Last Updated on 04/10/2022 by secretmoona
Last month, I visited a part of Brittany that I always wanted to discover. Not many people outside of France know this little gem of a destination. After exploring the northern part of Brittany, I wanted to see the South, which I was told was savage and unspoiled. Visiting new places is what I love, and Brittany offers the perfect off the beaten track getaway. I had the chance to spend New Year’s in the Golfe du Morbihan, part of the Club des “Plus Belles Baies du Monde” (Most Beautiful Bays in the World Club).
I started my exploration in Nantes. Technically, Nantes is not in Brittany; however, it was the base of the Breton culture and place of residence of the Dukes of Brittany centuries ago.
After meeting my friend in Nantes, we headed towards the Golfe du Morbihan to her family home in Saint Gildas de Rhuys.
Where is the Golfe du Morbihan?
Located on the southern coastline, the Golfe du Morbihan (Morbihan Coast/ Gulf of Morbihan) is a little paradise popular with the French, especially Parisian. With 40 islands, pristine beaches, walled cities, fishing villages, endless coastlines and delicious seafood, including the best oysters in the country, the Golfe du Morbihan is a destination for your bucket list!
Mor-Bihan means “little sea” in Breton.
Saint-Gildas-de-Rhuys
Saint Gildas is a little seaside town located south of the Rhuys Peninsula on the southern edge of the Gulf of Morbihan. Due to its shape, the peninsula serves as a natural shelter against the strong Atlantic Ocean.
My first impression of St Gildas de Rhys was the smell of the sea. We arrived in the evening and took a stroll in the town’s prominent place. Like most towns in the French countryside, the main square is where you find the restaurants, cafes and religious buildings. Saint Gildas is no different, and their 1000-year-old roman styled Abbatiale church is worth a visit, especially for its stained glass.
The following morning, I was all smiles when I opened the windows facing the sea. Imagine living in a house with a sea view; for a city girl like me, it’s a… dream!
After a lovely breakfast, we went for a walk around the coast. The little town has lots of scenic views, and people usually visit for the rawness of its shores. We walked on the deserted sandy beach, passed the hidden creeks, and then faced beautiful views of the islands on the other side. As per the locals, the beaches are the best on the peninsula. It was too cold and windy to enjoy the beach, so I guess I need to come back in summer to check it out.
Another spot worth visiting while in St Gildas is the Musée des Arts, Metiers et Commerces (museum of arts, trades and business). If you are interested in history, you will enjoy seeing this museum. It shows how companies and trades were up to the 19th century.
Arzon
Another town I visited was Arzon which is popular in the summer. This little village has a quiet port ideal for a relaxing holiday and has great but cheap seafood. When in Arzon, the ideal place to explore is the Atlantic coast to appreciate Port Navalo and its fishing boats. You will be charmed by the many coves and beaches. In warmer weather, you will choose to get your beach towel out or enjoy water sports activities (sailing, kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, kite-surfing, sailing, diving, etc.)
Sarzeau
Out of the three towns on the peninsula, Sarzeau is the most visited in the summer. Sarzeau should be on your itinerary if you like history and architecture. If so, the traditional stone houses and Chateau de Suscino (castle of Suscino) should be part of your trip. Built in the 13th century, it was the residence of the Dukes of Brittany.
Rhuys Peninsula
On its northern coast, the Rhuys peninsula offers a myriad of activities. You can take a trip out to the sea to discover the islands of the gulf like Belle-Ile. Or see oyster farms while kayaking. As the tides come and go, you can see the numerous oyster beds.
As well as offering tasty seafood, the Rhuys peninsula also provides a range of culinary delights such as tomme of Rhuys cheese, cider, cookies or Gochtial bread (a sweet brioche type bread).
Although I enjoyed my trip, January is not the best time to experience the full charm of the region. Golfe du Morbihan is best visited in spring or summer. To help organise your trip, please check out Morbihan Tourism’s website (here)
Have you been to the Golfe du Morbihan in Brittany? What was your favourite non-touristy thing? Please share them in the comments.
