Hiking Belle ile en mer in Brittany
Hike around an island in Brittany
A hiking holiday on Belle ile en Mer - and more specifically along its famous coastal trail - promises an unforgettable experience in the heart of Brittany's unspoiled nature.
Following the iconic GR340, you'll explore a stunning variety of landscapes: from the dramatic cliffs of the Côte Sauvage to peaceful beaches, charming fishing harbors, and the lush green scenery inland. Every stage of this route reveals a new side to the island's unique character.
During your tour of Belle ile, you'll stay comfortably in a 3-star hotel perched above Palais and enjoy included transfers to access the trail with ease. The GR340 is a true gem for hiking enthusiasts, offering the chance to discover Belle-Île in all its beauty.
Highlights
- Full Belle ile en mer tour
- Explore a island's wild coastline of Brittany
- Stay in a comfortable 3 star hotel
6 days
/ 5 nights
Price: Consult us
Activity
Hike
Journey TypeTrip Single-center
Trip Type
Self-guided
Hiking Grade : Terrain Difficulty : Possible departures from 25 September to 25 September
Day by day program
Day 1 : Arrive on the island
Once you arrive on Belle ile en mer, a shuttle will take you from the port to your hotel.
Morning shuttles run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and there’s also an afternoon service from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. After checking in, you can take some time to relax at the hotel.
If you have time, wander around the harbor of Le Palais and enjoy its lively atmosphere. A visit to the Vauban Citadel is highly recommended-it’s one of the island’s highlights. Built in the 17th century to defend Belle-Île, it now houses a museum on the island’s history and offers breathtaking panoramic views over the surrounding coastline.
ACCOMMODATION : hotel ***
Day 2 : Hike from Le Palais toSauzon
Your journey begins with a hike along Belle ile en Mer’s inner
coast, also known as the “côte en-dedans.” This first section of
the Belle ile GR340 loop faces the mainland, with wide, easily
accessible beaches along the way. You’ll walk through wild
heathlands and take in breathtaking panoramas at every turn. Along
the trail, be captivated by the dramatic cliffs, accompanied by a
refreshing sea breeze. The route passes iconic spots like Pointe de
Taillefer and Pointe de Kerzo before reaching Sauzon, a charming
harbor town known for its pastel-colored houses.
HIKING TIME : 4h to 5h
ASCENT : 490 m
DESCENT : 490 m
DISTANCE : 13 km
ACCOMMODATION : hotel ***
Day 3 : Hike from Sauzon to Donnant
The trail continues along Pointe du Cardinal before heading to
Pointe des Poulains, famous for its lighthouse and the fort where
Sarah Bernhardt fell in love with the landscape.
You’ll then pass by Ster-Vraz cove, one of the largest beaches
on the island’s west coast, and explore the Vieux Château bird
reserve. Next, discover the fascinating Apothicairerie cave, a
historic site revealing the island’s medical history, before
arriving at the stunning Donnant Beach.
HIKING TIME : around 6h
ASCENT : 215 m
DESCENT : 215 m
DISTANCE : 20 km
ACCOMMODATION : hotel ***
Day 4 : Hike from Donnant to Herlin
Following the Belle ile en mer circuit, you’ll be captivated by the island’s stunning coastal scenery. Take in the breathtaking views of the Atlantic and the dramatic rock formations along the Côte Sauvage. This stage leads you to the famous Port-Coton sea stacks, made famous by Claude Monet, before arriving at the beautiful Port Kerel beach.
You’ll also have the chance to explore Grand Village, a charming Breton village with traditional stone houses and winding streets-a perfect spot to soak up the local culture.
HIKING TIME : around 6h
ASCENT : 250 m
DESCENT : 250 m
DISTANCE : 18 km
ACCOMMODATION : hotel ***
Day 5 : Hike from Herlin to Locmaria
Today, you’ll explore the southern and eastern coasts of the island. The route takes you past a series of wild headlands, including Pointe Saint-Marc, Pointe du Pouldon, and Pointe de Skeul.
Along the way, you’ll walk atop the island’s highest cliffs, enjoying breathtaking views, before finishing the stage in the village of Locmaria, sheltered from the prevailing winds.
HIKING TIME : 5h to 5h30
ASCENT : 275 m
DESCENT : 275 m
DISTANCE : 14,5 km
ACCOMMODATION : hotel ***
Day 6 : Hike from Locmaria to Le Palais
The route continues to the Kerdonis Lighthouse at the far end
of the island, then on to Grands Sables Beach, the largest beach on
Belle-Île. Along the way, you’ll discover numerous fortifications
designed by the famed engineer Vauban, including batteries and
redoubts. The itinerary concludes at the port of Palais, where your
luggage will be waiting before your return crossing.
End of the trip after the hike.
HIKING TIME : 4h30 to 5h30
ASCENT : 444 m
DESCENT : 425 m
DISTANCE : 16 km
Dates and prices
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Trip Notes
Reviews of this trip
5
Felix
30 Juin 2024
Belle ile en mer brittany gr340
A true joy to hike around the island before the tourists arrive, with a top-notch hotel to return to in the evening and dinners that were a real treat for the taste buds (you do need to like fish…). Simply excellent!
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Belle ile en mer hike Brittany