Benodet is a very popular seaside resort on the south coast of Brittany and to help you decide whether it’s right for your next holiday we thought we’d provide you with 5 great reasons to visit Benodet.
This beautiful town lies at the mouth of the river Odet along the southern coast of the Finistere department of Brittany. Once the commercial port of Quimper, its popularity boomed in the 19th Century when rich people began looking for seaside holiday resorts. Due to its stunning location and views, large houses, villas, and manors were built along the seafront and the banks of the river.
In the later part of the 19th Century when the railway to Quimper was constructed, Benodet’s popularity as a seaside town and spa resort rocketed, leading it to become Finistere’s premier place to holiday by the sea.
5 Great Reasons to Visit Benodet, Brittany
1) Benodet Weather
Our first reason to visit Benodet is the weather. Although the weather is very similar to that in the southwest of England and can be cooler than some other parts of France it still enjoys a relatively warm and temperate climate.
Average temperatures for June, July, and August are all in the 20’s and although not as hot as other regions, Benodet does regularly enjoy over 15 hours of sunshine per day! Even in the cooler months of April, May and September temperatures can still hit the 20’s on good days.
2) Benodet beaches
One of the reasons why Benodet became so popular as a seaside resort is the number and quality of its beaches. Whether your next visit will be with your family or as a couple, you’ll find it very easy to find a beach to suit your needs in Benodet.
With 4 superb beaches, Trez Beach, Coq Beach, Saint-Gilles Point, and finally Letty Beach it’s hardly surprising that so many people visit each and every year. Each beach is slightly different from the next catering for a range of different visitors which is why Benodet is everyone’s favourite resort.
Trez Beach
Trez Beach lies at the heart of Benodet and is the main beach of this popular resort. This beautiful sandy beach is about 600 meters long, is located at the mouth of the Odet river, and is backed by a lovely promenade.
As the main beach, you’ll find a variety of services and facilities available. Firstly, and most importantly, the beach is supervised during the high season from 12:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Secondly, the beach is fully accessible for those with reduced mobility with a beach wheelchair being available at the lifeguard hut. Finally, beach huts can be hired, there is a kid’s club, free showers and toilets and plenty of shops, bars, and restaurants.
Coq Beach
Benodet’s Coq Beach lies just around the corner from Trez Beach along the Odet river. At high tide, the beach is nearly covered by the waters but at low tide, the water reveals a lovely stretch of sand. The position of the beach means that it’s popular towards the end of the day as it gets the last of the sunlight.
Saint Gilles Beach
Saint Gilles Beach is a lovely small and intimate sandy spot that is perfect for kids due to the many rockpools. See how many crabs, shrimps, and other sea creatures they can find hiding amongst the cracks and crevices. If you’re looking for a beach with lifeguards, you should head to Trez in the town, however, the playground, toilets, large car park and close proximity to one of the best campsites in the area means that Saint Gilles is always popular.
Letty Beach
The final beach at Benodet is Letty Beach. It lies just to the east of the town and is very calm and sheltered meaning the waters are quite calm at low tide. Perfect for families of all ages the beach tends to be less popular due to the lack of parking and lack of supervision. If you fancy visiting Letty Beach we suggest either parking in town or at Saint Gilles Beach and then walking around the coastal path.
3) Things to do in Benodet
When you’re on holiday some days you really want to sit and do nothing at all however for the days when you want to get out and explore you’ll be pleased to know that Benodet has a large number of things to see and do.
Walking
If you like walking and want to see the beautiful sights and views along the Breton coastline then you’ll simply love Benodet. There are a multitude of beautiful walks and routes including the GR34 coastal footpath which passes straight through the town. The opportunities to take some awe-inspiring photos are second to none and you can even pick up a walking guide at the local tourist information office.
Boat Trips and Water Activities
Being so close to the sea it’s hardly surprising that there are plenty of things to do on and in the water. From kayaking and fishing to surfing, boat trips, and cruises you’ll find plenty to enjoy. Boat trips along the Odet River to Quimper are extremely popular as people travel the route once used by traders whilst day trips to the stunning Glenan Islands are also very popular. Meanwhile for the more adventurous why not hire a boat for the day, go kayaking or have a surfing lesson, it’s all available close at hand.
Day Trip to the Glenan Islands
The Glenan Islands are extremely popular with visitors looking for a day out. Located just 10 miles off the coast of Finistere the Glanan Islands are a small group of islands popular for sailing, diving, and daytrippers. Boats leave Benodet daily during the summer months arriving at the main island which is called Saint Nicolas. The island has a beautiful nature reserve, some lovely restaurants, a diving school and some fantastic beaches where you can sit back and relax.
4) Benodet Restaurants and Food
As with the majority of France, Benodet is fantastic for food and perfect for eating out! There are a great number of different restaurants, cafes, shops, and creperies selling a whole variety of different foods. From traditional restaurants selling Breton dishes and locally caught fish to restaurants selling all the modern favourites, you’ll easily find a place perfect for sitting down to enjoy a meal.
To add to the restaurants you’ll also find that Benodet boasts some fantastic spots where you can grab a coffee, cocktail, wine, and a snack after your busy day exploring.
5) Benodet campsites
Camping is one of the most popular types of accommodation in Brittany and the campsites around Benodet are some of the best in the region. There are two main campsites in Benodet we’d suggest you consider, Yelloh Village Port de Plaisance and La Pointe St Gilles.
Le Port de Plaisance
You certainly won’t be disappointed by a stay at Le Port de Plaisance which is a 5-star, family-friendly campsite. The campsite is a Eurocamp family favourite and lies within over 12 hectares of beautiful wooded grounds. It has a fantastic range of facilities and activities, and a pool complex to die for which means this stunning campsite is the perfect place for a family holiday.
La Pointe St Gilles
La Pointe St Gilles or L’Escalle St Gilles as its commonly known occupies a fantastic location, within walking distance of the town and Saint Gilles Beach. This lively and family-friendly campsite is another 5-star site that boasts plenty of space and an awe-inspiring swimming pool area which is second to none in the surrounding areas.
If you’re planning to head to this fabulous part of Brittnay we hope you have fun.