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Lovely written! I think it’s amazing to wander off to somewhere like a little town of a country rather than going to its popular cities. This makes it more interesting and you can feel authentic culture that way.
Thanks, it was so peaceful too. I definitely felt happy and care free during my short trip there!
Great post and lovely photos! I especially love the Saint-Gildas-de-Rhuys section 🙂
Nice on my Brittany! the Presqu’ile de Rhuys is nice, for other than beach the Suscinio castle near Sarzeau is good too. And of course, the Morbihan is tops. You know it’s Breton, means Petite Mer in French or small sea Cheers
Thanks you! Êtes-vous Breton? J’aimerais bien y retourner en été cette fois-ci. Que me conseillez-vous?
Lovely post! I used to go to Brittany on family camping trips as a kid. I seem to remember that it always rained, but its a nice place none the less!
Weather is not the best in Brittany however it seem to be better in the Golfe of Morbihan.
Great post! I never been to Brittany but it looks lovely. Thanks for sharing.
You are welcome and thanks for reading!
Nice article! It gives me a few ideas for a future trip!
Great, I’m glad you found it inspiring.
I always enjoy visiting the more “off the map” places, especially little villages like these! I love the cozy atmosphere when there’s only one town square.
Me too and everyone knew each other!
Love off the beaten trips. love your article great job Brittany!
Off the beaten tracks are alkways my poison, for they are the real charmers of any area or country. I enjoyed reading this blog post. SOmeday, may be, I can visit… 🙂
Great post! Thank you so much for sharing this treasure with us. Your post has exposed me to a new region that I will definitely be adding to my future travel list.
I’m glad I have managed to “put” Brittany on the map! It’s a lovely region worth visiting.
It’s always nice to wander off and find unspoiled and off the beaten places. So much joy and satisfaction from that. First time hearing about Brittany but it does look beautiful and serene. Maybe now with your post it will no longer be a secret. Lol.
I’ve never been and to be honest I didn’t think about Brittany, but after reading I need to look deeper into this topic!
Brittany looks like an absolutely beautiful place to visit and enjoy the sea. There really is something wonderful about smelling the ocean air and eating fresh seafood right by the sea. Loved your description and photos.
Thanks Heidi. Fresh seafood is the best!
Loved reading this post. You are such a wonderful storyteller. I can imagine how good it feels to live in a room with a sea view. Whenever I visit a sea-side town, I always end up in a sea-facing house; It is so refreshing!
I know right! A room with a sea view is an instant mood lifter! I’m glad you enjoyed reading the post 😉 Thank you
I never heard of Brittany, but I love off the beaten path destinations, so it was nice to learn about it. Thanks for the comprehensive overview! Seems like a very relaxing and intriguing place to visit.
Thanks, Brittany is definitely intriguing. Highly recommended
I have not been here, but it sure looks lovely. I can imagine how wonderful the seafood is when you are sitting right there along the water!
Thanks. That’s for sure 😉
Nice… It’s been a while since I’ve been to France, and I just stuck with the touristy stuff that time! But I’m always looking to get out of those areas and explore the real parts of the country. Thanks for these tips!
Thanks. Hope you can add Brittany to your itinerary one day!
I have not been to Brittany to this all sounds amaziing – Arzon especially. I loved that you delivered so many things to do in every place. I can tell you had a great time just by the way you wrote this piece. Loved it!
Brittany is so cute, and reminds me a little of Ireland (my home) I spent a few weeks here on an exchange a long time ago and loved it, but we didn’t make it to any of the places here. Next time.
True Brittany is very similar to Ireland. You will surely love it if you ever manage to go!
I had not considered Brittany until now! Glad I read your story 🙂 I’ll definitely keep this in mind when planning a trip to France.
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed reading it!
what a wonderful introduction to a part of the world i imagine most of us wouldnt have had the chance to explore. A beautiful off the beaten path spot in europe. Thank you for opening my eyes to somewhere so beautiful yet close to London! Bravo
Thank you Nicky!