Belle-Île, the crown jewel of South Brittany, is a place that feels like a world apart. Out here, the Atlantic crashes against rugged cliffs, and the wind carries with it the scent of the sea—a constant reminder that life on this island has always been intertwined with the ocean. Sharing the itinerary is the Quiberon Bay and the Gulf of Morbihan with a world of sailing itineraries. This is a land where tradition is more than just a word; it’s a way of life. The locals are fiercely proud of their Breton heritage, and it shows in everything from the architecture of their stone cottages to the flavors of their food. Simple, honest, and deeply connected to the land and sea, the culture here hasn’t just survived; it’s thrived, untouched by the rush of modernity.
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Captain Notes
South Brittany Captain Notes
by Dayyan Armstrong | January 17, 2026
Belle Ile & Quiberon Bay, South Brittany France Captains Notes
La Palais, Belle Ile
47° 20' 48.138'' N 3° 9' 0.1548'' W
The harbor entrance is predicted by a breakwater that wraps around the harbor extending from the base of Vauban Citadel to the other end of town. The channel opening is marked by two towering navigational aids and once safely inside the outer harbor, there are three safe areas of the harbor. The newly constructed pontoon marina has finger piers and have stable depth even at low water. Along the north breakwater, there is space for up to 70 boats tied to mooring buoys positioned in a line and often extending three rows into the bay. The inner harbor can only be safely navigated at high water with a loch that is only opened one hour before and after high water. Like clockwork, the floodgate opens an hour before high water each day where vessels within the loch empty out and once cleared, incoming vessels looking for safe refuge enter into the loch until full. If the loch fills or you miss the window to enter, there are moorings located outside the breakwall. Anchoring is discouraged but there is suitable depth to anchor at the foot of the Vauban Citadel.
Sauzon, Belle Ile
47° 22' 26.4216'' N 3° 13' 3.8388'' W
For vessels smaller than 40’, enter through the breakwall and tie to the mooring buoy. Boat are instructed to moore with a bow and stern line to the buoys in a line to prevent swinging into the shallows at low tide. There can be up to 5 boats tied to a sequence of buoys and you must have access to your dinghy to go ashore. The front of the port has room for 40 boats with a maximum of 12.5 length. The inner port inside from the lighthouse has select buoys available but usually they are taken by permanent residents. Most of the bay is dry at lowtide and there is only water in the middle of the bay. Sauzon has many restaurants surrounding the small port with limited provisioning. The bay is not suable with north east and east wind.
Port of Arradon
47° 36' 45.8496'' N 2° 49' 46.1424'' W
Arradon is situated in the Gulf of Morbihan, directly across from Île-aux-Moines and Île d'Arz. The village is renowned for its oyster farming and the stunning landscapes that define the region. The port, located at the northeastern tip of Arradon, is well-protected from strong winds and currents, making it a safe haven for mariners. The marina offers approximately 620 berths, including options for afloat mooring, dry storage, and alongside pontoons, with 10 berths specifically reserved for visiting vessels. Mooring is available in the harbor, providing a secure anchorage for boats navigating these waters.
Port Haliguen, Quiberon
47° 29' 15.7776'' N 3° 5' 58.5708'' W
Port Haliguen receives nearly 17,000 visitors per year and is one of the busiest marinas in the region. With 1270 boats in the marina, 30 are reserved for nightly transient slips per night and reservations can be made by calling and emailing the harbormaster in advance. The marina monitors VHF Ch.09. There is fuel available in the center of the harbor and accessible at all tides. The marina is newly constructed and state of the art with a resorted promenade with shops and other services. Transient slips are instructed to dock along the central mole located where the high house stands or in the basin near the harbormaster office and restaurants.
Le Bono, Riviere d’Auray
47° 38' 22.5888'' N 2° 57' 11.79'' W
Le Bono is an idyllic town located along the Riviere d’Auray. Enter the port with high tide water as the river becomes shallow during the lower tides. There are select moorings where vessels dock bow and stern to and often double up at a time. If there are no moorings available, raft alongside a moored vessel and there are often three vessels tired per buoy. The honor code is used here and always accommodate a vessel moored before you to depart or accept another vessel rafting to yours. There is a floating dinghy dock along the breakwall that rises with the tides.
Recommended Day Anchorages
Port du Parun, Riviere d’Auray
Ile de Berder, Gulf of Morbihan
Brouhel Beach, Gulf of Morbihan
Plage du Gourent, Houat
Port Goulphar, Belle Ile
Port Guen, Belle Ile
Port an Dor, Belle Ile
Itinerary Duration
7-days
Season
The sailing season around Belle-Île and the nearby coast typically runs from April to October, offering a range of conditions that cater to both adventurous and leisurely sailors. In spring, the weather starts to warm up, making it an ideal time to navigate the island's dramatic cliffs and hidden coves. By summer, the waters are more inviting, with steady winds and longer daylight hours, perfect for exploring the intricate coastline and anchoring in sheltered bays. As autumn approaches, the winds pick up, providing a more challenging experience for seasoned sailors, while the crowds thin out, leaving the stunning scenery and vibrant local culture all the more accessible.
Local Foods
Oysters are grown in abundance in the Gulf of Morbihan and the surrounding bays. Sailing within the Gulf, you’ll see local oyster farmers in front of the bay, look for the nearest mooring and row ashore, chances the oyster farmer will make a table for you and serve you. Seafood is of abundance with varieties of clams, scallops, and langoustines served on each menu at nearly all the restaurants.
Good to Know
The tidal range in Belle-Île and the surrounding coast is notably significant, reflecting the powerful influence of the Atlantic Ocean. With a range around 5 meters from low to high water depending on the lunar cycle, the tides here are both a challenge and a spectacle for sailors. At low tide, vast stretches of rocky shoreline and hidden sandbanks emerge, requiring careful navigation and an eye on the charts. Conversely, high tide transforms the landscape, submerging these features and opening up new opportunities for exploration. Understanding and respecting these tidal movements is crucial for safe and successful sailing in this dynamic and beautiful region.
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