Plage de Port-Maria, Quiberon: beach in Brittany

In Quiberon, Port-Maria is a small town beach right next to the big fishing port and ferry terminal for Belle-Île, Houat and Hoëdic, with a strong maritime and historic identity.

Suggested time: 1 h 30 to half a day
Type of place: Small town beach at the foot of Quiberon’s great historic port
Atmosphere: Harbourside, historic, urban and typical of Quiberon
Getting there: Port-Maria, 56170 Quiberon. Direct access from the town centre and the port.

Who this place suits

With family: 7/10
As a couple: 9/10
With friends: 9/10
Solo: 9/10
With a dog: 10/10
Reduced mobility: 7/10

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

Port-Maria is first and foremost Quiberon’s great historic port. Until the late 1950s, it was France’s leading sardine port. Today, it remains Quiberon’s main fishing port and, above all, the departure point for ferries to Belle-Île-en-Mer, Houat and Hoëdic. The small Port-Maria beach sits right in this harbour landscape, close to the town centre and the promenade that leads to the Grande Plage. It is distinct from the 900-metre Grande Plage on the bay side. Port-Maria is one of Quiberon’s dog beaches, open to dogs all year, whereas most beaches on the bay side are closed to dogs from 30 March to 1 November. Respect the swimming markers and the harbour activity.

What you will see

Quiberon’s main fishing port.
Ferries to Belle-Île, Houat and Hoëdic.

Practical information

Getting there: Port-Maria, 56170 Quiberon; direct access from the town centre and the port
Services: The port, many restaurants nearby, the promenade to the Grande Plage
Parking: Can be very busy in July and August and on sunny weekends
Pets: Port-Maria is one of Quiberon’s dog beaches, open all year
Accessibility: A generally accessible urban setting
Tides: Strong influence; at low tide, the harbour character and foreshore are more visible; at high tide, swimming is easier in permitted areas
Activities: Walks, photography, watching the port, departures to the islands, swimming only in permitted areas
Safety: Follow the markers and never swim in harbour areas, keep clear of channels and boats, watch children near the quays, keep in mind the movements of ferries and fishing boats
Best time: Morning for the harbour activity; for photos, late afternoon; with a dog, all year on the dog beach; depending on ferry times
Photography: The Port-Maria quays, the beach facing the port, the promenade towards the Château Turpault; late afternoon light
Ideal for: Maritime atmosphere, heritage, dogs, walks, island departures, photography
Nearby: The port of Port-Maria, the Grande Plage of Quiberon, the Château Turpault, central Quiberon, Belle-Île, Houat

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.
Come in the morning to watch the harbour come to life.
Walk along the promenade to the Grande Plage.

Frequently asked questions

What kind of beach is it?

Small town beach at the foot of Quiberon’s great historic port.

Why come here?

A beach for harbour atmosphere more than for big swims, ideal for combining the seafront, island departures, sardine heritage and a walk to the Grande Plage.

How much time should I allow?

1 h 30 to half a day.

What is the atmosphere like?

Harbourside, historic, urban and typical of Quiberon.

Are dogs allowed?

Yes, Port-Maria is one of Quiberon’s dog beaches, open all year.

Can I take a ferry from here?

Yes, ferries leave Port-Maria for Belle-Île, Houat and Hoëdic.

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