The Île-aux-Moines is the largest of the inhabited islands in the Gulf of Morbihan — seven kilometres long, shaped like a crucifix, about 600 permanent residents. The name reflects the medieval period when the island belonged to the Abbey of Redon. Today it is a quiet, low-key holiday island, with whitewashed cottages, sheltered beaches, mature cypress and palm trees that flourish in the mild gulf microclimate.
A short passenger ferry from Port-Blanc (Baden) runs every twenty minutes in summer and takes five minutes to cross. There are no cars; you explore by bike or on foot. The Bois d'Amour at the south end and the Pointe du Trec'h at the north both have good coastal walks. Several restaurants near the ferry port serve fresh oysters from the surrounding beds.