The Gulf of Morbihan

The best way to appreciate the visual richness of the Golfe du Morbihan and its profusion of islands is to take a cruise! Why not treat yourself to a unique experience and sail with a professional skipper aboard a sailboat or catamaran (which are less polluting than motorboats)? Departing from picturesque Port-Navalo, the legendary sailing boat Krog E Barz, a replica of a lobster boat from the turn of the century, will cast off to discover the islands of the Gulf or for a trip to the islands of Houat or Hoëdic. On the programme: discoveries galore and a plethora of anecdotes about the boat and the region told with passion by the crew.

The Krog e Barz only hoists the mainsail in July and August. The price for a half-day trip in the Golfe du Morbihan is 38 euros for adults and 33 euros for children.

The "sunset cruise" option, with a snack based on local produce and Nantes wine, is also a fantastic way to reveal the magic of a balmy summer evening (€70 for adults, €60 for children).

An outing at sea is also an opportunity to discover the rich marine fauna that populates the Morbihan coastline. In a naturalist spirit that respects animals and the environment, the Faune Océan association offers sea outings in the Golfe de Mor Braz to meet dolphins, porpoises and other cetaceans in the area. It's a very moving experience and a great opportunity to learn about environmental issues and protect the marine world. Departures from Locmariaquer and Port-Navalo. Prices : Adults €87.00 - Teenagers (aged 12 to 18) and students €77.00 - Children (under 12) €55.00

The jewel in the crown of the Gulf of Morbihan is, of course, the multitude of islands dotted around it. A number of them are private islands and cannot be visited, but don't worry, the ones you can explore will certainly not leave you unmoved.

From Larmor-Baden, you can reach the delightful little island of Berder, with its 2.5km of coastal paths lined with pines, mimosas and even olive trees. The island is accessible at low tide, but be careful not to get trapped by the tide or you could get stuck. Remember to check the crossing times. Once on dry land, enjoy the spectacle of the tide submerging the bay from the pleasant terrace of La folie berder, where you can have a drink or sample delicious fish and seafood dishes (open from 10am to 1am, Wednesday to Sunday).

For lovers of history and archaeology, a visit to theisland of Gavrinis is a real treat. It is home to an impressive Neolithic funerary monument, one of Brittany's megalithic remains. Its construction predates Stonehenge and the pyramids of Egypt! Measuring 6 metres high and 50 metres in diameter, this archaeological treasure impresses with its titanic juxtaposition of stone slabs and its long corridors with walls engraved with spirals. The beauty of the site will leave you breathless.

The Gavrinis Cairn can be reached on a guided tour from the port of Larmor-Baden (15-minute crossing). In high season, other departures are organised from Vannes, Port-Navalo and Locmariaquer. Tickets cost €19 for adults, €8 for students and 10-17 year-olds, and €4 for children aged 4-10 (free for under-4s). The rest of Gavrinis Island is privately owned, with only the Cairn open to the public.

Île aux Moines is a must-see when visiting the Golfe du Morbihan, with its charming, lively village, pine-filled coastal path and pretty, secret coves. Located just 5 minutes by boat from the mainland at Port-Blanc in Baden, the largest island in the Gulf, peaceful and wooded, is a walker's paradise.

The coastal path, part of the famous "sentier des douaniers", forms an 18-kilometre loop (5 hours' walk) and takes in some of the island's finest viewpoints, including the Pointe du Trec'h at the northern end, which offers a fine view of Arradon and the Ile d'Olavre, and the Pointe de Nioul, which means "sun point" in Breton, and offers a magnificent panorama of the Rhuys peninsula. Nearby is the majestic Dolmen de Penhap, which dominates the surrounding landscape from the top of its hill.

A stop for a swim is a must at the Grande plage, where a row of delightful wooden bathing cabins painted yellow and blue, combined with the elegant villas that dominate the surrounding area, give it an old-fashioned charm that is irresistible.

Incredibly pretty, with its wisteria-covered stone houses and bustling café terraces, the little market town of Ile aux Moines is the perfect gourmet stop-off after a day out. During the summer season, a charming little farmers' market is held in the square every morning. It's also the perfect opportunity to treat yourself to a fine restaurant in a very pleasant setting.

For a seafood platter or monkfish with tarragon sauce, head to Les Embruns, a friendly traditional restaurant nestling in a stone house. Low season: open Thursday to Tuesday for lunch and dinner. High season: open daily for lunch and dinner. Booking recommended.

Prefer to eat on the go? The fantastic Lebanese food truck Bara Pita sets up in the village in summer, serving excellent falafel sandwiches and tasty mezze. It's not local cuisine, we agree, but it's delicious all the same!

You've enjoyed the pleasures of the sea and are now looking for a bucolic getaway in the Morbihan hinterland? North of Vannes, you'll find the famous Lanvaux moors, where the rolling hills, the last remnants of the Armorican massif, offer superb walks through rivers, undergrowth and green pastures. Follow the footpaths and be surprised by the authenticity of the characterful villages, venerable manor houses and megalithic sites with their patina of age. You'll be particularly enchanted by the chapel of Notre-Dame du Burgo, which stands alone in ruins in the middle of the woods, seemingly shrouded in a mystical aura. You'd swear you could hear the spirits of the forest in the birdsong.

Take a stroll along the footpaths and be amazed by the authenticity of the characterful villages, venerable manor houses and megalithic sites with their patina of age. You'll be particularly enchanted by the chapel of Notre-Dame du Burgo, which stands alone in ruins in the middle of the woods, seemingly shrouded in a mystical aura. You'd swear you could hear the spirits of the forest through the birdsong.

Another remarkable historic site is the Largoët Fortress, a superb 14th-century building whose imposing keep is reflected in the water of the lake. Price: €6 per person. Free for children under 10.