Belle-Ile, the second largest island on the Atlantic coast and the largest island in Brittany, is located in the Morbihan department off the Quiberon peninsula. Covering an area of 85km, it is home to 5,400 year-round residents. Nicknamed ‘La Bien-Nommée’, the island has inspired many artists, including Laurent Voulzy's famous song ‘Belle-Ile-En-Mer, Marie Galante’, as well as painters and film-makers. The island's well-preserved flora and fauna make it an exceptional natural site, much appreciated by all nature lovers.
Things to do in Belle-Île-en-Mer: Visits and activities on Belle-Ile
La citadelle Vauban
Le Grand Phare
Muséographie Sarah Bernhardt
A few spots
- The rocks of the Apothicairerie cave
- Port-Coton and Port-Goulphar
- The Grands Sables beach
Useful information about Belle-Île
Useful Links for your trip to Belle-Île
Find all the information you need for your stay in Belle-Ile-en-Mer:
Transports
Belle-Ile offers a range of transport options, including buses, taxis, car hire, bicycles, motorbikes and electric vehicles.
Bus: Taol Mor is a regular bus service from April to September. Two bus companies offer sightseeing tours and transport on request.
Taxis: a number of private companies provide passenger transport.
Car hire: cars are still the most convenient way of getting around the island. Car rental agencies are located in the town centre. Renault and various local authorities have also set up the FlexMob'Île project: a fleet of self-service electric vehicles available to residents and visitors.
Cycling: cycling is a real institution for locals, even for commuting. Bikes are easy to hire on the island.
Aerodrome
Belle-Ile aerodrome is located in the commune of Bangor, 4 km south-south-west of Le Palais.
Medical information
The Yves Lanco hospital is located at 6496 Rive Eva Jo in Palais, and is part of the Belle-île-en-mer Medical Centre. It has a medical department, an EHPAD, a U.S.L.D. (Unité de Soins Longue Durée) and a F.A.M. (Foyer d'Accueil Médicalisé).
Visiting Belle-Île, the best addresses on Belle-Île
Belle-Île is an island full of contrasts: sheer cliffs, coves and rough seas combine with the beauty and greenery of the moors to create a place that will never cease to amaze you.
The picturesque port of Sauzon, with its charming colourful houses, cafés and good restaurants, is a lively place.
You'll also find the Grand Phare lighthouse, the Locamaria church and the old town of Palais with its famous Vauban citadel, a must-see on the island.
Belle-Ile has an extraordinary micro-climate, with sunshine equivalent to that of Toulouse according to Météo France, at 2,000 hours a year!
Restaurants on Belle-Île
Markets, crêperies, restaurants to suit all budgets - Belle-Île has no shortage of places to eat.
Find the list of the best restaurants on Belle-Île here: https://www.calameo.com/read/00614123745d86b2379e1
Accommodation in Belle-Ile
Belle-Ile offers a wide choice of accommodation: Hotels, gites, B&Bs, youth hostels and campsites.
Here are a few examples:
Hôtel du Grand Large :
http://www.hotelgrandlarge.com/#close
Camping de l’Océan :
https://www.camping-ocean-belle-ile.com
Auberge de jeunesse :
https://www.belle-ile.com/se-loger/gites-et-auberge-jeunesse/135685-auberge-de-jeunesse-hi-belle-ile-en-mer