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 but apart from the main island most of the others are very small).
Exploring Ile d'Arz
Many of the buildings on the Ile d'Arz 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 priory associated with the church 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 17 kilometers).
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 on Ile d'Arz 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 more islands of France. You can find more travel ideas in the Morbihan guide and the Brittany guide.
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Map of Ile-d'Arz and places nearby
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Morbihan Gulf
The Gulf of Morbihan, almost a protected lagoon on the southern coast of Brittany has various islands and places of interest
Morbihan Gulf guide
Ile aux Moines
In the Morbihan Gulf, the Ile-aux-Moines is also very easy to reach - very enjoyable to spend a day exploring but you might not be on your own!
Ile aux Moines guide
Sarzeau
See Suscinio Castle and the Gardens of Chateau de Kerlevenan in Sarzeau before heading to one of the beaches to the south
Sarzeau guide
Vannes
An unmissable highlight in this region of Brittany, the half-timbered houses in the centre of Vannes make it one of our favourite French medieval towns
Vannes guide
Port de Crouesty
Port Crouesty is a new port development near Arzon, with a picturesque wak around the headland
Port de Crouesty guide... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Morbihan
Address: Ile-d'Arz, Brittany, France || GPS coordinates: latitude 47.59, longitude -2.801
Plan your visit to Ile-d'Arz, Morbihan
Sightseeing & tourist attractions to visit nearby
- Golfe du Morbihan: site of natural beauty
- Maison rose (Séné): site of natural beauty (4 km)
- Embouchure - Marle: site of natural beauty (4 km)
- Presqu'île de Conleau: site of natural beauty (5 km)
- Embouchure - Vincin (Rivière de Conleau): site of natural beauty (5 km)
- Presqu'île de la Villeneuve: site of natural beauty (6 km)
- Anse de Mancel: site of natural beauty (6 km)
- Vincin: site of natural beauty (6 km)
- Aquarium de Vannes: aquarium (6 km)
- Embouchure - Rivière de Noyalo: site of natural beauty (6 km)
- Passage Saint-Armel: site of natural beauty (6 km)
- Moulin à marée de Campen: site of natural beauty (6 km)
The French version of this page is at Ile-d'Arz (Francais)