Discover the Kerhostin cove and Penthièvre beach

What a fabulous invention of nature this isthmus of Penthièvre is! A narrow strip of land cutting through the water, 22 metres long, the isthmus welcomes you to the peninsula in a way that is as strange as it is spectacular - enough to set any poetic mind bubbling! When you arrive by train aboard the emblematic Tire-Bouchon, you can admire the sea from either side of the windows, and you literally have the impression of riding on the water.

Until the Middle Ages, Quiberon was in fact an island. The Tombolo was formed by piles of sediment that eventually created the isthmus we see today, much to our delight.

Walk along the railway line from the village of Penthièvre on the mainland to Quiberon. Here, land and sea meet to form the most beautiful of landscapes. Then you're free to choose whether to continue your walk on the bay side or the ocean side. On the mainland side, you can enjoy a drink at the very friendly Beach Bar Quiberon. What a pleasure it is to sip a cocktail by the water and enjoy the superb panorama of the Penthièvre isthmus (particularly magical at sunset). In summer, live music concerts add to the enchantment of the place. Open all year round, from 11.20am to 11pm in summer and 11am to 9pm in winter.

On arriving on the peninsula, you can discover the imposing Fort de Penthièvre, an impressive edifice perched on the rocks, facing the ocean. Built in 1747 with funding from the Duke of Penthièvre, after whom it was named, it was a witness to history as it was fought over by the Chouans and Republicans in 1795, and was the bloody scene of the execution of 59 resistance fighters during the Second World War. Listed as a historic monument in 1933, it is now a military training base for the French Army and is unfortunately closed to the public. Only the outside areas are accessible. That said, its majestic silhouette overlooking the ocean is well worth the diversions. The panorama is particularly breathtaking when the waves break over the rocks, splashing against the fort's sturdy walls.

Bordered by wild dunes ruffled by the winds, the sublime Penthièvre Océan beach lazily spreads its long stretch of white sand over 1 kilometre. The largest beach on the Quiberon peninsula, it is also one of the few places on the ocean side where bathing is supervised (in July and August). Be warned, though, as the Atlantic coastline means that the sea can be rough, so wave-lovers and thrill-seekers are welcome! At low tide, don your best rubber boots, buckets and landing nets - Penthièvre beach is ideal for fishing on foot. Opposite the beach, you can admire the rocky islet of Thinic, surrounded by foam and swarms of laughing gulls.

With sublime waves ideal for surfing, the area around the Isthmus of Penthièvre is a great place to go surfing. Whether you're a novice or an experienced surfer, take on the Quiberon rollers. Thrills guaranteed. There are several surf schools on the peninsula. For beginners, Presqu'île Surf offers a 2-hour introduction to surfing for €45, as well as stand-up paddle rides. Blue Dream Surf School, another surf school open in summer and during the school holidays, charges similar rates. For experienced riders, boards and wetsuits can also be hired.