No other place lives up to its name better than Belle-île, the second largest of France's islands! Breathtakingly beautiful landscapes, four communes as many faces of the island and proud, true, authentic islanders... Between tranquil beaches and spectacular cliffs, colorful ports and verdant countryside, the island offers a rich mosaic of landscapes.
"tossed by the waves
then both feet on the ground
a beautiful island at sea".
You'll like
Tread the 80km GR 340 and discover the incredible diversity of impressions left by this wild trail.
Let the sea be your horizon, wherever you are on Brittany's most majestic island.
Lose your bearings to the rhythm of the tides and sea spray, whatever the season
Take the time to really feel the gentle ocean climate
Bathe in the invigorating waters of secluded coves
D1
Quiberon - the beginning of the end of the world
You arrive late afternoon on this Morbihan peninsula, which opens out into the open sea, and you're at the end of the world.
The lighthouse evokes the fishing village that became a seaside resort. A few steps along the seafront or on the long beach and you're on vacation.
A last stop on the mainland before the sea spray and invigorating energy of Belle Île en Mer awaits you in the distance.
Dinner on your own and overnight stay in a 3* hotel a few steps from the beach.
D2
La belle Traversée - The gentle trail from Palais to Sauzon
13,4 km with + 279m – 265m altitude change
You'll reach the pier for a ferry crossing that will take you to an unusual world, where you'll be surprised by breathtaking, unspoilt nature, an ever-welcoming population and landscapes of insolent beauty.
At Palais, the island's main port and small capital, you'll round the Citadelle Vauban to take in the coastal path that leads from wooded coves to white sandy beaches, all the way to the hidden little port of Sauzon.
Dinner on your own and overnight stay in a 2* or 3-star hotel close to the village.
D3
The flower trail from Sauzon to the large beach at Donnant
18,8 km with + 260m – 233m altitude change
The hiking trail winds its way to La Pointe des Poulains in the very north-west of the island.
The lighthouse, which guides your footsteps from afar and bears witness to the ruggedness of this land, marks the first stage of this day.
From here, head south along a rugged coastline, home to wandering heather moorland. The high cliffs open up the horizon to infinity, and you walk across a plateau of endemic vegetation. Take a deep breath.
The great beach of Donnant will be your arrival point. From here, take the bus back to Sauzon.
Dinner on your own and night in a 2* or 3-star hotel.
D4
Sculpted landscapes from Donnant to Herlin
18,6 km with + 284m – 267m altitude change
Leaving the deep dune valley of Donnant, you wander between suspended valleys and sculpted rocky points.
As you walk along a jagged coastline, you may recognize in the distance the spectacular Aiguilles de Port Coton, immortalized by Claude Monnet.
The GR 340 rises and falls with the landscape decided by the waves and powerful winds of Belle-Île-en-Mer's south coast.
From Herlin, the bus takes you back to Sauzon.
Dinner on your own and night in a 2 or 3 star hotel.
D5
The spectacular coastline between Herlin and Locmaria
14,6 km with + 293m – 293m altitude change
Today's route takes you to the wildest side of the coastline.
The GR 340 winds around coves with magnificent sandy beaches, inviting you to take a dip. It continues on to cling to a rocky outcrop of high cliffs swept by spray from the south. The lights add a dramatic dimension to this already sublime landscape.
Soak up the magic until you reach the village of Locmaria, which you explore peacefully before catching the bus back to Palais.
Dinner on your own and overnight in a 2 or 3 star hotel.
D6
Walk on the golden moor between Locmaria and Le Palais
16,5 km with + 260m – 265m altitude change
From Locmaria, find your way back to the small natural harbour of Port Maria.
The first part of the hike is winding.
Then, at the turn of a perched valley, the view plunging down onto the Grand Anse des Grands Sables exposes a concentrate of wild beauty.
You can rest for a moment in the picture postcard setting, savoring the iodized sea spray and soaking up the majestic panorama, before peacefully returning to the hustle and bustle of Le Palais.
You've come full circle.
Dinner on your own and overnight stay in a 2 or 3 star hotel.
D7
A day between land and sea
You can take the ferry back to Quiberon at the time you have booked.
or ask us about an extra night at Le Palais, so you don't have to leave this enchanted island too soon.
You'll then have plenty of time to visit your favorite wild coves, meet local producers at the market, savor the flavors of the sea, and leave the next morning with memories of your stopover on the "Bien Nommée".
Dinner on your own and optional overnight stay in a 2 or 3-star hotel.
Tariffs high season
From May 16 to July 31 and from September 1 to 30, departures every day except August.
Daily stages: between 13 and 19 km, i.e. 4h to 5h 30 of walking per day
Difference in altitude: slight
Walking sticks with pointed tips are not permitted on the island to limit erosion of the paths. Make sure you bring your own soft tips.
Organisation
This hiking trip on Belle-île is more about discovery than sport. Your luggage is transported from accommodation to accommodation by us, and a route booklet accompanies you throughout your stay. We also provide logistical and technical assistance.
The accommodations (**and *** hotels) have been chosen for their atmosphere, quality of welcome, architecture and environment.
N.B.: the accommodations described above are given for information only and are subject to change according to availability at the time of final booking.
Some stages of the tour are offered without evening meals. At these stages, there are many different catering options.
Access
By car
From Paris: Take the A10, A11 then A81 to Rennes. Then N24, N166 then N165 to Auray then D768.
From Bordeaux: Take the A10 to Niort, then the A83 to Nantes, then the N444 and N165 to Auray, then the D768.
From Lyon: Take the A89 to Clermont-Ferrand, then the A71 to Vierzon, then the A85 and A11 to Nantes, then the N165 to Auray, then the D768.
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