There are two ways to enjoy Portelet - from the cliffs high above it or by walking down long flights of steps to see the bay close up.
The dominant feature is a small island topped by a round tower and cut off at high water but linked to the beach at low tide by a sandy causeway.
The island is called Ile au Guerdain, or Janvrin’s Tomb, and is said to be the resting place of a sea captain who refused to come ashore when his ship’s crew were struck down by plague.
Portelet has great sand, good clean swimming and rocks for scrambling. The climb back up can be tough, but fear not - there is a pub at the top of the steps.
Served by bus route 12a.
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