The 12 most beautiful islands in Brittany

Why go to the other end of the world when heavenly islands await you in France? Here are the 12 most beautiful Breton islands to visit.

Mer d’Iroise, Gulf of Morbihan, Côte de granit rose, Brittany can boast many treasures of nature! Among these treasures, there are about 800 islands spread over its coastline and whose turquoise waters do not have much to envy in the Caribbean. Unique ornithological reserves, fine sandy coves, shimmering flora and postcard villages are part of the exceptional panoramas that can be observed there. Instant packaging with this selection of the 12 most beautiful Breton islands to discover as soon as possible!

1. Saint-Cado

What if we start with a tiny piece of land, really a tiny island? This is not the first to which tourists think during a visit to the Breton islands and it falls well. It is located in the Ria d’Etel, in the Morbihan, where the ocean, like a fjord, advances in the land. You don't need a day to go around this island to charming houses and see its Romanesque chapel but the memory of its sunset remains a lifetime.

How to get there?

The Ria d’Etel is located north of Quiberon. To reach the bridge, go to the village of Belz.

2. Hoëdic

2.5 kilometers long per 1 kilometer wide and 120 inhabitants, here’s a beginning of presentation if you decide to stop the time during a visit to one of the most beautiful islands in Brittany. It is also the groaning roses along the bleached walls, sea lys, centaurea and all the other flowers that color the landscape according to the seasons. And why don't you get tempted by a night on the spot? It is an opportunity to enjoy more of the beaches of fine sand, coastal trails but also the inhabitants during a sweet evening at the terrace of a café.

How to get there?

Shuttles circulate throughout the year from Quiberon. In high season you can also board at the Croisic, Turbale, Vannes, Locmariaquer, Port-Navalo and Palace.

3. Houat

Voisine d’Hoëdic, the “we say” murmured that Houat’s wild coves are among the most beautiful in France. Those who do not respect nature can turn around because the inhabitants jealously watch over their environment, the false airs of the Caribbean, which they intend to preserve. Don't miss finishing your day by strolling in the pretty village overlooking the port.

How to get there?

As for Hoëdic, the boats depart from Quiberon all year and from the same other high-season ports.

4. Island of Sein

The crossing to reach this Breton island, beautiful, is a beautiful presage for the suite. From Audierne, the boats pass through the raz de Sein, a mythical passage with an exceptional view of the rocky promontory. Then we approach the island and its 1.50 meters of altitude! Not a tree on the horizon, you are in the kingdom of winds and waves as evidenced by the high dams that protect the village.

How to get there?

The links are all year round since Audierne. Another is proposed the summer since Brest but with a stopover in Camaret.

5. Groix

What would you say to go barboter on the only convex beach in Europe? The Grands-Sables beach also intrigue scientists because it offers the luxury of travelling every year. Colourful houses also attract the eye, not to mention the famous blue glaucophane stone, a unique geological feature, not found on the other Breton islands. Groix offers a wide variety of landscapes with a west coast, very steep, and a softer coast to the east. Between the Trou de l’Enfer, the port of Locmaria, the famous bar Ti Beudeff and other historical monuments, your visit will be all but boring!

How to get there?

The boarding takes place in Lorient but from June to September, a company also connects from the port of Lomener to Ploemeur.

6. The island of Batz

Authenticity in sight! On the Breton island of Batz work fishermen of course, but also farmers whose productions are known for gastronome purposes. Its landscapes carved by their lush vegetation due to the particularly mild climate. Moreover, a visit to the exotic garden Georges Delaselle is a true paradise. The island tower has many surprises between rocky chaos, turquoise waters, monastery ruins and flowery meadows.

How to get there?

The island is only a 15-minute drive from Roscoff, where daily shuttles leave.

7. Molene

Here is another of these Breton islands (or rather an archipelago) with character! No choice, it is necessary to live in this changing landscape with crystalline tower waters then bouillonnants under the strength of the waves. The island has an interesting history with, among other things, a freshwater tank offered by Queen Victoria thanks to the help of the inhabitants during the sinking of an English ship. If you can, go to the island of Quemenes, inhabited by a single couple and their sheep, which manages an autonomous organic farm in energy.

How to get there?

Marine shuttles depart from Brest or the Conquet all year round. From time to time, there are departures from Camaret and Lanildut.

8. Gavrinis

Another small Breton island, almost unknown, unless you are passionate about prehistory. Indeed, the island houses a megalithic site known as one of the most beautiful in the world. The cairn is also the highest point of the Gulf of Morbihan and some of its stones are beautifully engraved.

How to get there?

To begin with, you must book a visit because the site is protected. Departures are made from the port of Larmor-Baden, from Vannes in high season and tickets coupled with another site exist with departures from Port-Navalo or Locmariaquer.

9. Belle Island

The largest of the Breton islands is no longer present. Its wild coasts, its steep cliffs that suddenly become rich to give birth to a superb creek. The island has charmed the largest, from Monet to Sarah Bernhardt and still enjoys as much to the common mortals. It is rather advisable to visit it off-season to taste fully its wild nature.

How to get there?

The connections to the year depart from Quiberon. In the season, Vannes, Locamariaquer, Port-Navalo, Le Croisic and Turballe offer crossings.

10. Interesting

Ready to board for the last land before America? As much as to warn you, the crossing is often enlivened especially at the pass of the Fromveur. The island is beaten by the winds, especially on the north and west coast where the landscapes are rough but terribly romantic. Ouessant also has an interesting story to discover, it was nicknamed “the island for women”, and the Museum of Phares and Tags is a must to visit.

How to get there?

You have the choice between boat or plane to reach Ouessant. By the air, you leave from Brest Bretagne Airport. By the sea, it is in Brest or Le Conquet that the boardings take place.

11. Bréhat

Its nickname is “the island of flowers”, which immediately gives an idea of what awaits you on this Breton island formed of two islets connected by a bridge. Its micro-climate allows a little-common vegetation in the region to grow, it is believed in the Mediterranean. Needless to say, its landscapes delight all those who pose their feet on its pink granite floor. Once again, discover her out of season.

How to get there?

The boarding port is located in Ploubazlanec.

12. Island of Arz

The poison of too famous Island of the Monks, Arz is just as beautiful with its green banks with water flank. Its long beaches are also famous because they are safe from the winds. The town houses the pretty “houses of captains”, it is on Arz that many sailors of the Marine de Commerce had been elected, today they are those of the Glénans School. The most difficult will be to choose which path to visit the island and discover its fabulous views.

How to get there?

The island is accessible by boat throughout the year from the port of Séné and a few months per year from Vannes.