Just 11 km from Les Saules campsite (15 minutes by car), Bénodet embodies the elegance of the Breton Riviera. This listed tourist resort, nestled at the mouth of the Odet river, boasts golden sandy beaches, a rich maritime heritage and lively summer activities. From our campsite, you’re ideally placed to enjoy Bénodet while benefiting from the calm of our establishment.
The Beaches of Bénodet
1. Trez beach
Trez beach is the best known in Bénodet. 800m long, it’s a large beach and the most popular with tourists. It enjoys a magnificent view and offers many services, such as the rental of windsurfing boards, dinghies and catamarans, a Mickey club for children. It is a family beach, supervised in the summer from 12:00 to 19:00. You will also find restaurants and ice cream parlors here. Ideal for strolling in the evening and seeing the landscape change at sunset.
2. Le Coq beach
The Phare du Coq beach is a small beach located between the Odet river and the ocean. It offers a beautiful shaded walk. If you’re wondering where this pretty green and white lighthouse got its name from, it conjures up the shape of a nearby boulder reminiscent of a rooster in profile. Enjoy this beach in the late afternoon when it is flooded with sunshine.
3. Pointe Saint-Gilles beach
The Pointe Saint-Gilles beach in Bénodet is a cove located between the Trez and Coq beaches. It is about 200m long. You will find there near an orientation table, and an exceptional point of view on the White Sea. Children will love to play little fishermen there, safely between the rocks. If the swell picks up, you can enjoy the show of kitesurfers.
4. Letty beach in Bénodet
The wilder Letty beach is an atypical beach, facing a dune lagoon of fine sand (cross at low tide with knee-deep water, taking care to check the timetable). It is a magical place where currents, sand, transparent water, wind and landscape combine for an exceptional spectacle. Surrounded by abundant vegetation, the Letty beach is shaded, which makes it the ideal place for a picnic break, or for swimming in the late afternoon (Be careful not to attempt to cross when the sea rises, the currents are then very strong and many people are trapped each year).
When you think of Breton seaside resorts, most people think of summer. However, the Bénodet region is a tourist site which offers a range of possibilities for the whole year. In fact, Bénodet’s fine sandy beaches can be enjoyed at any time of the year, as they offer a light that changes with the seasons.
Located just 20 minutes from the Fouesnant Forest and Camping les Saules, you can enjoy it from April to September for a weekend or a week of escape.
The Glénan Archipelago
From Bénodet, the excursion to Les Glénan remains a favorite of our holidaymakers. After a 1-hour crossing, you’ll disembark in a heavenly setting: turquoise waters, white sandy beaches and unspoiled nature. The classic formula includes a 3-hour stopover on Île Saint-Nicolas, followed by a guided cruise. Prices vary from €36 to €59 per adult, with daily departures from April to September.
Read our article on the Glénan Islands to prepare for this unforgettable excursion.
Our tip: Book at least a week in advance in July and August!
Another popular option is a cruise on the Odet between Bénodet and Quimper, which plunges you into an enchanting setting of castles, manor houses and wooded landscapes along unspoilt banks.
Hiking on the GR34
The legendary Sentier des Douaniers runs through Bénodet, offering exceptional panoramic views of the Breton Riviera. Our favorite route: Bénodet → Île-Tudy via Sainte-Marine (17 km, 4h) with the small ferry crossing between Bénodet and Sainte-Marine. Find out more about Sainte-Marine andIle Tudy in our dedicated articles.
Other recommended walks:
- The walk from Pointe du Groasguen to Mer Blanche
- The Corniche Loop for panoramic views
- The Trail Loop along the Odet, more shady and forested
Sites and Heritage
Bénodet has two complementary maritime faces. The modern marina is home to 750 fully-equipped boats, offering a daily spectacle as sailboats come and go with the tides. The picturesque, more intimate Old Port retains the authenticity of Brittany, with its traditional boats, sun-drying nets and fishing village atmosphere. A stroll between the two allows you to appreciate the transition between tradition and modernity.
The white and green Coq lighthouse has become the photographic symbol of Bénodet. Visible from many parts of the resort, it has been guiding sailors for decades. The Pyramide lighthouse, with its more unusual architecture, is also worth a visit for its originality and history. These sentinels of the sea are an integral part of the Benodet landscape, and make excellent landmarks for your walks.
The Musée du Bord de Mer plunges you into local maritime history through model boats, fishermen’s accounts and period objects. Free admission and open 7 days a week in summer make it an ideal place to visit on rainy days or for a cultural break with the family.
Bénodet’s seaside architecture can also be seen in Belle Époque villas such as Villa Ker Magdalen, testimony to the resort’s development as a tourist destination in the early 20th century. The Church of Saint-Thomas, in the heart of the village, is well worth a visit for its typically Breton architecture.
For wellness enthusiasts, the Thalassotherapy center offers marine treatments and cures in an oceanfront setting.
Events Estivaux
Les Concerts de la Butte du Fort
The star event of the summer! Every Friday evening at 8.30pm in July and August, free open-air concerts featuring pop, rock, folk and fest-noz. Families and friends gather on the grass with their picnics in a festive atmosphere overlooking the ocean.
