Located at the Northwertenmost end of Belle-Île, the Pointe des Poulains was originally known in Breton as “Beg-er-Bolenn” (point of the isolated rocks) before being francised in the 19th century. Lodged between the calm waters of the bay of Quiberon and the rough, wild waters of the Atlantic, Les Poulains is a permanent stage for poweful aquatic shows shaped by the seasons . . . because ”Les Poulains” is a must-see in every season!
Située à l'extrême nord de l'île, la pointe des Poulains est l'un des sites plus emblématiques de Belle-Île. Avec son phare et le fortin de Sarah Bernhardt c'est un lieu privilégié pour découvrir le patrimoine local. Située à l'extrême nord de l'île, la pointe des Poulains est l'un des sites plus emblématiques de Belle-Île. Avec son phare et le fortin de Sarah Bernhardt c'est un lieu privilégié pour découvrir le patrimoine local. |
La Pointe des Poulains
The Jewel of Belle-île
Nature Pointe Des Poulains Sauzon été Le Phare Des Poulains ©karine Piquet 2021 (3)Nature Pointe Des Poulains Sauzon été Le Phare Des Poulains ©karine Piquet 2021 (3)|
La Pointe des Poulains est un lieu privilégié pour observer l'océan. La pointe offre un point de vue panoramique sur la côte ouest et la côte est de Belle-Île. La Pointe des Poulains est un lieu privilégié pour observer l'océan. La pointe offre un point de vue panoramique sur la côte ouest et la côte est de Belle-Île. |
In addition to the stunning beauty of the landscape, you’ll find three unique yet complementary sites to explore. For a complete experience, plan for a half-day:
The Phare des Poulains
Built in 1868, this lighthouse was home to keepers and their families until it was automated in 1987. The building stands 18 meters tall, with 32 square meters of solar panels integrated into the roof to power its halide lamp. On a clear day, the view stretches as far as the island of Groix, Lorient, and across the entire Bay of Quiberon.
La Maison du Littoral
An essential stop for discovering the island’s natural treasures, this site invites you to wander and immerse yourself in marine and terrestrial biodiversity through two engaging exhibitions, complete with a mini-cinema, touchscreens, and interactive games. Make it one of your first stops upon arrival to enrich your experience on La Bien-Nommée (the “Well-Named Island”).
Meeting Sarah Bernhardt
The Villa des Cinq Parties du Monde (originally her son’s villa) and the fort transport you back in time! The museum space in the villa showcases the life and work of the famous tragedienne, while the fort—her own home—has been meticulously restored to its original design.
La Pointe des Poulains
throughout the 4 seasons
A sanctuary at the end of the world
Whatever the weather, La Pointe des Poulains is – above all – a sanctuary where nature is preserved, valued and pampered. Under the triple protection of the Community of Communes of Belle-île, the Conservatoire du Littoral and the islanders, the fauna, flora and the spirit of the Pointe flourishes.
The great Sarah Bernhardt didn’t blunder when she transformed the abandoned fort into a refuge and summer residence 130 years ago, calling it home almost every summer from 1894 to 1932. It is today one of Belle-Ile’s major historical landmarks.
La Pointe des Poulains is thus a hybrid place: a lighthouse, a small fort, a few signs of human presence and, simultaneously, a splendid natural haven – its beauty, variety and richness… An unmissable site, to be discovered during any trip.
Nature Pointe Des Poulains Sauzon Printemps Le Phare Des Poulains ©karine Piquet 2021 (6)Nature Pointe Des Poulains Sauzon Printemps Le Phare Des Poulains ©karine Piquet 2021 (6)|
Le fort de Sarah Bernhart et le phare des Poulains en automne|
Why love the "Pointe des Poulains"?
La Pointe des Poulains
a testament to the island's natural wealth
Wild and preserved
Pauline regarde la phare des Poulains en automnePauline regarde la phare des Poulains en automne|
The Maison du Littoral
Essential to understanding the natural wealth of the island, “La Maison du Littoral” (Home of the Littoral) invites you to meander through two immersive exhibitions on the marine and terrestrial biodiversity of Belle-Ile, and preservation more globally.
I love coming every year to this picturesque island, savoring all the charm of its wild and grandiose beauty. Under its invigorating and peaceful sky, I draw new artistic strength.
Sarah Bernhardt
when a sacred monster falls under the spell of the Foals!The Sarah Bernhardt Museum Site and Fort
The fort and the Sarah Bernhardt Museographic site invite you to step back into the 1890s with an hour-long audio tour. Through this immersive experience, you’ll learn about the life and work of the famous tragedienne in her villa, and see the fort, restored to its original appearance. You can choose to visit only the fort, though we highly recommend the audio-guided tour, which immerses you in the atmosphere of Sarah’s summer holidays with family and friends!
A côté de la pointe des Poulains, le fortin de Sarah Bernhardt est ouvert au public toute l'année. La visite vous plongera dans l'univers de la Belle Epoque. A côté de la pointe des Poulains, le fortin de Sarah Bernhardt est ouvert au public toute l'année. La visite vous plongera dans l'univers de la Belle Epoque. |
Make a Stop Near la Pointe des Poulains
Like Sarah Bernhardt, fall under the spell of La Pointe des Poulains! Here, you’ll find our selection of spots to stay, eat, drink, or simply enjoy the view—all close to this must-see location on the island!
