The Gulf of Morbihan
The Gulf of Morbihan, also known as the little sea, is just 45 minutes from the campsite... a maritime jewel so close you won't want to miss the chance to enjoy it for a day!
Take the car at dawn to reach Vannes, a medieval capital with undeniable charm. Don't leave too late: the boat is waiting for you at 8.50am for a 9.20am departure from the Gare Maritime, if you choose the "ChekYeti" company (€17.20 per adult, €14 for 13-25 year olds, €10.20 for 4-12 year olds and €2 for toddlers).
The past opens its doors to you...
💡To help you get organised:
Bicycles and sea breezes: welcome to Monks' Island
After 45 minutes of sailing on the open sea, contemplating the scenery, lulled by the iodised air and the reflections of the gulf, you've arrived at the pearl of the gulf: Île aux Moines. The calm, the light, the island's coves and the paths lined with hydrangeas... a simple invitation to relax and contemplate. But before you get caught up in the magic of the place, head for the bike hire (there are plenty of shops near the pier, including Veloc'Ouest and l'île aux vélos, whose customer feedback is more than satisfactory (around €15-20 a day)).
A small village full of surprises for the whole family to explore
Get on your bikes and discover a village where it's good to take your time. Children will marvel at the flower-filled lanes and white houses with colourful shutters, while parents will appreciate the peaceful atmosphere and the craft stalls. Stop off in front of the church of Saint-Michel for a photo opportunity or a short visit. And why not take the whole family to find the best place for a snack? Pancakes, ice creams or homemade cakes... there's something for everyone. The recently opened La Cabine invites you to take a sweet break. If you're more of a fan of irresistible classics, try Les Douceurs du Golfe, a bakery and patisserie where homemade cakes tantalise the taste buds.
Head for the Pointe de Brouel and pedal along the wooded paths to the east of the island. To avoid getting lost, we recommend downloading the tourist map with a map of Ile aux Moines, available on the official website of the Gulf of Morbihan tourist office. Take the time to sunbathe or read a book.
Rest and meal!
Climb back into the saddle and head for either Plage du Goret or Plage du Rudel, depending on your preference, for a swim in clear turquoise water. These two wild coves await you. Have a picnic with your feet in the golden sand, or sit on a bench in the shade of a pine tree overlooking the gulf.
If you prefer to get your feet under the table, the Loudinou crêperie will be happy to open its doors to you. Renowned for its generous, crispy crêpes, it's the perfect place for a gourmet break during your cycling trip: golden crêpes and a bowl of fresh cider, it's authentic Brittany on the menu to delight your taste buds.
The medieval capital awaits you
For optimum digestion, take a leisurely stroll back to the port for a final treat. Take your time with a local sorbet or a coffee on the terrace before embarking for the return journey. Back to Vannes, my captain! One last look at the salty island... and a promise to return.
But the escapism continues... This time, head for Vannes for a trip back in time. Stroll between the Porte Saint-Vincent, the Place des Lices, the marina, the timber-framed houses, the Château de Gaillard, the Place Henry IV and the Place Saint-Pierre. Every stone tells a story.
Before you hit the road again, there's nothing like a final feast. La Poissonnerie du Port welcomes you in a chic marine atmosphere: it is sure to delight fish lovers with subtle recipes that are sure to seduce your refined palates.
It's on this note of freshness that this escapade in the Gulf of Morbihan comes to an end. Get back in the car, feeling light-headed but with a full belly, and let these islands whisper to you: see you soon...
Our nearby campsites
The islands
Brittany
Pénestin
The Squirrels
Brittany
La Bernerie en Retz
