Plage de la Mine d'Or

This beach stretches for about 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) along the Brittany coast with distinctive ochre cliffs towering roughly 33 feet (10 meters) high. The cliff face displays visible layers of sediment and mineral deposits in its striations.

Gold prospectors searched these cliffs during the 1800s and discovered flakes within the rock, prompting small-scale mining operations. These efforts halted during World War I.

Local people once relied on the mineral-rich water from the cliffs for washing their clothes. This practice was common in the early 20th century.

Lifeguards patrol the water during summer months, positioned near the main parking area for easy access. Visiting during quieter periods or early morning hours can provide a more peaceful experience.

The sediment layers were likely deposited by an ancient river, possibly the Loire, and date back roughly one million years. These geological records reveal evidence of marine deposits from very distant periods.