Histoire - Patrimoine bâti, Plages - Partir à la plage, Nature - île photogénique, Océan - Profiter de l'Océan, Randonner -autour de l'île, Belle île en mer, île de Bretagne, Bretagne sud, au large du Golfe du MorbihanSituée 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|©Fany Sabatier
La Pointe des Poulains

5 ideas for touring through the seasons

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  5. TOP 5 things to see and do in Les Poulains

Nestled at the northernmost tip of Belle-Île, the Pointe des Poulains is one of the most pleasant spots on Belle-Île to enjoy nature and explore the local wildlife, flora, and history.The area offers a variety of activities, including museum visits, hikes, nighttime tours, and sea excursions, providing many ways to discover the rich heritage and natural beauty surrounding this scenic point.

IDEA N°1

A BALCONY ON THE SEA
Plages Les Poulains Sauzon Printemps Sarah Bernhardt ©fabien Giordano Bellimages 2019A deux pas de la Pointe, la plage des Poulains vous permet de profiter d'une baignade
©A deux pas de la Pointe, la plage des Poulains vous permet de profiter d'une baignade |Fabien Giordano, Bellimages

    Free access and open all year round!

    Peacefulness incarnate, daydream and wander along the wild coast and its magnificent panorama

    Stunning panoramic views, rugged cliffs and untouched nature meet and morph as do the seasons to create an idyllic haven of peace, or a belvedere over the power of the Atlantic.

    Spring is the perfect time to admire Belle-Île’s lush vegetation. Some of the coastal flowers typical of the Atlantic, like thrift (Armeria maritima) and bright yellow gorse blossoms, begin to bloom, adding vibrant color to the coastal path and infusing the air with that distinct coconut-like fragrance…

    Summer’s mild and pleasant weather calls for a picnic break and a quick dip at the “beach des Poulains”

    Autumn unveils unforgettable sunsets with shades of orange and purple that light up the sky in dramatic fashion.

    Winter offers a magical spectacle of the wild, crashing waves pounding the cliffs and frothing onto the shore.

    Idea n°2

    CONQUERING THE CUSTOMS TRAIL

    Hike along the coast

    Take on the most stunning stretch of coastal trails!

    Several hiking routes starting from or heading toward La Pointe des Poulains offer an excellent way to explore the scenic shoreline.

    The trail from Sauzon to Les Poulains is ideal for hikers with limited time. This easy 6 km path, taking about 1.5 hours, meanders past small, sheltered beaches like Port Puce, Deuborh, and Penhoët. Perfect for swimming or enjoying a quick packed lunch break!

    For a more immersive outing, a 12 km loop (around 3 hours) showcases the untamed coastline leading to Ster-Vraz beach. This bay, together with Ster-Ouen, creates a natural harbor and is a favorite anchorage spot for sailors, celebrated as one of the island’s most picturesque moorings.

    TOP TIP: From Easter to All Saints’ Day, the Belle-Île Bus (Line 1) conveniently connects La Pointe des Poulains to Sauzon or Le Palais, making your journey even smoother!

    Schedules, fares and map of the Belle Ile Bus network

    Nature île Photogénique, Plages, Océan, Ster Vraz, Belle île en mer, île de Bretagne, Bretagne sud, au large du Golfe du MorbihanSituée sur la commune de Sauzon, Ster Vraz est une plage abritée grâce à son relief accidenté
    ©Située sur la commune de Sauzon, Ster Vraz est une plage abritée grâce à son relief accidenté|Karine Piquet

      IDEA N°3

      DUSK AND BEYOND: A REALM OF SPLENDOR
      Randonner -autour de l'île, Océan - Profiter de l'Océan, Nature - île photogénique, Belle île en mer, île de Bretagne, Bretagne sud, au large du Golfe du MorbihanProfitez d'un coucher de soleil sur la côte sauvage et ses falaises découpées
      ©Profitez d'un coucher de soleil sur la côte sauvage et ses falaises découpées|©Fabien Giordano, Bellimages

        Les Poulains at dusk

        Where Sunset Magic Meets Nature’s Spectacle

        Perched at the extreme northwest of Belle-Île-en-Mer, La Pointe des Poulains is the perfect vantage point to marvel at a breathtaking sunset.

        As the sun dips below the horizon, the jagged cliffs of the wild coastline are bathed in a soft, golden glow, and you’ll have a front-row seat to watch the sun vanish into the endless expanse of ocean.

