THE LITTLE INLAND SEA
Morbihan guide and tourism
The bay of the Golfe du Morbihan
The bay of the Golfe du MorbihanThe Gulf of Morbihan, which literally means “little sea” in Breton, gave its name to the département. The bay, 21 km long and 5 km wide, is located on the Armorican coast. Discover the map of the Golfe du Morbihan to best prepare your stay.
It took several millennia for the waters of the Atlantic to seep into the earth on their way to Vannes and Auray.
Some 300 rocky or wooded islands and islets, hemmed in by the Atlantic, dot the waters of the Gulf. 30 of them are inhabited. Others serve as fishing villages or bird sanctuaries. The landscapes mix rocky outcrops with beaches, seagrass beds, salt flats and more.
You can take advantage of your camping vacation in the Golfe du Morbihan to discover these changing and unusual landscapes by boat on a crossing to Belle-ile, or from the shore.
Île aux Moines, nicknamed the pearl of the Gulf, andÎle d’Arz are among the must-sees. The area is a paradise for sailing, boating and hiking. Not forgetting the charming towns and villages of Carnac, Muzillac, Theix and Sarzeau.
AN UNPARALLELED HORIZON
Golfe du Morbihan Regional Nature Park
The Golfe du Morbihan was classified as a Regional Nature Park in 2014 thanks to the exceptional beauty of its immense maritime territory, dotted with islands, rich in landscapes and biodiversity. It is the second largest nature park in Brittany. Spread over 30 communes and 17,000 ha of maritime areas, this park is a privileged terrain for lovers of nature and outdoor activities.
During your long weekend or lively family vacation at the Rhuys campsite, you can explore the park via guided tours and walks and activities such as birdwatching, hiking, biking, mountain biking, horse riding, fishing, water sports etc.
Discover the official website of the Parc Naturel Régional du Golfe du Morbihan.
The islands of the Golfe du Morbihan
The beauty of the Golfe du Morbihan lies in its islands and islets. These scattered pieces of land are ideal for walks and bike rides. They are like specks of greenery against the azure blue sea.
We suggest you first discover the superb Ile aux Moines, easily accessible by boat cruise. The pearl of the Gulf will seduce you with its old town, its pretty flower-lined streets, its charming fishermen’s houses, its Bois d’Amour and its green hills.
There’s also no shortage of attractions on theIle d’Arz, a wild tongue of land offering magnificent circuits for walkers and hikers, as well as breathtaking panoramic views of the islands. The Presqu’île de Rhuys is not an island in the strict sense of the term, but it is full of charm and good reasons to visit. We recommend that you consult a map of the Golfe du Morbihan to make sure you don’t miss anything.
Off the coast of Morbihan, you’ll also find islands of incomparable beauty such as Belle Île en Mer, Houat, Hoëdic, Gavrinis and Groix. Enchanting, wild and mysterious, each promises unforgettable memories.
Discover all the islands of the Golfe du Morbihan.
What to visit in the Golfe du Morbihan?
The best way to discover the Gulf of Morbihan is undoubtedly to take a boat trip around its islands. The landscapes that unfold according to the tides and the whims of the weather will not leave you unmoved.
Stop off at the most beautiful islands and discover the bird sanctuaries, home to stilts, little egrets, common mergansers, gulls and more.
Linger on the beaches of Morbihan’s turquoise waters and play Robinson in the natural spaces. Other sites worth visiting include the wild Quiberon coast, the Rhuys peninsula, the town of Vannes, Arzon (whose Port du Crouesty marks the start of the Gulf), Saint Gildas de Rhuys and Locmariaquer.
Enhance the experience with an oyster tasting at the water’s edge, or with local produce. What’s more, the climate is mild almost all year round, making every discovery more enjoyable. A change of scenery guaranteed!
Find out more
