As summer draws to a close, the jewels of Brittany take on a whole new charm under the gentle glow of autumn. The islands off Morbihan are transformed into enchanting destinations, offering an unforgettable getaway for travelers seeking history and natural beauty.
Belle-Île for an invigorating and diverse experience
Belle-Île-en-Mer, the largest of the Breton islands, takes on an even more attractive character in autumn. With a certain regained calm, the pleasure of still long days and a still gentle atmosphere, there is no shortage of activities.
The coastal and inland trails offer extraordinary panoramic views, with the GR®340 and its 85 km being among the best ways to discover the island. On the wild coast, the glowing lights wake up the gray of the rocky plateaus and because spring and summer do not have a monopoly on flowers, guided tours of the four gardens on the island can be booked, allowing you to discover beautiful varieties of autumn plants.
As for wildlife, the calm of the late season allows you to observe countless birds: herring gulls, red-billed choughs, ravens, jackdaws, etc.
This year, a getaway to Belle-Île is also the opportunity to visit the Sarah Bernhardt museum on the occasion of the centenary of her death, or the many local art galleries which present the talent of island artists.
Belle-île is accessible in 50 minutes all year round from Quiberon.
The island of Arz for its preserved nature
The island of Arz, nicknamed “Captains’ Island”, is a little treasure nestled in the Gulf of Morbihan, which also reveals its charm in autumn. There are many ways to discover the island, it attracts lovers of hiking, sailing, or simply visitors looking for relaxation…
With its jagged coastline, the island is home to eight beaches and numerous coves. The still mild temperatures of the season allow boaters, sailing, kayaking and paddle enthusiasts to fully enjoy the peaceful waters of the Gulf of Morbihan.
A stop is also required at the Berno tide mill, built before the 16th century and entirely restored by Ildarais volunteers, or at the “Sailors and Captains” Museum which emotionally recreates the lives of several generations of sailors.
Daily rotations without reservation allow access to the island of Arz all year round by water bus, in 30 minutes from Vannes.
The island of Groix to gain peace of mind
The jewel of the southern Brittany islands, the island of Groix is part of the European network of “Natura 2000” protected natural areas. For a few hours or a few days, there are many ways to discover the island and its autumnal charm.
With its 27 kilometers of coastline, the palette of colors is unique: the red sands beach, as its name suggests, offers a magnificent spectacle with its sand streaked with red, while the Grands Sables beach is formed by a vast stretch of very fine white sand, bordered by transparent water.
The wild coast to the west is also worth a detour, home to the Groix Island Nature Reserve, with beautiful stretches of coastline and steep cliffs, overlooked by the Pen Men lighthouse, the most powerful in Morbihan.
The island is also known for its many culinary treasures, offering a wide choice of restaurants, creperies and tea rooms but also a smokehouse, a cannery and even a biscuit factory.
Autumn is the perfect season to enjoy the delicacies of the sea and there is no better place than island restaurants to go and taste them…
The island of Groix is accessible in 45 minutes from Lorient. For more information on the Morbihan islands: morbihan.com/cote-mer/les-iles-terres-du-large
