Description
Golden shimmering cliffs
Pénestin in southern Brittany is a wonderful seaside resort, which offers around ten fine sandy beaches over a 25 kilometer long coast. The highlight, however, is the enchanting Mine d'Or with its yellow-orange to ochre colored cliffs. Ten to twelve meters high, the colorful cliffs all of a sudden reach out of the otherwise fairly flat landscape, framed by a sandy beach of about two kilometers length. Even grouchy swimmers will love this part of the coast!
In search for precious metals
The beach is not by chance called the Mine d’Or, goldmine. In the 19th century, a gold mine was operated at these cliffs, which almost have the same color as the precious metal. Unfortunately, the mine had to shut down during the First World War because it was not profitable enough.
Activities at the Mine d’Or
The beautiful beach invites for long walks and of course also for swims and dips in the sea. At sundown, the flair of the extraordinary cliffs with their vibrant colours is especially enjoyable. From the cliffs above the beach, you have a fantastic view of the bay and of the small islands off shore. Take your binoculars and discover the manifold sea birds, which live and bread on these islands. Another great viewpoint for overlooking the bay and the islands is the Pointe de la Bile, another ledge a little further south. If you like hiking, take the customs trail (Sentir des Douaniers) that leads along the Mine d'Or, and if you are brave enough and would like to see the rock formation from the air, you can also book a flight with a paraglider.
Pénestin: A bathing resort for foodies
The region surrounding Pénestin is well-known for its delicious blue mussels. It is a must to try them when you are there. During a walk when the tide is low, you can also find the so-called “Bouchots“, poles which are covered in black mussels.
How to get there
By car:
Coming from Vannes in the North, follow the E60 (N165) until you arrive at the exit D139 and take the turn direction Le Guerno/ Arzal/ Pénestin/ Péaule. Drive over Arzal until you reach the junction with the D34, and follow the D34 up to Pénestin and all the way to the beach.
Coming from southern Nantes, follow the E60 (N165) until just before La Roche-Bernard and change onto the D34, which takes you over Férel and Camoel all the way to the Mine d'Or.