Quiberon

Eight kilometres of cliffs, arches and wave-battered coves on the ocean side of the peninsula. The coastal path is walked on lead, guaranteed spectacle in rough weather, but swimming here is dangerous for everyone, dogs included.

At the very tip of the peninsula, this low heathland facing Belle-Île and Houat is swept by sea spray. An easy on-lead walking loop, with views of the Teignouse lighthouse and the sailboats slipping out to the islands.

Quiberon's harbour mixes trawlers, a fish auction and the Belle-Île ferries, in a scent of iodine and crêpes. The quays and breakwater make a lively on-lead walk, with the coast's best grilled sardines served on the terraces.

The family beach in the town centre spreads its fine sand at the head of the bay, facing Belle Époque villas. As often in Brittany, dogs are banned here in the summer season: fall back on the unsupervised stretches and the Côte Sauvage early in the morning.

Brittany's largest island is 45 minutes by ferry from Port Maria. The ferry companies accept dogs on deck, generally leashed and muzzled per their conditions: check the rules when booking the crossing.

This 1904 Anglo-medieval manor, set on a promontory at the entrance to the Côte Sauvage, is the most photographed in Morbihan. Privately owned, it cannot be visited, but the path around the point offers superb views on lead.