Saint-Pierre de Quiberon

Separated from Quiberon in 1653 following the dismemberment of the parish, Saint-Pierre Quiberon became a commune in its own right in 1856, under the name of Saint-Pierre, and took on its current name of Saint-Pierre Quiberon in 1962. In the 19th century, the village was the stronghold of painters who came from all over France to be inspired by the spellbinding landscapes of the Côte Sauvage, which was attached to the commune.

Made up largely of second homes, the friendly seaside village of Saint-Pierre de Quiberon, a little drab in winter, comes alive in summer when the shutters of the huge white villas open and strollers crowd the little port. To get your holiday off to a good start, visit the Tourist Office to find out about the calendar of events, entertainment and family shows that punctuate the summer season. Every Thursday from 8am to 1pm, the famous Saint-Pierre de Quiberon market takes place in the market square. It's a great opportunity to stock up on good local fruit and vegetables and delicious Breton produce.

As a tourist destination, there's no shortage of places to eat in Saint-Pierre de Quiberon, from seafood restaurants to French brasseries and the inevitable Breton crêperie, you're bound to find what you're looking for. If you want to spend an excellent evening on the terrace (with a pétanque pitch!) and enjoy generous, original cuisine based on fresh, local produce, Canailles is an unmissable address, undoubtedly one of the best on the peninsula. In a warm and relaxed guinguette atmosphere, you can enjoy unique dishes to the sound of acoustic concerts, DJ sets and brass band evenings organised every week in summer. What more could you ask for than good food, dancing and a game of pétanque?

In 1681, a merchant ship called the "Prince d'Orange", belonging to the Barbault shipyard in Saint Malo, lost its rudder in a storm and broke up near the shore of the peninsula. It was then pillaged by the local population. This episode is said to be the origin of the name of the port of Saint-Pierre de Quiberon, a far cry from the heat of the orange groves of Andalusia.

Today, this delightful little port offers an idyllic view over Quiberon Bay (budding photographers, get your cameras ready!). Take the delightful Eric Tabarly promenade linking Port-Orange to Keraude beach, dotted with impressive seafront houses (some of them manor houses!), which will delight lovers of architecture and fine buildings. Just stroll along the seafront and breathe in the ocean spray!

For a gourmet break, sit down on the superb terrace of the crêperie Le Bigorn'eau to enjoy a galette or a sweet crêpe. Just above the azure water, under the arbour that provides pleasant shelter from the wind, enjoy the magnificent view over Keraude beach and the calm Bay of Quiberon. A real little corner of paradise where you can also simply enjoy a coffee or a drink at the end of the day. Oyster tastings are also available, and live music evenings are organised every Monday from 7pm to 10pm during the summer season. Open every day from Monday to Saturday, 9am to 10pm.

The pretty Keraude beach is ideal for families with children. Situated on the outskirts of Saint-Pierre de Quiberon and supervised in summer, it's the perfect place for a calm and enjoyable swim. There's also a beach volleyball court and a kitesurf and windsurf hire shop.

Close to the village, you'll find the equally beautiful Kermahé beach, home to the Club des dauphins, a very friendly beach club that organises a myriad of games, competitions and activities for children. Paddle sessions, water aerobics and sea walks are also organised for adults.

Plage de Kerbourgnec is also ideal for swimming and water sports. You can learn to kitesurf, wingsurf and stand-up paddle at the UPandKITE school, which offers introductory and advanced courses for teenagers and adults. Please note that a swimming certificate is required for minors. Contact and bookings by email: upandkite@yahoo.com. Open every day from 9am to 7pm.

Near the beach, you can also admire the Alignements de Kerbourgnec, one of the most remarkable megalithic sites on the peninsula, comprising 26 menhirs and listed as a Historic Monument. It's like being in Obelix's quarry!