A small inland sea dotted with islands, fishing ports, coastal paths and megaliths: the Golfe du Morbihan, in southern Brittany, is an ideal playground for a camping holiday. Here's how to choose your spot and what to do there.
The Golfe du Morbihan at a glance
- It's an almost enclosed sea, connected to the ocean by a narrow strait between Port-Navalo and Locmariaquer.
- It has dozens of islands and islets. The two largest, Île-aux-Moines and Île d'Arz, are inhabited year-round.
- It is protected by the Golfe du Morbihan regional nature park, created in 2014.
- Vannes, at the head of the gulf, is the nearest large town, with its fortified old town and harbour.
Where to camp around the gulf
Each shore has its own atmosphere. To compare, the page for campings in Morbihan and the camping map allow you to see at a glance what's available near the gulf.
- Around Vannes: convenient for visiting the town and taking boats to the islands. Flower Camping Le Conleau is located at the gates of the Conleau peninsula, facing the gulf.
- The Rhuys peninsula: south of the gulf, between gulf and ocean, with beaches on both sides. Camping de Lann Hoëdic is situated near Sarzeau.
- The north shore, quieter: villages and small ports, away from the hustle and bustle. Camping La Fontaine du Hallate, in Plougoumelen, is set in a large garden in the heart of the nature park.
- The west, towards Locmariaquer: closest to megalithic sites and the ocean. Camping L'Évasion is located in Saint-Philibert.
What to do around the gulf
- Walk the GR34: the coastal path circles the gulf over approximately 180 km. You don't need to do it all: a section of a few kilometres is enough for a lovely half-day.
- Visit the islands: boats connect the mainland to Île-aux-Moines and Île d'Arz. Once there, you can explore on foot or by bike.
- Visit the megalithic sites: Locmariaquer and the Cairn of Gavrinis, accessible by boat, are among the region's most famous prehistoric monuments.
- Take a cruise on the gulf: it's the easiest way to discover the islands without your own boat.
- Taste local produce: oysters and fish at the markets and in the ports.
Kayaking and paddleboarding: beware of currents
The gulf empties and fills with each tide, and the currents are very strong, especially in the Port-Navalo strait and between the islands. For a kayaking or paddleboarding trip:
- check the tide times, currents are weaker around high tide;
- always wear a life jacket;
- for your first time, go with a rental operator or a guided trip, who knows which passages to avoid.
When to go?
Summer is the busiest season, with campsites and boats to the islands full: it's better to book. Spring and early autumn are quieter and more pleasant for walking. Check your campsite's opening dates: many close at the end of the season. And if you're travelling with your four-legged companion, our article on camping with your dog gives you the rules you need to know.
