Côte Sauvage
Sharp cliffs.
Rundvald — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Patrice78500 — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Patrice78500 — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Patrice78500 — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Patrice78500 — CC BY-SA 3.0
Belle-Île-en-Mer is a French island off the coast of Brittany in Morbihan, the largest of Brittany's islands, 14 km from the Quiberon peninsula and about 17 km south of the town of Quiberon in a straight line. Its name means beautiful island in the sea. The island is 17 km long and 9 km wide, covers about 84 square kilometres and averages 40 metres in elevation. It is divided into four communes: Bangor, Le Palais, Locmaria and Sauzon. Its climate is oceanic, with less rain and milder winters than the mainland. Two coasts contrast here: the Côte Sauvage, the wild southwest coast with dangerously sharp cliffs and rocks battered by the waves, and the northeast coast with calm beaches and harbours, the largest beach being Les Grands Sables. Small coves of clear turquoise water and golden sand cut into the cliffs. The two main ports are Le Palais, reached by ferry from Quiberon, Port-Navalo and Vannes, and Sauzon, reached by ferry from Quiberon and Lorient. Visitors get around by car, bike or on foot along the coastal paths. It is worth staying a night or more.
Sharp cliffs.
The largest beach.
A small port.
Morbihan, Brittany, France
By ferry from Quiberon, Lorient or Vannes.
A night or more is worthwhile.