Grande plage de Houat, Sandy beach on Île-d'Houat, France

The Grande Plage de Houat is a wide sandy shore on the island's eastern coast, stretching for several kilometers with clear shallow water perfect for swimming. It sits between the old harbor and the headland at En Tal, forming the main seaside area of the community.

Since the 18th century, the island was built around fishing, and the old harbor here became the lifeline of the community. The shore itself served as a natural mooring ground where boats and daily maritime work kept the settlement alive.

The beach is known locally by its Breton name, Treac'h er Goured, and also called the "grande plage". It runs between the old harbour and the Pointe d'En Tal, and its north-eastern end continues around the point as one of Brittany's rare convex beaches.

The beach runs about 2.2 km from the old harbour to the Pointe d'En Tal, facing Hoëdic to the east-southeast. It is bordered by dunes and partly belongs to the Conservatoire du littoral. At low tide an isthmus opens toward the islet of Er Yoc'h, so check the tide before walking out.

At low tide, a natural sandbar links this shore to the nearby islet of Er Yoc'h, creating a walkable passage that vanishes when water returns. This temporary path adds an element of surprise to visits, as the geography itself shifts with the tides.