Belle Ile
Belle-Ile-en-Mer is the largest of the Brittany islands, and is found off the Morbihan coast opposite Quiberon. The island of Houat is also nearby.
The island is reached by ferry from Quiberon which is a 45 minute boat trip away.
Surrounded by cliffs and beaches, the island is approximately 17km by 9 km. Belle-Ile is a pretty island with a nice mix of scenery, beaches and ports.
The two ports on the island - Le Palais and Sauzon - are on the north-east coast of Belle-Ile-en-Mer, slightly more protected from the ravages of the Atlantic Ocean than the south-west side, which is known as the Cote Sauvage ('wild coast').
If you have the time to stay a while, there is a coastal path that runs the length of the Cote Sauvage.
The curious conditions actually enable mediterranean plants to grow very well on the island, which is significantly warmer than the nearby mainland France.
The island is a particularly attractive, scenic place with some beatiful scenery and coastal views interspersed with pretty little towns and villages. The scenery on the west side of the island is more dramatic, but safe swimming is harder to find.
Port Donnant, on the south-west coast, is a particular highlight, as is Port-Goulphar a little further to the south-east - both are in spectacular locations, with beaches surrounded by cliffs and rocks. The 'aiguilles de Port-Coton' (photo below) are also very picturesque.
Calmer beaches are found to the south-east corner of Belle-Ile-en-Mer at Locmaria and Plage des Grands Sables.
The port town at Sauzun and the citadelle at Le Palais are the main attractions of the northern coast, then head to the far northern point to see the old lighthouse at Pointe des Poulains.
Try and get to Port Coton to see the 'rock needles' that Monet painted many times, and to Port Goulphar for more lovely coastal views and turquoise seas.
(Note: French visitors to this website will recognise Belle-Ile as being the location for 'Dolmen' - a major television production in 2005.)
Visit Belle Ile (Brittany, Morbihan) travel, gites and hotels
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Places to visit near Belle Ile, France
Explore places of interest within about 70 kilometres on a map at places near Belle Ile.
Some places to visit within 30 km: 
26 km: Ile Houat (Island) 37 km: Locmariaquer (harbour town) 18 km: Quiberon (Peninsula and town)
See also Belle Ile (version Francais)
