Wondering about delightful places to see near Brittany, France? Wonder no more than because I am about to tell you about a fantastic location off the Morbihan coast that is perfect for a romantic getaway — Belle Ile en Mer.
Not sure yet if this location is suitable as your next vacation spot? Worry now; I’m about to change your mind. This write-up will guide you on how to reach this remarkable place, tell you about fun activities you can partake in, and inform you everything you need to know.
Visit Belle Ile
Did you know that among the many Brittany islands, Belle Ile is the largest one? Now you know. To visit Belle Ile en Mer, you must catch a boat or ferry from Port Navalo in Brittany Quiberon or Vannes. Alternatively, you could also catch your transport from the Lorient Port during the peak season. If you are in Paris, it’s easier since there is a direct train to Lorient and Vannes. From Quiberon, a ferry takes about 45 minutes to reach the island.
In the peak season, particularly during summer, the ferry service operates approximately ten times per day between the island and the mainland. If you intend to travel, I recommend booking in advance, especially if you plan to bring your vehicle along. On location at Bel Ile, the ferry makes a stop at a town called Le Palais on the east side of the island. At Le Palais, there are fantastic facilities such as hotels for your accommodation and bike hire services for ease of movement where cars cannot reach.
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Know More About Belle Ile En Mer, A French Gem
Belle Ile en Mer is a French phrase meaning beautiful island in the sea. This island is the third largest after the Ile de Re and Ile d’Oleron on the French Atlantic Coast but still the biggest in Brittany. For you to enjoy an exclusive visit to this fantastic French gem in the Atlantic, you will need at least a long weekend to check its most fascinating spots. The longer you stay, the better since you will get to experience and visit more places.
Interestingly, if you have limited time, you can enjoy a one-day excursion of the island if you hire a tourist tour to visit its famous spots. On the other hand, if you have more than just the weekend to tour, there are different ways to explore Belle Ile. Firstly, you can hike through the rough terrain in a four-day walk around the whole island and enjoy its magnificent landscape.
Secondly, you can hire a bike and cycle your way through the uneven yet specially adapted cycle paths. Thirdly, you can choose the regular bus service tour, car rental companies, or any other motor vehicle of your choice to explore the island. If you don’t mind a bus tour, then jump on it, get the commentary on all the historic places around Belle Ile, and enjoy the symbolic landscapes.
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What to Visit in Belle Ile en Mer?
Limited time and don’t know where to go first? If you are in Belle Ile, make it a point to visit these places:
- Port of the Palais
- Belle Ile Museum of Art and History
- Vauban Citadel
- Port of Sauzon at the north location of Bel Ile and take photos of the pastel-coloured houses
- Pointe des Poulains
- Sarah Bernhardt Museum
- Port Coton, located on the south side of the island, with an ideal landscape of serrated rocks
- The Great Goulphar Lighthouse
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Enjoy the Many Beaches in Belle Ile en Mer
With a coastline of 82 km, Belle Ile offers a surprising landscape that changes with every tide and season, thus creating an enchanting look for visitors. The island has 58 magnificent beaches with ultramarine waters, rocky coves, and fine sand.
Want to relax? Donnant Beach is the perfect getaway for surfing and having a body-board spot on the south side of Bangor. Are you a water sports lover? Belle Ile is where you want to go. The island is renowned for its sports-friendly waters, ideal for surfing, diving, sailing, saltwater fishing, stand-up paddle boarding, and kayaking, to mention but a few. You can easily satisfy all your water sports desires here.
The coastal trail takes you on a wild coast tour, and you can see the untouched land on the left as far as your eyesight allows. Port Puns is a small beach that is 1.5 km apart from Port Deuborh, and from there, it is 2 km to get to the well-known Pointe des Poulains beach, passing by the first creek of Pen Hoet.
The views of Belle Ile en Mer are stunning from beginning to end. You won’t help but feel enlightened by everything you’ll get to see at this enchanting location.
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Where to Stay in Belle Ile en Mer
Whether you have a one-day visit to the island or less, you have to agree that it’s worth staying a night to explore the beautiful delights and scenes the island has to offer. In your short stay in Belle Ile, don’t miss out on the magnificent Port Coton and the Citadel Vauban at Le Palais. Also, participate in one of the many water sports mentioned above; you will thank me later!
If you are looking for a perfect place to stay in Belle Ile, here are some ideas! Whether you are a camper or looking for a luxurious hotel, plenty of different accommodations cater to your specific needs. There are four towns on the island, namely Banor, Le Palais, Locmaria, and Sauzon, which have all the accommodations you need to have that memorable experience.
Another option to check out is the island’s eco-friendly and original yurts, which offer an unforgettable living experience close to other island activities, and above all, you will enjoy a paradise-like ambiance. Yurts are a perfect combination of glam, calm, and comfortable camping experience to remember. If you want an eco-conscious alternative to your stay on this beautiful island, this is it!
Conclusion
Now that you have all the facts on Belle Ile en Mer, when are you planning to visit this beautiful island of France? If your answer is soon, remember the must-visit places mentioned above, and don’t forget to make your early booking if you plan to visit in the peak season. Also, remember to share your experiences with us and give us a thumbs up if you found this article helpful. Happy vacation!
