Gulf of Morbihan

The Golfe du Morbihan is a sheltered inland sea of about 115 square kilometres on the south coast of Brittany, separated from the Atlantic only by a narrow strait between the Locmariaquer peninsula and Port-Navalo. The tides funnel through that strait at impressive speeds — at full ebb the current runs at nine knots, fast enough to be a sailing challenge.

The gulf is dotted with islands, fringed by oyster beds, salt marshes and the small ports of the Vannes, Auray and Sarzeau peninsulas. Day boats from Vannes circle the larger islands — the Île-aux-Moines, the Île d'Arz — and stop for lunch. Sea kayaks, paddle boards and small sailing dinghies can all be hired in the season; the sheltered water makes it one of the best beginner sailing areas in France.

things to do sight
A story
The name 'Morbihan' is Breton for 'little sea' — to distinguish it from the Atlantic on the other side of the Rhuys peninsula. Local tradition holds that there are as many islands in the gulf as there are days in the year. There are actually about forty if you only count the inhabited ones, perhaps sixty if you include every rock that breaks the surface at low tide.