Ile-d'Arz

Visit Ile-d'Arz, Brittany

The Ile d'Arz is the second largest island in the Golfe de Morbihan, an inlet on the southern coast of Brittany. Usually reached by boat from Vannes, the island is small enough to be explored on foot (strictly speaking Arz covers a total of eight islands - apart from the main island most of the others are very small).

Exploring Ile d'Arz

Many of the buildings on the island are low, traditional Breton whitewashed or stone houses and very picturesque.

There is one unusual attraction on the island - the moulin (mill) that uses the changes in the tides to drive the mill. The mill has now been restored, and you can stroll along the associated dam to see it.

Another notable building here is the small Church of Notre-Dame - the associated priory was built later than the church (in the 18th century) and now houses the town hall. The 16th century Manor of Kernoel is another building of interest, while at Pointe de Lious you can see a prehistoric dolmen

Ile d'Arz coastal path

Visitors are recommended to allow time to complete one of the marked footpaths on the island (there are two - one that follows around the west coast, the other the eastern side). Allow at least 2-3 hours to complete each walk (the total combined distance right round the island on the coast path is about 17km).

Since the island is all at very low altitude and the paths are clearly marked there is no problem in following either trail.

Beaches on Ile d'Arz

Both walks pass by a choice beaches although not surprisingly the most easily accessible beaches can become rather busy in the summer. No problem there are a good number of beaches here to choose from!

The island is also well known as a sailing destination, and there is even a sailing school here.

Note: photo is copyright

See Brittany and Morbihan (the region and department for Ile-d'Arz) for more travel ideas...

Suggested places to visit near Ile-d'Arz, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Arzon 8km; Port de Crouesty 9km; Port Navalo 10km; Saint-Gildas-de-Rhuys 10km; Locmariaquer 11km; Saint-Goustan 16km; Auray 16km; Sainte-Anne d'Auray 17km; La Trinite sur Mer 17km; Carnac 21km; Carnac Plage 21km;

Ile-d'Arz tourist information: sights and attractions nearby

Golfe du Morbihan - site of natural beauty (1km) : Megaliths of Locmariaquer - national monument (11km) : Megalithic site of Carnac - national monument (21km) : La Vraie-Croix - ville fleurie 4* (22km) : Jardins de Kerambar’h - remarkable garden (27km) : Marais Salants de Guérande - site of natural beauty (37km) : Massif Dunaire de Gavres-Quiberon - grand site of france (43km) : Parc Victor Chevassu - remarkable garden (45km) :

See more places and a map at places near Ile-d'Arz