Introduction: Belle ile en mer travel
Belle ile en Mer (Belle Ile), the largest island of France Brittany’s region is a small hidden gem for travellers. The island is located 15km from Quiberon, is 20km long and 9km width.
The island is home to 5500 inhabitants, has 4 cities, and stand on 84km² approx. of land.
There are lots of beaches and pleasant place to be on the island. It is the perfect place for people looking to relax and layback. But it’s also the best place for a small road trip of 1 to 2 days to discover this beautiful island.
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Getting there
There are 3 cities from which you can get a boat to Belle Ile. Vannes, Navalo Port (1st stop after Vannes) and Quiberon. Your destination is « Le Palais », the main city of Belle Ile.
From Vannes or Navalo Port
Vannes – Navalo Port – Le Palais
- July & August: Every day at 8:20am from Vannes and 9h30 from Navalo Port (Arrival at 10:35am)
- Others: Monday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, same timetable
Le Palais – Navalo Port – Vannes
- July & August: Every day at 5:35am from Le Palais.
- Others: Monday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, same timetable
Cost is 32.5€ per adult for go/return in the same day or 23€ for one-way. (1€ cheaper if from Navalo Port)
From Quiberon
There are many departure every day, check-out the Oceane Company site for all departure but generally the ferry runs:
Quiberon – Le Palais
- July, August: 8:15am, 9:25am, 9:45am, 11:30am, 12:45pm, 2:30pm, 4pm, 5:30pm, 6:50pm, 7pm, 8:30pm, 8:55pm
- Others: 8:15am, 9:30am, 11:15am, 2:15pm, 5:15pm 7:30pm
Le Palais – Quiberon
- July, August: 6:45am, 8:20am, 9:35am, 10:10am, 11:15am, 1pm, 2:15pm, 4pm, 8:30pm, 7pm, 7:35pm, 8:30pm.
- Others: 6:45am, 7:45am, 9:45am, 12:45pm, 3:45pm, 5:30pm
In order to take the ferry in Quiberon, you will need to park at the Parking des Iles and then take the free shuttle to the port. If the parking is full, you can park free for 24h on the road behind it and then pay 1€ for the shuttle (you will need to put the time and date of your arrival on your car, in case the police controls it)
Cost of the ferry is 17.5€ one way of 32.5€ return ticket.
Moving Around
There are lots of way to move around the island but as the island is already big enough, it will not be possible to walk around it in a single day.
- Trail the GR340 and loop the complete island is 75.477km with a max ascent and descent of 54.8m.
- Rent a bike.
- Rent an electric bike, scooter, or car to move around the island.
- Reserve long in advance the ferry and bring your own car on the island.
We personally rented a scooter, a Vespa 125cc but if you do not have a motorbike driving licence, you can also rent a Vespa electric. We would recommend “Drive’in Belle Ile”. We popped there in August without reservation and got a Vespa 125cc in the morning. There was still left a Vespa electric and an electric bike. So, making a reservation would be a good idea (02 97 31 46 46) or book online. They speak English, have good and well-maintained equipment.
When to Visit
The best time to visit Belle Ile is July and August, which is also the peak season for tourism. The weather will mostly be sunny and enjoyable. And as the island is quite big, it is still not that crowded compared to what it could be.
Second best chance would be Spring, but the island can be visited all year round.
Where to Stay
If you decide to stay on Belle Ile en Mer, here are some of our best pick:
- Budget: Hotel Aux Tamaris
- Mid-Range: Chambres d’Hôtes aux Poulains
- Luxirious: Citadelle Vauban
- Spa : La Désirade – Hôtel, Spa & Restaurant
Bangor
Old town founded in the 6th century by monks. It’s a cute town to pass by on your way back.
Itinerary
We followed this Belle Ile en Mer itinerary:
- Ferry from Quiberon to Le Palais
- Rent a Scooter at Drive’inn and then Road trip to
- Port de Sauzon
- Poulains lighthouse
- Beach Poulais Lighthouse
- Plage de Ster-Vraz
- Grotte De L’Apothicairerie
- Plage du Donnant
- Goulphar Lighthouse (Grand lighthouse)
- The needles of Port-Coton
- Bangor
- Return to Le Palais
- Ferry to Quiberon
We bought our tickets the same day, and while we planned on taking the 8:15am ferry, we missed it cuz we couldn’t find a parking right away. We then took 9:25am one and arrived around 10am, started exploring by 11am and finish at 3:30pm to take the 4pm ferry as the 5:30pm one was full.
We would recommend booking in advance the ferry and get a ticket for 5:30pm. This would have been the perfect timing for a full day road trip on the island.
“Quand on a pas ce que l’on aime, il faut aimer ce que l’on a”
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