        During the season, the site comes alive with nocturnal activities. Highlights include:

        • Fort Sarah Bernhardt night tours lit by the warm glow of storm lanterns.
        • Theater evenings by the Chats Huants troupe, held outdoors at 6:30 p.m. every weekend from May to August.

        To extend your evening, head to À L’Ouest – Bistrozza, a cozy spot a short stroll from La Pointe des Poulains, offering delectable tapas and homemade pizzas—arguably the finest on the island!

        IDEA N°4

        WHERE NATURE AND HERITAGE MEET!
        Histoire - Patrimoine bâti, Belle île en mer, île de Bretagne, Bretagne sud, au large du Golfe du MorbihanA 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. |Fabien Giordano, Bellimages

          Between History and Nature

          Visits to Discover and Learn Everything

          La Pointe des Poulains is a unique blend of history and nature, divided into several distinct areas. Each offers a chance to explore the island’s natural wonders and cultural heritage:

          • La Maison du Littoral Perfect for children, this interactive space celebrates Belle-Île’s natural riches. The ground floor, the “Vagabondez en espaces naturels” (Wander through Natural Sites) space  features engaging exhibits about the island’s protected areas. Upstairs, the “Plongez en aire marine” (Dive into a Marine Protected Area) section showcases a mesmerizing 20-minute film, entirely shot while free-diving, revealing the underwater beauty of the wild coastline with stunning slow-motion visuals and an immersive musical score.
          • Sarah Bernhardt Space: A museographic journey through the legendary actress’s career and her summers spent at the Pointe des Poulains.
          • The Sarah Bernhardt fort: Preserved in its original Belle Époque state, this summer residence allows visitors to step back in time and experience the ambiance of the late 19th century.
          • Le Phare des Poulains: Explore an exhibition about the natural space management of the Pointe, a tribute to the region’s commitment to preserving its wild beauty.

          Everything you need to know about the sites open to the public

          at La Pointe des Poulains
          CPIE - Maison de la Nature
          8.5 €
          CPIE - Maison de la Nature
          The Permanent Center for Environmental Initiatives of Belle-Ile-en-Mer is a 1901 law association open year round on the island. It offers to discover the environment of...
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          Espace Muséographique Sarah Bernhardt
          Espace Muséographique Sarah Bernhardt
          Meet Sarah Bernhardt! The tragic actress Sarah Bernhardt discovered Belle-Île in 1894, at the age of 50. Her friend, the painter Clairin, told her so much about it that she...
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          Histoire - Patrimoine bâti, Plages - Partir à la plage, Nature - île photogénique, Océan - Profiter de l'Océan, Randonner -autour de l'île, Belle île en mer, île de Bretagne, Bretagne sud, au large du Golfe du Morbihan
          ©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|©Karine Piquet
          The Poulains lighthouse
          Perched on the Northwesternmost tip of Belle-Île, beyond the Poulains tombolo, the Poulains lighthouse has stood firm since 1868. Today, this fully automatic beacon watches...
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          IDEA N°5

          HEADING: NORTH (WEST!)
          plaisance, Nature - île photogénique, Océan - Profiter de l'Océan, Plages - Partir à la plage, Belle île en mer, île de Bretagne, Bretagne sud, au large du Golfe du MorbihanSur la commune de Sauzon, Kerlédan, une crique abritée sur la côte sauvage
          ©Sur la commune de Sauzon, Kerlédan, une crique abritée sur la côte sauvage|thasproduction

            By kayak, paddle, zodiac or motorboat

            Sail to La Pointe des Poulains

            The coastline between the port of Sauzon and La Pointe des Poulains is ideal for a sea excursion. The waters are calm, making it perfect for sea kayaking and Stand-Up Paddle, with creeks along the way offering perfect spots for photo breaks or a swim. From July to September, Vives-Eaux offers Paddle and Sea Kayak rentals (single or two-seater) from the beach of Port Puce.

            You can also explore the coastline by zodiac or motorboat. Maritime excursions will introduce you to the northern coast and its natural wonders, such as the ornithological reserve of Koh Kastell and the Cave of the Apothicairerie. Several local businesses, including Atmos Air, Escapade Marine, and Tour d’Îles, offer half-day or full-day trips.

            Want a top notch trip?

            Our seasonal advice

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