Animations
The Monday morning market brings together local producers, fresh fish, vegetables and Breton specialities. Summer also sees regattas, traditional fest-noz and the July 14th fireworks display. Nearby: Festival de Cornouaille in Quimper, Festival des Filets Bleus in Concarneau, and Festidreuz in La Forêt-Fouesnant.
Activities for children
Bénodet is ideal for families: adventure parks (Bonobo Parc, Pandaventure) from age 3, Celtic Train for fun discovery, children’s clubs on the beaches in summer, water sports courses from age 6. Cycle paths provide easy access to Fouesnant’s tourist attractions.
Where to eat in Bénodet
Bénodet is dotted with several renowned restaurants: L’Hémisphère for its refined cuisine, Le Café Foutu for its friendly atmosphere, and Le Transat for its panoramic terrace. Don’t miss the authentic crêperies with their galettes filled with local produce.
At the Monday market, discover Belon oysters, fresh crab cakes and vegetables from the Fouesnant area. And don’t forget to try our kouign-amann, accompanied by an artisanal Breton cider.
Excursions in the surrounding area
Our campsite is ideally situated for exploring :
- Concarneau and its walled town 5 km away
- Quimper, its cathedral and museums 15 km away
- Locronan, France’s most beautiful village, 25 km away
Explore Fouesnant and its treasures
Bénodet is part of the Brittany Riviera tourist region. From our campsite, you’re ideally placed to discover the wealth of tourism in Fouesnant, from the beaches of Cap-Coz to the wild creeks of Beg-Meil, via the coastal hiking trails.
FAQ
What’s the best beach in Bénodet?
The answer depends on what you’re looking for! The beach at Le Trez is a favorite for its 800-meter stretch, its unobstructed view of the Glénan and its comprehensive facilities (toilets, showers, first-aid post). Families with young children love it for its shallow waters and seasonal supervision. For a more intimate and romantic atmosphere, we highly recommend Plage du Coq, with its emblematic white and green lighthouse. Connoisseurs will also appreciate the little hidden coves like Petit Moulin, real havens of tranquillity within walking distance, where you can lay your towel away from the tourist crowds.
Is it really possible to swim in Bénodet?
Absolutely! Bathing is supervised in July and August on the main beaches of Le Trez and Le Coq, with lifeguards on hand every day from 1pm to 7pm. The water in the Atlantic peaks in August at 17 to 19°C, a refreshing temperature on first contact, but very pleasant after a few minutes of acclimatization. Children generally adapt very well and spend hours splashing in the waves. June and September offer decent bathing conditions for the more courageous, with water around 15-16°C. The bathing flag, hoisted daily on supervised beaches, informs you of conditions (green: supervised bathing and no danger / orange: dangerous bathing but supervised / red: bathing prohibited).
The water reaches a pleasant 17-19°C in August after acclimatization.
How do I get to the Glénan Islands from Bénodet?
Several shipping companies offer daily departures from April to September, with increased frequency in July and August (up to two rotations per day). Prices range from €36 to €59 per adult, depending on the package chosen: a simple crossing with a free stopover on Saint-Nicolas Island, or a discovery package including a guided cruise around the archipelago. Les Vedettes de l’Odet and Croisières Bleues are the two main operators from Bénodet. For a quicker, more intimate experience, Glénan Découverte offers crossings in 12-seater RIBs departing from Trévignon, just 10 minutes from the campsite. We strongly recommend that you consult our complete Glénan guide, which details all the options, prices and practical tips for organizing this unforgettable excursion.
What to do in Bénodet when it rains?
Never let the Breton rain spoil your vacation! The Musée du Bord de Mer welcomes you free of charge to discover Bénodet’s maritime history through model boats, fishermen’s testimonies and period objects. The thalassotherapy center offers full-day and half-day packages to enjoy the benefits of heated seawater: massages, whirlpool baths, aquatic courses. It’s also the perfect opportunity to discover Quimper, just 20 minutes away, with its magnificent Gothic cathedral, fine arts museum and medieval covered streets. Shopaholics will appreciate the designer boutiques and local artisans that line the historic center. Finally, several crêperies bénodetises warmly welcome you for a gourmet break overlooking the ocean, an impressive sight that also has its charm!
Are there any activities for children in Bénodet?
Bénodet is a particularly family-friendly destination! Adventure parks such as Bonobo Parc and Pandaventure offer acrobatic courses and activities for all ages, some as young as 3. The Celtic Train, a colorful little tourist train, takes children (and their parents!) on a 45-minute guided tour of the resort, perfect for a playful discovery. In July and August, the supervised beaches offer children’s clubs for giant sandcastles, group games and arts and crafts. The nautical center offers introductory courses in sailing, kayaking and paddling for children aged 6 and over. And of course, the boat trips to the Glénan Islands are a real treat for the youngsters, who love to watch out for dolphins during the crossing and explore the island of Saint-Nicolas like real adventurers!
From our Les Saules campsite in Fouesnant, Bénodet is just 15 minutes away. Our privileged location allows you to enjoy this elegant resort while benefiting from the calm of our 4-star campsite. Drop by reception for advice on the tides, good restaurants and all the local secrets that will make your vacation unforgettable!
