Plage de la Mine d'Or, Coastal beach with orange cliffs in Pénestin, France
Plage de la Mine d'Or is a coastal beach stretching along the Atlantic shore with distinctive ochre and orange cliffs rising above the sand. The cliff face displays multiple layers of colored rock formations that create a striking visual effect along the two-kilometer coastline.
The beach takes its name from gold mining operations that began in the 19th century and stopped after World War I. The mining efforts proved unprofitable and were gradually abandoned.
The layered cliffs show how the coast has changed over time through natural processes. Visitors walking here can observe the geological story written in stone and understand how water and sediment shaped this place.
This beach serves as an important launch site for paragliders in the Morbihan area, and the shoreline is accessible without significant obstacles. Nearby accommodations and facilities can be found in the surrounding town.
Locals once used water from the cliff area for laundry because it contained high amounts of kaolin, a mineral that produced exceptionally white results. This natural cleaning method was valued before modern detergents became available.
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