The Bay of Morbihan

D1 Arrival in Vannes in late afternoon

Throughout its two-thousand-year history, the city has used its privileged position – a sheltered haven in the Gulf of Morbihan -  to develop first, a commercial port activity then more recently, a fine marina. The medieval heart of the city of the ‘Vénètes’ (historical name given to the local inhabitants) bears witness to its past as the first capital of the Dukes of Brittany. Picturesque architecture, enhanced by the presence of many half-timbered houses, invites you to stroll along the narrow streets.

Dinner not included and night in a 3-star hotel in the heart of the city.

D2 A walk on the isle of Arz

15 km stage to which one must add a 2 km walk to the ferry terminal, a half-hour crossing, and a 2 km return stroll to the hotel.

Little change in altitude. Rating 2/5.

From your hotel you have a short walk (just 2 km).to the ferry terminal (Gare Maritime de Vannes)

In the heart of the ‘inland sea’, (Morbihan in Breton), the Island of Arz promises the walker wild paths along zigzag points that create maritime views with multiple facets – including the isles of the Morbihan and its own beautiful sandy beaches along abundant creeks. Arz is also called the island of the Captains as a tribute to the many sailors and captains who have set out across all the seas and oceans of the world in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Return to the hotel 2 km.

 Dinner not included and night in a 3-star hotel in the heart of the city.

D3 Walk from Vannes to Larmor Baden

20.3 km stage - gentle slopes - Level 3/5
Transfer to Arradon after breakfast, then walk to Larmor Baden.
Superb views over the Gulf, with many small islands you feel you could reach out and touch. The île aux Moines (‘monks isle’) is actually the nearest, but the sea currents never let up in the narrow stoney passage that separates it from the Pointe d’Arradon.  This is the geographical centre of the Gulf of Morbihan, of which one can see the mouth.  At Penmern the path encounters a former tidal watermill, the Moulin du Pont. Then at Port-Blanc, there is a gnarled old horse chestnut with a stocky, twisted trunk that decided over 400 years ago – in the reign of the French king Henri IV – to plant itself right here...
Dinner at the restaurant then night in 3-star hotel.

D4 Circuit around the Île aux Moines

17 km stage.  Little change in altitude.  Rating 3/5

Taxi transfer to Port Blanc, then ferry to the Île aux Moines (5-minute crossing every 30 minutes))

The pearl of the Gulf of Morbihan. The Île aux Moines is wooded and enjoys varied landscapes. Called Izenah in Breton, it’s an open window on one of the most beautiful bays in the world, an invitation to calm and serenity.

Return by taxi to the hotel.

Dinner at the restaurant and overnight in a 3-star hotel.

D5 Walks around Larmor-Baden

The island of Berder is connected to the mainland by a passage only usable at low tide.

The tour of the island on foot (2.6 km, about an hour) reveals a Mediterranean-type flora (unusual in this region) with beautiful groups of palms and majestic coniferous trees. To the south, there’s a superb view over "La Jument" (the mare), the second-most powerful seawater current in Europe.

The island of Gavrinis. Leaving from the port of Larmor-Baden you stop over on the island of Gavrinis to visit one of the finest prehistoric sites in France: the cairn of Gavrinis. This is in fact a monumental drystone funerary structure sheltering a dolmen. It was erected around 4000 B.C. and is known throughout the world for a profusion of extraordinary decorative engravings.

Overnight in a 3-star hotel (room with a sea view) and meal at the hotel restaurant

D6 From Larmor-Baden to Bono

20 km stage. Little change in altitude. Rating 2/5.

From Locmiquel cove you get a view of the mouth of the Gulf from one of its most charming villages.

A number of islands are strewn about the sea towards the entrance to the Gulf. One of them is no longer strictly an island despite its name – ‘Sept îles’. A tombolo (sand bar) created by the current makes it possible to go there on foot, or to bathe on one of the most beautiful coves of the Gulf.

Le Bono is a small village perched above its port. The old henceforth pedestrian suspension bridge, designed by Gustave Eiffel, has been restored.

Dinner not included and night in a 3-star hotel.

D7 From Bono to Auray

10 km stage – no big climbs
Optional walk possible towards the Anse du Téno (5 km)
Visit to the mediaeval town of Auray (2 km)
An enjoyable way of bringing your foray into the Golfe du Morbihan to a delightful end. You cross the historic suspension bridge from the charming small port of Bono. The path then takes you close along the riverside in the shade of trees, whence you might be tempted by the peace and calm to go a little further, to the Anse du Téno.  The 16th century Chapel of Saint Avoye is definitely worth a visit, after which you keep on towards the mediaeval City of Auray. Entering by the Port of St Goustan, you’re sure be touched by the old world charm of this bustling small town.

Dinner not included and night in a lovely hotel

D8 Departure

Transfer by taxi either to the hotel or to the railway station at Vannes.