The 12 things to do in Belle-Île-en-Mer

Have a holiday in the Ponant Islands? Don't miss the 11 essential things to do in Belle-Île-en-Mer

There are no more artists, politicians, academics who have come to draw from the dream landscapes of the beautiful island, their ideas, their words, their inspirations. From Claude Monet to Gustave Flaubert, from Henry Matisse to Jacques Prévert, the greatest geniuses co-located the fertile fields, the drylands, the shredded cliffs, the fine and golden sand beaches of the small island of the Atlantic. With these 5,500 permanent residents, Belle-Île-en-Mer is one of these invaluable natural treasures to be preserved absolutely.

The largest of the Ponant Islands, located only 14 kilometers off the coast of Quiberon , offers its visitors a stay out of time, bent by the gentleness of its climate. Siesting in the shade of a fig tree, walking along coastal paths, relaxing on a beach, enjoying local products on the markets, or discovering the hundred villages of the idea, some of which count only a few houses, this is the idea that one is made of happiness in Belle-Île-en-Mer. Be sure, after discovering this island, you will not be able to pass.

Are you ready to escape? Here are the 12 things to do in Belle-Île-en-Mer during your stay.

1. Discover the Palace

If you arrive by boat, it is in the administrative and economic capital of the island that you will land. This is also where more than half of the inhabitants of Belle Island live.

You will enjoy its small marina, located opposite the Vauban citadel and the colorful facades of the houses around it. Discover its museums and numerous art galleries, before enjoying the festive summer evenings. Ambiance guaranteed!

2. Mount in the Grand Phare

There is no doubt the monument to visit in Belle-Île-en-Mer without waiting. Entry into service in 1836, the Grand Phare measures eighty-two metres high. When the weather is key, climb the two hundred and forty-seven steps of the lighthouse to admire the panoramic view over the entire island. Also enjoy the exhibition on lighthouses and nature, which is on the ground floor.

3. The Church of Locmaria

It is impossible to visit Belle-Île-en-Mer, without visiting Notre-Dame de Locmaria. The oldest religious building on the island was built in stone, in a Romanesque style, in the 11th century. Renovated in the 17th century, it attracted many pilgrims, who came here, thanks to "Our Lady of Tors Wood", the great protector of the island against pirates.

4. Admire the needles of Port Coton

Come and admire these lace rocks, surrounded by stables, which in large time form cotton flakes. Claude Monet coming here in 1886 had grasped in his paintings the beauty of this landscape.

5. The Chicken Point

Welcome to one of the most beautiful sites to visit in Belle-Île-en-Mer! With its lighthouse, its white sandy beach, lined with crystalline water, and its shredded coast, the tip of the Poulains, classified Protected natural site offers breathtaking landscapes.

The tragedy of Sarah Bernhardt had fallen under the charm of this magical place. In 1894 she decided to acquire the military fortin and spent almost thirty years of her life there.

6. Sauzon and its port

At first fishing port, Sauzon is today a small peaceful marina. There is an incomparable calm here. Take the time to stroll through the small streets of Sauzon and admire the houses with pastel colours. Lunch on one of the terraces of the harbour, for a sunbath.

7. A boat ride

After strolling on the docks of the small port of Sauzon, why not take advantage of it to get there rent a boat ?

So you can enjoy a boat ride to discover the island in another way. Lace rocks, lighthouses, white sandy beach and crystalline water... so many wonders to admire from the ocean. An unforgettable experience to live with your loved ones to perfect your stay in Belle-Île-en-Mer!

8. La Belle Fontaine

In fact, it is a freshwater tank of more than 860,000 litres that was used to supply ships. Built under the direction of Vauban in 1703, it is now classified as a historic monument.

9. Visit the Vauban citadel

The Vauban citadel? A must-see in Belle-Île-en-Mer! Built on the remains of the castle of Gondi and fortified by Vauban, the citadel overlooks the port of Palais. You will discover a museum retracing the history of Belle-Île-en-Mer and each summer you will enjoy an international music festival, poetically called Lyrique-en-Mer .

10. Meet the beekeepers on the island

Are you wondering what to do in Belle-Île-en-Mer with your family? Go to meet the beekeeping of the island. You'll know everything about bees and honey. The little greedy ones will feast, and you will be able to bring back some gifts in your luggage, which will undoubtedly please your loved ones.

11. Browse the island markets

Fishes, crustaceans and shells freshly sins, vegetables and local fruits, charcuterie and artisanal formsages, the markets of Belle-Île-en-Mer are a treat for taste buds.

Don’t hesitate to visit the Place de la République in Palais, Sauzon every Friday morning or in Locmaria every Friday in the summer.

12. The beach of Donnant

The heat gets you and you're looking for an exit to make in Belle-Île-en-Mer to refresh yourself? Take the direction of the Donnant beach and dive into the refreshing waters of the Atlantic. Located west of the island, the beach is also a renowned surf spot.

How do I get to Belle-Île-en-Mer?

By the air

To get to Belle-Île-en-Mer, you can fly to Lorient Airport. Air France offers flights from Roissy-Charles de Gaulle for example. Take a little over an hour’s drive.

Flights are then available from Lorient. The Air West airline, for example, offers flights to the small Belle-Île-en-Mer aerodrome in the heart of the island. Count fifteen minutes of flight and six hundred euros for six people on average. Other starting cities are offered, at prices, however, quite high. We advise you to consult our partner's offers Ulysses to get to Belle-Ile by plane.

If your budget allows you to know that the company Héliberté also offers helicopter transfers from Vannes or La Baule.

By the sea

To visit Belle-Île-en-Mer, you can also use the services of the Compagnie Océane, which offers Daily liaisons between Quiberon and Belle-Île-en-Mer, about forty-five minutes. The company uses routings that board passengers and vehicles.

From April to October, the island is served by several other shipping companies, which provide connections from Quiberon, but also from Vannes, Port Navalo, Croisic and La Turballe. Only passengers can embark on these boats. However, it is very easy to rent a car, scooters or bikes on the island. Count between 30 and 35 euros per adult the return journey, according to the days, half prices for minors. Children under 4 travel free of charge.

You can also reach the port of Palais or Sauzon with your own boat. Ask the captain of your arrival port on the anchorage conditions.

Join Quiberon by road

To board a boat, you will have to reach the city of Quiberon. For that, borrow the national road 165 and take the exit Auray, direction Quiberon. Count five hours thirty from Paris, a little over two hours from Nantes and slightly less from Rennes.

Join Quiberon by train

Take the TGV lines from Paris Montparnasse direction Quimper and stop at Auray. TGV also maintains liaison from Rennes and Lorient . From Auray train station, you can easily reach Quiberon train station, as well as all stations on the peninsula by taking the summer train, corkscrew .

Where to stay in Belle-Île-en-Mer?

To fully enjoy your stay on the island, it is essential to choose your accommodation. You shouldn't have any difficulty finding the right accommodation. Belle-Île-en-Mer has a significant offer in this area. Charming hotel with sea view , gîtes, guest rooms, residence-vacances, youth hostel and campsites with swimming pool, Belle-Ile-en-Mer offers a wide range of accommodations, available throughout the year, regardless of your budget. You can also consult the offers available in location via AirBnB .

It should be noted that the island also offers 100% ecological housing, with an eco-label or unusual accommodation that will make your stay unforgettable. You may be tempted by a night in the Black Bee Yourte! It is up to you to see according to your desires and budget.

Did you also fall under the charm of this mythical island? Share your must-see in Belle-Île-en-Mer.