Plage sauvage de Lourtuais, Cap d’Erquy: beach in Brittany

On Cap d’Erquy, Lourtuais is a wild fine sandy beach surrounded by pines, heathland, gorse and heather, reached by the GR34 and with no lifeguard at all.

Suggested time: 2 to 4 hours
Type of place: Wild fine sandy beach in the heart of Cap d’Erquy
Atmosphere: Wild, turquoise, wooded and contemplative
Getting there: Cap d’Erquy, 22430 Erquy. Access by the GR34 from the cape’s car parks.

Who this place suits

With family: 6/10
As a couple: 10/10
With friends: 9/10
Solo: 10/10
With a dog: 2/10
Reduced mobility: 2/10

These scores are calculated from what the page records: official rating, facilities, difficulty, duration and location. They are a guide, not a substitute for contacting the venue, especially about accessibility.

About

Lourtuais is one of the wild beaches of Cap d’Erquy, along with Portuais and Le Guen. It lies in the heart of the protected natural site, surrounded by pines, heathland, gorse and heather. You reach it by the GR34 and from the cape’s dedicated car parks. In clear weather, the water can take on beautiful turquoise shades. Lourtuais has no lifeguard and no beach facilities on the sand. Animals are banned from 15 May to 15 September. It is especially suited to walkers, couples, photographers and independent visitors.

What you will see

A wild fine sandy beach.
A protected natural site.

Practical information

Getting there: Cap d’Erquy, 22430 Erquy; access by the GR34 from the cape’s car parks
Services: Car parks set back, no services on the beach
Parking: Can be very busy in July and August and on sunny weekends.
Pets: Banned from 15 May to 15 September
Accessibility: Not well suited; natural access along a path
Lifeguarded swimming: Not lifeguarded
Tides: Strong influence; a wider beach at low tide
Activities: Careful swimming, GR34, photography, picnics
Best time: Early morning for calm; late afternoon for the pink tones of the sandstone
Nearby: Cap d’Erquy, Portuais, Le Guen, the Lacs Bleus, Erquy harbour

Tips on the spot

Check the tide times before you go, and download them for offline use.
Check the marine weather, swell and wind.
Read the signs at the entrance and respect the flags and instructions.
Choose the lifeguarded area when there is one, and do not overestimate your swimming level.
Watch children at all times, and set a family meeting point.

Show 7 more tips

Check the water quality in season, and do not swim if there is a ban.
Arrive early in July and August; June and September are quieter.
Use sun cream even when the sky is hazy, and keep a windproof layer.
Respect the dunes and vegetation, and take all your litter home.
If in doubt about conditions, do not swim.
Bring water and a picnic: there are no services on the beach.
Come in the late afternoon for the pink light on the sandstone.

Frequently asked questions

What kind of beach is it?

Wild fine sandy beach in the heart of Cap d’Erquy.

Why come here?

One of the most iconic nature beaches of Cap d’Erquy, to choose for calm, turquoise water, scenery and hiking rather than facilities.

How much time should I allow?

2 to 4 hours.

What is the atmosphere like?

Wild, turquoise, wooded and contemplative.

Is swimming lifeguarded?

No, Lourtuais is not lifeguarded.

How do I get there?

On foot along the GR34, from the Cap d’Erquy car parks.

Stay in Cap d’Erquy

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Photographs: Thérèse Gaigé · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons · Marianne Boudoy · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons