Visit the islands of the Golfe du Morbihan
An inland sea dotted with dozens of islands and islets, the Gulf of Morbihan is the perfect place to discover the region’s magnificent coastal walks, on the Rhuys peninsula, around Larmor Baden, Arzon or Locmariaquer. But above all, the Gulf reveals its extraordinary landscapes on a cruise between its countless islands.
Departing from the 4-star Morbihan campsite from the port of Vannes, but also from Baden, Port-Navalo or Locmariaquer, they are often an opportunity to dock for a stopover on Ile d’Arz or Ile aux Moines. Commented cruises with or without a stopover, lunch cruises or sunset dinners – the options are endless!
After your cruise, you can leave the Gulf and discover the Quiberon peninsula, and the magnificent Belle-Île en Mer, a Breton jewel. The Breton territory will never cease to amaze you, with its salt marshes and alignments of menhirs, or the famous Trinité sur Mer.
Where to take the boat to visit the Golfe du Morbihan?
Several companies offer cruises to discover the islands of the Gulf of Morbihan, departing from the various ports along the inland sea.
The departures from Vannes are the most not-to-be-missed: from the medieval town’s old port, you can sail on the Vannes River before entering the Gulf, passing the emblematic Maison Rose.
The Compagnie du Golfe, Les Vedettes du Golfe, Navix, Passeur des Îles and Bateaux bus du golfe offer guided cruises, as well as regular services to Ile aux Moines and Ile d’Arz.
The islands of the Gulf of Morbihan can also be discovered by boat from :
- Sarzeau, in the port of Logeo, with the Tch’îles company (accompanied by a professional skipper)
- Arzon, in the port of Crouesty, with the companies Prestige Evasion, Dorabord and Avel Plaisance
- Locmariaquer, with Vedettes l’Angélus and Le Passeur des ÎlesLarmor-Baden, with Izenah Croisières
- Baden, with Izenah croisières, but also the maxi catamaran Caseneuve and the Corbeau des Mers.
While some cruises are only available in season, particularly on skippered boats, there are direct connections all year round between the Gulf’s main ports and the two largest islands, Arz and Ile aux Moines.
During your vacation in Morbihan, don’t miss a visit to the famous Golfe du Morbihan Regional Nature Park.
A walk in the Golfe du Morbihan Regional Nature Park
The Golfe du Morbihan Regional Nature Park covers an area of more than 80,000 m², encompassing all the islands of the Golfe du Morbihan with the exception of Ile aux Moines, as well as the Gulf’s coastline. Its role is to preserve and enhance the area’s natural environment and culture. The Park’s emblem is the speckled seahorse, a species that once thrived in the inland sea, but is now tending to disappear.
What’s more, the Golfe du Morbihan is ideal for strolling between land and sea on the many coastal paths that allow you to discover beautiful Breton coves.
The Park’s biodiversity is the focus of numerous conservation initiatives, notably for the common tern, another emblematic species of the Gulf of Morbihan. From April to September, nature outings are organized to raise public awareness of the Park’s ecosystems and the challenges of protecting them.
The Parc Naturel Régional also stages exhibitions, publishes guidebooks and organizes a large-scale event every two years involving all the communes in the region: the event highlights local sustainable development initiatives.
The NRP is also responsible for managing the island of Ilur, which is not accessible by shuttle bus. Coastal rangers offer on-site visits to showcase the island’s exemplary resource management.
List of the most beautiful islands in the Gulf of Morbihan
- L’île aux Moines: its cross-shaped silhouette stretches for 7 km, a 5-minute boat ride from Port-Blanc in Baden. Its wooded landscapes and sandy beaches on the Atlantic Ocean are dotted with chapels, mills and fountains for you to discover.
- L’île d’Arz: to the east of l’île aux Moines, an island that can be explored entirely on foot. It boasts a listed church, an 18th-century priory, a 16th-century tide mill and megaliths. You can also visit the Musée Marins et Capitaines, dedicated to the era of sailing.
- Gavrinis: dominated by an imposing megalithic structure, the island of Gavrinis is privately owned and located opposite the bay of Larmor-Baden, near the mouth of the gulf. The Gavrinis cairn, whose stone blocks are engraved with mysterious ornaments, can be visited from Larmor-Baden, Port-Navalo or Vannes.
- Berder: this island in the Gulf of Morbihan is unique in that it is accessible on foot at low tide, via an 80-metre-long gois that links it to Larmor-Baden. Ideal for hiking or strolling in a preserved natural environment.
- Ilur: accessible only by boat and linked by no shuttle service, Ilur is a jewel in the gulf owned by the Conservatoire du littoral. The island’s hamlet is currently being restored.
- Tascon: the third largest island in the Gulf of Morbihan, Tascon is linked to Saint-Armel by the Rodu passage, a road that can be used at low tide. An important ornithological site, it’s also a popular fishing spot.
