the movements of the ocean and the few daring surfers who dare to tame the waves.

Finish this magnificent walk in style by treating yourself to a snack facing the sea in the harbour of the charming little fishing village of Portivy. The town of Quiberon can be reached very quickly by bus line 1.

After this soak in the wilderness, take advantage of Quiberon's more civilised seaside atmosphere by relaxing on the Grande Plage, which is particularly beautiful at dusk, and end the day with a stroll to Port-Maria or Port-Haliguen, where you'll find the delicious gastronomic restaurant del'Atlantique, whose reputation is well established.

And what if we put this second day under the sign of voluptuousness? The nationally-renownedInstitut de thalassothérapie in Quiberon uses the benefits of seawater to offer you pure moments of well-being and relaxation. What better way to relieve the stress and tension of an exhausting year's work than with a bath in iodised bubbles, professional massages and a fabulous outdoor jacuzzi overlooking the ocean? Here, the virtues of the sea are harnessed for relaxation and beauty. An invitation to pamper yourself and forget the minutes by relaxing in the warm water and indulging in a regenerating body scrub or remineralising seaweed wrap.

The Espace Détente (swimming pool, sauna, hammam, solariums) and the Parcours Marin (heated seawater baths and jacuzzi) are available for all bookings with a minimum value of €50 for half-day treatments from 9.15am to 12pm or from 2pm to 6pm.

On Sundays, the institute offers a brunch + thalasso package from €95 for the least expensive offer.

The establishment also houses a prestigious hotel for a total immersion in luxury made in Quiberon.

To continue this day dedicated to well-being, head for Saint-Pierre de Quiberon and the delightful white sandy beaches on the Bay side. Here, the water is much calmer than on the Atlantic coast and much more conducive to a serene swim (although the temperature is much more invigorating than in the hot bath at the thalasso - that's Brittany for you!) As for the beach, the most complicated part will be choosing. The friendly Keraude beach, on the edge of Saint-Pierre de Quiberon, is ideal for a family break close to the town. Swimming is supervised in July and August.

If you prefer long stretches of fine sand surrounded by dunes, head for the superb beaches of Rohu and Petit Rohu, where the scent of immortelles (small yellow flowers that dot the dunes) mingles with the sea air to create the quintessential holiday smell. The Petit Rohu cove is less busy than the Rohu beach, making it an ideal spot to relax and read on your towel, away from the crowds.

Water sports are part of Quiberon's DNA. Why not take advantage of your stay to try your hand at surfing, windsurfing or paddle boarding in the bay? Located in Saint-Pierre de Quiberon, Blue Dream Surf school offers 2-hour introductory courses, so you can dream of being a Californian surfer with a shark's tooth on your neck for an afternoon. For a family outing on the water, Kayak Sillages offers stand-up paddle or kayak trips from the beaches of Kermahé and Rohu. For a 1h30 outing, the price is €20 for adults and €16 for children aged 8 to 14.

To round off your weekend in Quiberon in style, spend the evening at Canailles, a wonderful bar-restaurant serving delicious and responsible cuisine on its friendly terrace in a lively guinguette atmosphere. Concerts are organised here every week in summer to combine good food and good humour.