Discover the Gulf of Morbihan: Brittany's little sea
The Gulf of Morbihan, meaning "little sea" in Breton, stretches for several dozen kilometres and is dotted with islands and islets accessible at low tide or by boat. Its natural and cultural wealth makes it an unmissable destination in Brittany: unspoilt landscapes, salt marshes, migratory birds and picturesque villages punctuate the visit.
Major towns such as Vannes, with its ramparts and historic centre, or Arradon and Baden, allow you to combine cultural discoveries with comfort, while the Rhuys peninsula, with its varied landscapes and charming coastal villages, perfectly complements your exploration of the gulf. The gulf is also the ideal starting point for exploring the surrounding islands.
Camping in the Gulf of Morbihan
Discover a wide range of campsites in the Gulf of Morbihan, often located by the sea or close to the islands. They allow you to combine comfort and immersion in nature, while providing easy access to activities, excursions to the islands and walks along the coast. Among the forty or so family campsites in the Gulf of Morbihan, we recommend the following:
In Arradon, the Penboch**** campsite offers tranquillity and direct access to coastal paths, ideal for cycling and hiking around the gulf. On the Rhuys peninsula, several campsites allow you to enjoy the coastline to the full: in Sarzeau, the An Trest**** campsite offers spacious pitches and easy access to beaches and trails, the Lodge***** campsite offers modern accommodation in a preserved natural setting, and the Le manoir de Ker An Poul**** campsite charms visitors with its green surroundings and proximity to beaches.
In Saint-Gildas, Le Gohvelin*** campsite has mobile homes and spacious pitches, with easy access to water sports and excursions in the gulf. A little further south, near the large Atlantic beaches, the Kerzerho**** campsite in Erdeven is popular for its green spaces, children's facilities and proximity to the Morbihan coastline.
The islands of the Gulf of Morbihan
Île-aux-Moines
Nicknamed "the island in the middle of the gulf", Île-aux-Moines is ideal for cycling along its small flower-lined roads, beaches and fishing ports. Its footpaths also allow you to discover forests, mills and views of the gulf's islets, offering a complete immersion in nature and the charm of Breton villages.
Île d'Arz
Renowned for its coastal paths and wild landscapes, Île d'Arz is perfect for observing flora and fauna, walking or cycling, and enjoying the quiet beaches of the Gulf of Morbihan.
Small islands and islets
More than 40 islets dot the Gulf of Morbihan, some of which are accessible on foot at low tide. Among the best known are Boëdic island, which is protected and only accessible by boat, and small islets such as Tascon, Île du Cerf and Île Longue, which add to the wild charm of the gulf. These little getaways offer unique opportunities for exploration for nature lovers, whether it's a kayak trip, a boat trip or simply observing from the shore.
Things to do in the Gulf of Morbihan during your camping holiday
Beaches and swimming
The Gulf of Morbihan offers many sheltered beaches, ideal for family swimming. Around the gulf and islands, Kerbilouet and Penboc'h in Arradon, Berchis beach in Larmor-Baden and the small coves of Île-aux-Moines offer a preserved natural setting, while Baden's curiosity, the 7 Islands beach, allows you to reach an islet at low tide.
On the Rhuys peninsula, the beaches of Sarzeau and Gohvelin in Saint-Gildas are appealing for their fine sand and calm waters, perfect for swimming and water sports with the family. Finally, at the southern tip of the peninsula, Port-Navalo offers beaches that provide a contrast between the sheltered waters of the gulf and the open ocean.
Hiking, cycling and boat trips
The gulf is surrounded by numerous coastal paths and cycle routes, allowing you to explore the coastline, marshes and typical villages. The islands in the gulf are often pedestrianised or accessible by bike, offering peaceful walks in the heart of unspoilt landscapes.
Among the most popular options:
- The GR 34, an iconic trail along the Brittany coastline, crosses several areas of the gulf and offers exceptional views of the islands and calm waters.
- The coast between Vannes and Séné: quiet cycle paths with views of the islets and the port of Conleau.
- Île-aux-Moines and Île d'Arz: short cycling routes around the island, perfect for observing nature and enjoying beaches such as Brouël.
- Coastal paths around Baden and Arradon: easy trails for walking or cycling along the Gulf.
- Loops to Sarzeau and Port-Navalo: for the more athletic, these routes combine countryside, coastline and sea views.
The Gulf of Morbihan can also be explored from the sea. Its picturesque ports, such as Port-Navalo in Arzon or Port Anna in Séné, are ideal starting points for taking a boat trip to explore the islands and islets of the gulf. The Conleau slipway in Vannes also offers excursions to Île-aux-Moines or Île d'Arz.
For the more adventurous, kayaks or small boats offer the opportunity to reach isolated islets and enjoy quiet beaches and coves that are only accessible by sea.
Nature watching
The Gulf of Morbihan is a protected area with exceptional biodiversity. You can observe migratory birds, herons, egrets and terns, as well as numerous plant species in the salt marshes, such as those in Séné, and on the islets. The coastal trails and island paths offer ideal viewpoints for photography enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Some sites, such as Séné, Arradon and Île-aux-Moines, are perfect for leisurely walks, observing wildlife without disturbing the ecosystem and enjoying panoramic views of the islets and the gulf. Even simple bike rides or walks can become moments of wonder thanks to the wild flowers, birds in flight and reflections on the water.
Heritage and culture around the gulf
Beyond Vannes, with its half-timbered houses, ramparts and cathedral, the Gulf of Morbihan can be explored through its authentic villages such as Arradon, Baden and Séné, and maritime heritage treasures such as the Pen Castel tide mill.
The castel Suscinio in Sarzeau, former residence of the Dukes of Brittany, overlooks the marshes and offers an exceptional view of the sea. For lovers of ancient history, the cairn of Gavrinis, accessible by boat, and the cairn of Petit Mont in Arzon reveal the megalithic wealth of the gulf, with Neolithic engravings and spectacular views of the islands.
Experience the Gulf of Morbihan to the fullest while camping
Whether you're with family, friends or your partner, the Gulf of Morbihan offers an exceptional setting for a camping holiday combining relaxation, nature and cultural discovery. Its islands, beaches and picturesque villages make this small Breton sea an unmissable destination for your holidays in Brittany.