In the heart of the stunning Brittany region of France, Carantec is a picturesque town that offers visitors the perfect blend of natural beauty, history, and culture.
In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know to plan your visit to this charming destination.
Located in France’s enchanting Brittany region, Carantec is a picture-perfect coastal town to spend a few hours to a few weeks, with many beautiful beaches and plenty of activities to enjoy.
Getting There
Carantec is located on the north coast of Brittany, approximately 25 kilometers from the city of Morlaix. If you’re driving, the town is easily accessible via the D58 road, and there is ample parking available throughout the area. Alternatively, you can take a train or bus to Morlaix and then transfer to a local bus or taxi to reach Carantec.
About Carantec
Carantec is a small town, but it offers a variety of facilities for visitors to enjoy. These include public toilets, several restaurants serving delicious local cuisine, a range of shops selling souvenirs and other goods, and many parks, beaches, plazas, and other public spaces.
Visitors should also note that the town has several beaches that are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and other water-based activities.
Beaches
Carantec is home to several stunning beaches that offer visitors the perfect place to relax, soak up the sun, and enjoy a range of water-based activities.
Plage de la Grève Blanche
Plage de la Grève Blanche is a beautiful sandy beach located right beside the submersible road to Île Callot. It is a large beach with mostly sand and some interesting rock formations in between.
This beach is known for its crystal-clear waters and fine white sand, making it the perfect spot for swimming and sunbathing. It’s also a great place for families with young children, as the shallow waters near the shore are safe for little ones to play in. This beach can get very busy at peak times.
Plage du Kelenn
Away from the tourist center, you can find Plage du Kelenn, which boasts crystal-clear waters and fine white sand. This beach is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and beach volleyball, and it’s also a great spot for families with young children.
Plage du Clouët
Another popular beach is Plage du Clouët, which is located just a short walk from the town center. This beach is smaller than Plage du Kelenn, but it’s equally beautiful, with clear blue waters and soft sand. It’s also a great spot for snorkeling, fishing, and other water-based activities.
Attractions
Île Callot
One of the most unique features of Carantec is the ability to access Île Callot at low tide. This small island is located just off the coast of Carantec and is accessible via a natural causeway that emerges during low tide.
Visitors can access the island by walking across the causeway, which is approximately one kilometer long and takes about 20 minutes to cross. However, it’s important to note that the causeway is only accessible at low tide, so visitors should plan their visit accordingly.
Once on the island, you can explore its charming streets and alleys, which are lined with traditional Breton houses and offer stunning views of the surrounding coastline. There are also several beaches on the island that are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and other water-based activities.
It’s important to note that visitors should exercise caution when crossing the causeway, as the tide can come in quickly and trap visitors on the island. It’s recommended to check the tide times before crossing and to keep an eye on the water level at all times.
The ability to access Île Callot at low tide is a unique and exciting feature of Carantec that shouldn’t be missed. So, be sure to plan your visit accordingly and enjoy exploring this charming island.
Château du Taureau
Another interesting attraction in Carantec is the Château du Taureau, a 16th-century fortress located on a small island off the coast of the town. Visitors can take a guided tour of the castle and learn about its fascinating history, which includes serving as a prison during the French Revolution. Note that the fortress is only accessible by boat so a tour or rental boat is necessary to explore it.
Jardin Exotique et Botanique
Jardin Exotique et Botanique de Roscoff, a stunning botanical garden located just a short drive from Carantec. The garden boasts a wide variety of exotic plants and flowers from around the world, as well as breathtaking sea views.