The island of a thousand cliffs
Discover Belle Ile en Mer
Where is Belle-Île-en-Mer?
The largest of the Ponant islands, Belle-Île-en-Mer is located in the Morbihan department, not far from the islands of Houat and Hoëdic. Although it is at roughly the same latitude as Le Croisic, it is closer in distance to Quiberon, from which it is separated by only 12 km via the Bay of Quiberon.
Take advantage of the campsite ‘s exceptional location in the Gulf of Morbihan to discover this magnificent island typical of southern Brittany.
Focus on the essentials
How do I get to Belle-Île-en-Mer?
Numerous sea links make it easy to reach Belle-Île in the Gulf of Morbihan for a day or more. Boats leave from La Turballe and Le Croisic in summer, and from Port-Navalo and Vannes from April to September. The fastest and most frequent connections, however, are from the port of Le Palais in Belle-Île-en-Mer to the port of Quiberon. These connections are available all year round. The crossing to Belle-Île takes 45 minutes. The Océane company has ferries on which vehicles can be loaded.
So you can get to Belle-Île by car! Prices vary according to vehicle size and model.
Prefer to leave your car in a parking lot in Quiberon? Numerous bike, scooter and car rental companies await you at the Port du Palais. There’s something for every taste, from the small 2-seater electric car to the Méhari and the Deux-Chevaux, alongside more contemporary and classic models.
A network of buses also invites you to take a guided tour of the island. Reservations can usually be made on the boat itself, during the crossing.
History of Belle-île-en-Mer
Belle-Île has always been coveted by pirates, then by the English and Dutch during the war. This was not only because of its strategic position, but also because of its agricultural and maritime resources. The island then passed from hand to hand, first to Fournet in 1658, then to the King in 1660. Vauban redesigned the fortresses at this time, towards the end of the 17th century. It was then invaded by the English for two years in 1761.
Today, there is a museum of Belle-île art and history, a naval hall and many cultural events to discover in the citadel.
Belle-Île-en-Mer coastline and beaches
A rocky island, Belle-Île-en-Mer is renowned for its jagged coastline.
Its coastline is home to over 50 idyllic beaches, some of the most beautiful in Morbihan, ranging from intimate coves to long stretches of white sand at the foot of cliffs.
Families will find supervised swimming areas on Plage de Donnant and Plage d’Herlin.
A tiralo is available for people with reduced mobility on Plage des Grands sables, at the nautical base.
For a dip in the turquoise waters of a heavenly cove, head for Ramonette beach, Port-Saint-Julien beach, Port Puce beach or Port Jean beach.
Belle-Île’s deep creeks are very popular at low tide, but are less popular at high tide, thanks to the pleasant temperature of the water and the gentle slope, which is safe for younger children.
More than an island, an experience
What to do in Belle-Île at sea
Through Monet’s eyes
Find yourself in one of Monet’s paintings as you stroll near the Aiguilles de Port-Coton. The famous painter immortalized this spot, named after the cotton-like foam. The painter also depicted Port-Goulphar, located near this first destination.
Vauban Citadel Museum
Vauban’s citadel in Le Palais offers a variety of exhibitions. One room presents the history of Belle-Île through the ages. In another part of the building, called the “Salle de la Marine”, you can discover splendid models of ships and the stories of great navigators. This room is an invitation to travel.
Le Phare des Poulains
The Poulains lighthouse now belongs to the Conservatoire du Littoral. It is located in Sauzon, on the Pointe des Poulains. It is cut off from the rest of the island at high tide. A visit to this lighthouse offers breathtaking views.
Welcome to surf enthusiasts
You’ll find plenty of places to surf on Belle-Île. Donnant beach is a favorite with surfing enthusiasts. For the younger ones, head to Sauzon for an introduction to surfing and other water sports such as sea kayaking or catamaran sailing. Get ready to tame the elements and tame the waves!
Excursions from Belle-Île: Houat and Hoëdic
You can also discover the nearby islands on excursions departing from Belle-Île-en-mer. Embark at Le Palais for a day or half-day during high season and head for Houat and Hoedic. It’s a great excursion for young and old alike.
Walks and hikes in Belle-Île-en-Mer
Belle-Île-en-Mer is a popular destination for hikers and cyclists, with its wild landscapes and sublime ocean views.
The GR 340 winds its way around the island, offering walkers over 80 km of trails along the Atlantic coast.
The coastal path passes through a number of private properties. A complete tour of the island on foot takes 4 to 5 days. The itinerary is very well signposted, with granite markers, directional signs and the white and red markings typical of the Breton GR 34.
The signposting allows you to walk in sections, discovering the island’s landscapes, as well as its historical heritage: the Vauban citadel on the port of Le Palais, the fortress belonging to the actress Sarah Bernhardt on the magnificent Pointe des Poulains, or the Kervilahouen lighthouse.
There are also hiking trails between land and sea: from a 1h 30-minute family stroll to a 3h 30-minute hike, 17 circuits ranging from 5 to 13 km in length are available from the tourist office. Cycling trails are also ideal for discovering the island: 30 km to discover the wild coastline, 20 km between the pretty port of Sauzon and the Pointe des Poulains, or a short family trail between the Kervilahouen lighthouse and the Aiguilles de Port Coton, the choice is equally wide.
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