4 days in Morbihan

Between land and sea, Morbihan offers a promise of discovery and unforgettable holidays to the rhythm of the tides. Overflowing with exceptional sites and varied landscapes, it's the ideal place for families, friends or lovers to recharge their batteries. From jagged coastlines offering sublime panoramas of the wilderness to peaceful sandy beaches where you can soak up the sun and enjoy a swim, Morbihan has a whole host of surprises and sensations in store for you.

Succumb to the breathtaking scenery of the wild Quiberon coastline, escape to the island of Groix and its coves of Caribbean beauty, and cruise the Gulf of Morbihan and its constellation of islets. A land of heritage, Morbihan also offers a wealth of cultural discoveries, from the region's venerable megalithic sites to the vibrant bagpipe concerts at the Lorient Interceltic Festival. But let's not forget the gourmet delights: galettes, oysters, langoustines and kouign amann will delight your taste buds.

Gulf of Morbihan

- © Boris Stroujko / Shutterstock

Day 1: Escapade on the Quiberon peninsula

The Quiberon peninsula is one of the most breathtaking landscapes in the region and an absolute must when visiting Morbihan. Its shape in itself is a curiosity. Attached to the mainland by the isthmus of Penthièvre, a narrow tongue of land 22 metres wide, Quiberon offers visitors two faces: a peaceful coastline lined with dunes and sandy beaches overlooking the bay, and an Atlantic coastline as sublime as it is indomitable, where majestic cliffs clash with the impetuosity of the elements. To get to the peninsula, climb aboard the Tire-Bouchon, the adorable little summer train that links Auray to the town of Quiberon. The superb panoramic views through the windows are a great foretaste of your trip to Quiberon. A return ticket costs €9. The adventure can now begin.

Quiberon Peninsula

- © Captblack76 / Shutterstock
Hotel Europa Morbihan
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Hotel Europa

The Hôtel Europa overlooks Quiberon Bay and has a heated indoor swimming pool.
8.4 Very good
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Embark on an epic walk along the 8-kilometre coastal path lining the Côte sauvage. From the Pointe du Percho to the impressive Arche de Port-Blanc, not forgetting the dreamlike view from Plage de Port-Bara, the vistas are each more breathtaking than the last. Because the ocean currents are so capricious, swimming is strictly prohibited along the whole of the Côte Sauvage. If this sumptuous seascape has left you craving a swim, head to the bay near Saint-Pierre de Quiberon, to the beautiful white sandy beach of Rohu, for an afternoon of swimming and water sports. If the sea air has whetted your appetite, why not treat yourself to a Breton crêpe on one of the pretty terraces in Port-Orange. At the water's edge, facing the expanse of the bay, the taste of caramel is all the better!

Quiberon Peninsula

- © Nico56 / Shutterstock

Day 2: Heading for the island of Groix!

Coast of the island of Groix

- © Alexia Demoy / Shutterstock

Nicknamed the "garnet island" because of the unique composition of its rock, Groix is undoubtedly one of Brittany's most enchanting islands. Take the Escal'Ouest boat from the port of Lorient (€30 return adult fare, €18 child fare). Disembark at Port Tudy and fall under the spell of its charming stone houses covered in flowers and its festive, friendly atmosphere. The Bistrot Ti Beudeff, a legendary venue known across the seas, perfectly embodies this open, authentic and jovial spirit. On foot or by bike, you'll be enchanted to discover some of the island's most beautiful sites, including the Plage des Grands Sables, Europe's only convex beach, whose immaculate sand makes you feel like you've been catapulted into the Caribbean, and the Trou du diable, a sea fault said to be inhabited by a legendary monster. With 40 kilometres of footpaths, nature lovers and keen walkers will be in heaven!

Coast of the island of Groix

- © Volker Rauch / Shutterstock
Ty Mad Hotel Morbihan

Ty Mad Hotel

Located on the island of Groix at Port Tudy
From
£96
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Lake of the dam, Ile de Groix

- © THOMPICTURE / Shutterstock

Day 3: Discovering the Golfe du Morbihan

Aerial view of the Golfe du Morbihan

- © RVillalon / Shutterstock

With around fifty islands and islets dotting its waters, the Gulf of Morbihan (Petite Mer in Breton) is best explored by boat. Why not treat yourself to an unforgettable sailing experience aboard a yacht with professional skippers? Leaving from the port of Arradon, the Lys Noir, an old sailing ship dating from 1914, invites you to take a fabulous cruise on the waters of the Gulf. You'll even be able to take part in the manoeuvres with the crew, and when you get home you'll be able to boast that you've become a real sea dog. But if you'd rather just enjoy the scenery and watch the sun set over the water while sipping an aperitif, that's possible too! A half-day trip costs 50 euros for adults and 40 euros for children. You can also explore the islands of the Golfe **: l'île au Moines** and its delightful coastal path, the island of Gavrinis, home to a remarkable megalithic burial site, and l'île d'Arz, a real picture-postcard setting where you'll find the highly instructive "Marins & Capitaines" museum. To get to the Ile d'Arz, head for the port of Baten to board a speedboat ( Izenah Croisières company). Fares : Return ticket at 11 euros for adults and 9 euros for children.

Sunset on the Gulf of Morbihan

- © Pascale Gueret / Shutterstock
Manoir de Truhelin, 2 minutes from the Gulf of Morbihan Morbihan

Manoir de Truhelin, 2 minutes from the Gulf of Morbihan

Located in Arradon, 600 metres from Kerbilouet beach
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£180
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Village of Morbihan

- © Boris Stroujko / Shutterstock

Day 4: Vannes, Brittany's medieval jewel

Walls of the old town of Vannes

- © Boris Stroujko / Shutterstock

Fans of medieval architecture are in for a treat! Spared from bombardment during the Second World War, Vannes town centre has managed to keep its superb timber-framed houses, encircled by imposing ramparts, intact. You'll never tire of wandering through the delightful Saint-Patern district (the oldest in the town), where you're sure to be tempted by a galette accompanied by a bowl of cider in one of the many crêperies dotted around the streets. The Dan Ewen crêperie, nestled in a delightful blue-and-white half-timbered house, is particularly appealing. When it comes to sightseeing, it's hard to get bored! From the splendid Saint-Pierre cathedral to La Cohue, the fantastic Musée des Beaux-arts housed in the former medieval courthouse, Vannes was awarded the Ville d'Art et d'Histoire (City of Art and History) label in 1992 for its blend of heritage and modernity. You should also take a stroll around the marina to admire the old sailing boats.

Vannes marina

- © Pascale Gueret / Shutterstock
VILLA LE LOFT - QUIET & DECO - Intimate patio - Cinema room - Town Centre Morbihan

VILLA LE LOFT - QUIET & DECO - Intimate patio - Cinema room - Town Centre

Featuring a garden, shared lounge, terrace and garden views in Vannes
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£335
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by Jude JONES
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