Charming stopovers in Southern Brittany
Here are the 10 most charming marinas in Morbihan!
Set course for Brittany’s most beautiful ports
Ten ports, ten atmospheres to discover
Locmiquélic
In the heart of Lorient harbor, near the citadel of Port-Louis, Locmiquélic is a friendly harbor with 600 berths, a slipway, careening area and mooring zone. Take advantage of your stopover to walk to the Pen Mané fort for a breathtaking view of the Lorient roadstead and theisland of Groix. Don’t miss the langoustine festival, the last of its kind in Morbihan, held every August in the port of Locmiquélic.
Etel
Situated in one of the most beautiful rias in Southern Brittany, this heritage port offers 460 berths with a crane area, slipway and mooring area. Every summer, the town recalls its past as a tuna-fishing port during the tuna festival, where the king fish of sport fishing is enjoyed with all kinds of sauces. At the mouth of the Ria, discover the famous “barre d’Étel”, an impressive current and a natural obstacle for sailors.
Belz
Nestled between the Pays d’Auray and Pays de Lorient, Port-Niscop is one of Belz’s ancient ports. The name “Niscop” is said to have originated from “En Eskop”, which means “bishop” in Breton. The port has a rich history. Until the 1980s, tuna boats from the port ofÉtel were built here. Take a stroll to the island of Saint Cado and its famous Nichtarguer house .
Quiberon
With 1,150 berths, Port Haliguen is a popular port of call for lovers of peace and quiet. The port faces out to sea and the islands of Quiberon Bay, offering sailing schools, sea fishing and guided cruises to Groix, Belle-île, Houat and Hoëdic.
La Trinité-sur-Mer
La Trinité-sur-Mer is a benchmark competition port and an essential stopover in Quiberon Bay, with 2,020 berths, including 1,250 afloat. This major port benefits from the natural setting of the Crac’h river and a remarkably protected stretch of water. Take advantage of your stopover to discover the old port, where a few fishing boats are moored, the customs path at Pointe de Kerbihan and the menhirs of Petit Ménec.
Baden
This harbor, still in the water, offers a sheltered stopover for yachtsmen sailing in the Gulf of Morbihan: 424 berths with slipway and mooring area. In the village, take the opportunity to visit the Musée des Passions et des Ailes. The museum houses a collection of model ships by cabinetmaker Aimé Malry. From the pier, Izenah cruises offers regular crossings toÎle aux Moines.
DID YOU KNOW? Every two years, during Ascension Week (May), over a thousand traditional boats from all over Europe gather in the various ports of the Gulf of Morbihan for “La Semaine du Golfe”. It’s the biggest maritime festival on land and at sea in France.
Auray
Nestling on the banks of the River Loch, Saint-Goustan is a former fishing and trading port, now a dynamic little harbor with 189 berths. A tourist attraction for the town of Auray, it’s also a historic port. At number 8 Quai Benjamin-Franklin, a plaque reminds us that the aforementioned Benjamin Franklin stayed here on December 4, 1776, when he was sent as ambassador to France to negotiate an alliance with King Louis XVI during the American War of Independence.
Arradon
With 330 moorings and a small, south-facing beach overlooking the islands, Arradon has taken on the air of the “Riviera du Golfe”. Well-known to locals and yachtsmen alike, the Catagolfe (October) has become one of Europe’s leading sport catamaran regattas. Take advantage of your stopover to walk to the Pointe d’Arradon. In the past, its slipway was used to embark passengers forIle aux Moines. Today, the Centre nautique d’Arradon is reviving the slipway and the magnificent stretch of water by training young champions.
Valves
As the rear base of Belle-Île-en-Mer, the Vannes marina offers first-rate shelter right in the heart of the city, a stone’s throw from the ramparts of the ancient fortified town. Sheltered from the swell of the open sea, it has 285 berths afloat, including 50 for visitors. Access to the port is via the Pont de Kerino and a lock gate. Take the opportunity to visit Saint-Pierre Cathedral, the timber-framed houses of the medieval quarter and the Musée de la Cohue (Beaux-arts).
Arzon
At Arzon, dock in the heart of an authentic, modern seaside resort. Located at the end of the Rhuys peninsula , the Port du Crouesty is the largest port in Morbihan, with 1,832 berths, including 1,432 afloat. Every year, it hosts the “Mille Sabords” boat show, Europe’s leading second-hand boat show. Take advantage of your stopover to discover the Tumulus de Tumiac, the Cairn du Petit Mont and the Moulin à Marée de Pen Castel.