Plage de Merquel, Mesquer: beach in Brittany

In Mesquer, Merquel beach is a small beach strongly shaped by the tides and the moorings, next to the Traict de Mesquer, the Mès marshes and the Pointe de Merquel.

Suggested time: 1 h 30 to 3 hours, longer with the Pointe de Merquel trail
Type of place: Small estuary beach at the Pointe de Merquel, facing the Traict de Mesquer
Atmosphere: Estuary, nature-focused, maritime and ever-changing
Getting there: Pointe de Merquel, 44420 Mesquer.

Who this place suits

With family: 6/10
As a couple: 10/10
With friends: 8/10
Solo: 10/10
With a dog: 5/10
Reduced mobility: 5/10

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

Merquel beach lies at the northern tip of Quimiac, at the Pointe de Merquel and the Traict de Mesquer. The site changes completely with the tide: at high tide, the water fills the Traict; at low tide, wide banks of mud and sand appear. Municipal rules strictly ban swimming within the Merquel mooring area and in the channels. Its main appeal is walking, the panorama, the birdwatching observatory and the Pointe de Merquel trail, about 10.6 km and 2 hours 30.

What you will see

A small estuary beach.
The Traict de Mesquer.

Practical information

Getting there: Pointe de Merquel, 44420 Mesquer
Services: Birdwatching observatory, parking nearby depending on the area
Parking: Can be very busy in July and August and on sunny weekends
Pets: Municipal and seasonal rules; check the signs on site
Tides: Exceptional influence: the landscape is completely different between low and high tide
Activities: Walks, birdwatching, photography, hiking, watching the tides
Rules: Swimming banned in the Merquel moorings and in the channels
Best time: Sunset
Nearby: The Pointe de Merquel, Sorlock, Kercabellec, the Mès marshes, Lanséria

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 binoculars for the birdwatching observatory.
Follow the Pointe de Merquel trail, about 10.6 km.

Frequently asked questions

What kind of beach is it?

Small estuary beach at the Pointe de Merquel, facing the Traict de Mesquer.

Why come here?

A beach for scenery and the estuary, best for walking, birdwatching and discovering the Traict, with swimming very dependent on the mooring zones and the tide.

How much time should I allow?

1 h 30 to 3 hours, longer with the Pointe de Merquel trail.

What is the atmosphere like?

Estuary, nature-focused, maritime and ever-changing.

Can I swim here?

Swimming is banned in the mooring area and the channels; the site is better for walking.

What is there to do?

Walking, birdwatching and the Pointe de Merquel trail.

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