From the Glénan Islands to the Ile aux Moines (part 2: South Brittany)
This 2nd part on the Islands of Brittany (1st part here) will take us from the Glénan Islands to the Ile aux Moines in Morbihan. Some will tell me that the Ile aux Moutons is not part of the Glénan Islands, and they will be right...but I think it deserves a photo if only for its beauty and for the work done by the associations to protect seabirds.
So let's start our trip with a visit to the Glénan Islands. The Glénan archipelago is located about fifteen kilometers from the coast of Brittany, south of Concarneau or Bénodet. This heavenly archipelago could remind us of the Seychelles Islands... but no! we are in Brittany...emerald water, white sand, endemic flowers such as the Glénan narcissus...All that's missing are the palm trees :) How to reach this paradise on the water? All you have to do is take a boat and in 1 hour you can set foot on the main island of Saint-Nicolas.
From there, why not borrow a kayak and go around the Islands, let yourself be embarked on an "underwater vision" star and enjoy the underwater landscape, go diving... Or even enjoy the day by lounging on the white sand beaches. You will not be able to stay there more than the day, camping is prohibited and there is only one cottage.
Let's continue our journey about thirty kilometers further east off Lorient, the Ile de Groix. A crossing of 45 minutes and you dock at the port of Tudy. A tip, leave from Lomener, it will only take you 20 minutes. On the island you will move on foot or by bike. The 8 km long and 3 km wide island can be visited in one day. If you choose to cycle, there are about forty kilometers of trail. On foot, 3 paths along the coast from 10 to 14 km. If you prefer beaches, that of Grand Sable is the largest, unless you prefer that of Sable Rouge (the sand is red as its name suggests) Other typical places, the "hell hole" where the waves rumble in a slot. Port Locmaria and its convex beach, the only one in Europe. But also the typical low houses of this island. Whether you go to the wilder West or to the East and its beaches, you will be conquered by this Island.
Here we are in Belle-Ile, Who has never heard of Belle Ile? ... if only in song? Belle Ile located 14 km from Quiberon is exceptional !! Magnificent landscapes, jagged cliffs, panorama as far as the eye can see, fine sand dunes, paths, heavenly beaches, this island will amaze you at all times. Arriving at the port of Le Palais, start your visit with the Vauban citadel, stroll along the port and through the old streets with colorful houses before setting off to discover this place rich in history, heritage and culture. Go on foot, by bike or by car... And yes, it's possible!! even if I recommend cycling to appreciate the landscapes, the island is 17km long and 9km wide. Do not hesitate to stay there for several days, there are so many things to do. From the port of Le Palais to Locmaria, from Herlin beach to the Aiguilles de Port Coton, from Donnant beach to the Poulain lighthouse. So embark for Belle Ile and enjoy this unique place.
Let's continue our journey by approaching the Gulf of Morbihan. The Island of Houat reaches out to us. Here nature is queen, no trees on the horizon, only the stones, the moors, the wind and the ocean dispute this territory inhabited year-round by 250 souls. Of course, you can only discover this island on foot or by bike. 5km long and just over 500m wide, you can cover it easily in one day. So what to do on the Ile d'Houat? go for a bike ride (rental on site possible), rent a boat, wait for the return of the fishermen and taste the fabulous shells of Houat, visit the hatchery museum, enjoy the immense fine sand beach of Le Gouret or follow the paths and discover the menhirs left behind by our distant ancestors. Stop in Houat and enjoy a nature day.
The island of Hoëdic located 2km south of the Ile d'Houat is our next stop. Just over 2km long and 1km wide, Hoëdic is a confetti in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. You like adventure, experiences, discoveries...Hoëdic is for you. You can stay one night or more in one of the cottages on the island, among the 120 inhabitants residing there all year round. Like a Robinson Crusoe, you will find yourself alone on a beach, you will walk on the paths from creek to creek, from beach to beach surrounded by a moor covered with wild flowers... Lilies, Hollyhocks, Knapweed... Summer or winter, under the sun or on stormy days, Hoëdic will enchant you and remain a parenthesis of calm and peace in a "man's" life full of tumult and stress. Come join Hoëdic by boat from the Quiberon peninsula and visit the islanders for an unforgettable stay.
Here we are at the end of our trip to the Southern Islands of Brittany. A final stop on the Ile aux Moines in the middle of the Gulf of Morbihan. The Gulf of Morbihan has 42 islands, including the largest, Ile aux Moines. In 5 minutes of navigation from the Pier of Port Blanc in the town of Baden you arrive on the Ile aux Moines. Come and discover the fishermen's houses in the old town, the flowery streets, let yourself be tempted by the restaurants offering you Breton guiche, artichokes or Breton potatoes. Walk or cycle along one of the 4 marked circuits ranging from 2 to 10 km and discover this island where wisteria, hydrangeas or mimosas grow in profusion. Cross the woods with poetic names, 'Bois d'Amour', 'Bois des Regrets' or 'Bois des Soupirs'. Follow the coastal path (GR34) or enjoy the beaches. The Ile aux Moines will enchant you with its diversity of landscapes.
Our trip ends there, I hope to have made you want to visit the South Islands of Brittany.
I wish you a good trip and good souvenir photos
See the vidéo of this trip here