Gwendrez
Brittany, France: Excellent water quality
Gwendrez is a Blue Flag-certified beach located 2.96 km from Plouhinec. The beach maintains high standards for water quality, environmental management, and visitor safety. The best time to visit is April through June, when crowds are lighter. July and August draw peak visitors. Check local…
Quick Overview
Plan Your Visit to Gwendrez
The key facts before you go
About the Beach
What is Gwendrez?
Gwendrez is a Blue Flag-certified beach located 2.96 km from Plouhinec. The beach maintains high standards for water quality, environmental management, and visitor safety. The best time to visit is April through June, when crowds are lighter.
July and August draw peak visitors. Check local water safety conditions before swimming. The Blue Flag award, given annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education, indicates the beach meets strict environmental and safety standards.
It sits alongside certified beaches along Brittany, part of a broader network of certified beaches throughout France certified annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education.
Sunrise, Sunset & Beach Direction
Gwendrez faces south toward Celtic Sea. The best light for photography and swimming is typically in April, May, June. Direct sun hours follow that facing.
Planning
When to Go: Month by Month
| Month | Air Temp | Water Temp | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 9°C | 12°C | Low |
| Feb | 9°C | 11°C | Low |
| Mar | 10°C | 11°C | Low |
| Apr | 11°C | 12°C | Med |
| May | 14°C | 13°C | Med |
| Jun | 16°C | 16°C | Med |
| Jul | 18°C | 18°C | High |
| Aug | 18°C | 18°C | High |
| Sep | 17°C | 18°C | Med |
| Oct | 14°C | 16°C | Low |
| Nov | 12°C | 14°C | Low |
| Dec | 10°C | 13°C | Low |
When is the best time to visit Gwendrez?
The best time to visit Gwendrez is April, May, June. Air temperatures peak around 18°C in summer. Peak water temperature reaches 17.6°C in July.
How crowded does Gwendrez get?
Like most Blue Flag beaches in France, Gwendrez sees its highest visitor numbers in July and August. The beach maintains a pleasant atmosphere even in peak season.
Is Gwendrez open year-round?
The beach itself is accessible year-round, though staffed facilities including lifeguards typically operate only during the official season (typically July–September). The Blue Flag is displayed during the certification period only.
The Water
Swimming and Beach Life at Gwendrez
Is Gwendrez safe to swim?
Gwendrez is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict bathing water standards set by the EU Bathing Water Directive. The latest official class is Excellent (2025).
Water quality
Excellent (2025)
Earlier seasons: 2024 Excellent, 2023 Excellent, 2022 Excellent.
Excellent is the top class under the EU Bathing Water Directive. Recent samples stayed inside the strictest limits for bacteria.
Source: European Environment Agency
What is the water temperature at Gwendrez?
Peak water temperature at Gwendrez reaches around 17.6°C in July, making it comfortable for swimming during the summer months. In winter (January), air temperatures average 8.9°C.
What is the beach like at Gwendrez?
Gwendrez on the Brittany coast of France. It meets all Blue Flag criteria for environmental management, water quality, safety, and facilities.
Gwendrez sits on the Celtic Sea: explore all Blue Flag beaches on the Atlantic.
Transport
Getting to Gwendrez
How do I get to Gwendrez by car?
Gwendrez is approximately 2.96 km from Plouhinec. Follow local road signs to the beach. Check Google Maps or a local map for the most current directions.
What is the nearest airport to Gwendrez?
The nearest airport is Brest Bretagne airport (BES), approximately 51.1 km away.
Can I get to Gwendrez by public transport?
Public transport options vary by season. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules connecting to Plouhinec.
Map
Find Gwendrez
Open the map or get directions to the Gwendrez pin. Amenity names are listed here only when OpenStreetMap has a mapped feature nearby.
Map loads when you ask. Tiles stay off the first paint.
Map: OpenStreetMap (ODbL)
On the beach
Facilities at Gwendrez
- Toilets
- Yes
- Showers
- No
- Parking
- Available nearby (surface parking). 64 m away, no parking fee
These details can change. Check on arrival.
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
Practical Details
Practical Information
| At the Beach | |
| Official Season | August – August |
|---|---|
| Beach Type | Coastal beach |
| Nearest supermarket | 3.4 km from the beach |
| Visiting Information | |
| GPS Coordinates | 47.9896°N, 4.4775°W |
| Water Quality | Excellent (2025) (EU Bathing Water Directive) |
| Blue Flag Operator | Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), France |
Frequently Asked Questions
Gwendrez FAQ
Is Gwendrez suitable for children?
Gwendrez has a child-friendly score of 3/10. It is Blue Flag certified in France. Families should still check what is open on the day.
Is Gwendrez free to access?
An entry fee is not listed for Gwendrez. Check with the beach operator before you travel. It is a Blue Flag certified beach in Brittany, France, recognised for meeting international standards for water quality and environmental management.
When is the best time to visit Gwendrez?
The best time to visit Gwendrez is April, May, June. The peak season typically runs High season: July, August, when weather conditions and facilities are at their best.
Peak water temperature reaches around 17.6°C in July. Outside peak season, the beach is quieter but some facilities may be reduced.
What is the water quality at Gwendrez?
Gwendrez is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict EU Bathing Water Directive standards. The latest official class is Excellent (2025).
Blue Flag certification is awarded and reviewed annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). Beaches must pass water quality tests throughout the season to retain their status.
How do I get to Gwendrez?
Gwendrez is located in Brittany, France. It is approximately 2.96 km from Plouhinec. The nearest airport is Brest Bretagne airport (BES), 51.1 km away.
By car is the most flexible option. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules to the area.
Editorial
From the Zeach Blog
Everything you need to know about what makes a beach qualify for Blue Flag status, from water quality to environmental education.
Read moreOur editorial team's pick of the standout Blue Flag beaches in France, rated for family friendliness, scenery, and facilities.
What the flag actually means, how certification works, and why a Blue Flag is a genuinely reliable signal, not just a marketing tool.
Read moreSources
- Foundation for Environmental Education: Blue Flag programme
- FEE site listing for Gwendrez
- FEE France (Pavillon Bleu)
Last verified September 2026. National operator pages and FEE listings are the primary certification sources.