Nature île Photogénique, Ocean, Hiver, Aiguilles De Port Coton, Bangor, Côte Sauvage, Belle île En Mer, île De Bretagne, Bretagne Sud, Au Large Du Golfe Du Morbihan © Loup SamzunTempête hivernale sur les Aiguilles de Port Coton
©Tempête hivernale sur les Aiguilles de Port Coton|Loup Samzun

Belle-Île in winter

A wild nature just for you! A stopover in Belle-île outside the tourist season means discovering the unique character of this piece of countryside in the middle of the Ocean. To you the spectacle of the storms that sweep the wild coast, the beautiful walks on the coastal path, the evenings tasting local products by the fire and the chances of beautiful island encounters… Our tips for an unforgettable winter stay on the largest of the Breton islands!

Quiet days

Winter in Belle-île !

Some prefer to discover it in winter. They are not wrong in wanting to appreciate the island in its true appearance, stripped of all artifice. It is the best season to share the reality of island life with serenity, taking your time.

In the heart of the Atlantic Ocean

An island against all odds

The convivial activity is refocused in the market towns while beaches, coasts and almost deserted paths form larger landscapes that are all the more impressive because, on certain days, storms come and turn them into black and white. The winds and the sea seem to be determined to destroy Belle-île under their repeated assaults, as evidenced by the falling rocks and portions of cliffs noted each spring. Sometimes, on certain days, the stopping of the boats makes the feeling of living on an island even more dense.

After meeting the few walkers, one can believe that the wild corner chosen for a stroll is one’s own. In the south of the island, on the highest cliffs, towards Pylor, the austerity of the wild coast, tinted here and there by the reddishness of the ferns, is suddenly accentuated by the power of rocky chaos beaten by the sea, the gold of the lichens illuminating their edges and their walls. Their color reminds that of the Gorse of Europe flowered at the edge of the ways.

Serenity of days on the trail

before the molten gold of the setting sun

The changing sky highlights the points, like that of Skeul, in Locmaria, carved by erosion, resembling a monstrous animal set against the roaring sea. Along the central road, the harvested wheat and corn clear as far as the eye can see the green plateau where herds peacefully graze.

At Donnant, on the dunes, the scents remain present: iodized air and the spicy smell of Immortelles. Faded, they give way to mosses whose golden-bronze shine is accentuated by the raking sun. Down below, some reckless surfers play in the waves.

Or, travelling from the Apothecary’s to Ster Vraz, one will forget the severity of the cliffs in front of the golden glow of a setting sun and its orange clouds on a sky turning purple: an admirable spectacle that forces one to stop and soak up the last glow.

Returning to The Palace, the contrast will be striking. From the end of December, overflowing many gardens, the Mimosas solicit the eye and the sense of smell and would almost make you forget the winter.

3 good reasons

to love winter in Belle-île

Reason n°1

Take the time to discover island life and the byways

Reason n°2

Stroll and recharge your batteries with a real breath of fresh air

Reason n°3

Let yourself be hypnotized by the magic of waves and storms

In pictures

The best of winter in Belle-île

Land & Sea side

Take a breath of fresh air!

It's Winter!

Our must-see walk

Want to disconnect? Here’s our stroll tip, one of our favorite ones under a beautiful winter sun: go in the footsteps of Claude Monet, at the Aiguilles de Port Coton…Discover, like him, on the occasion of his stay in Bellil, the magic of the untamed Ocean on the wild coastline…Magical!

To discover in winter

The local (product) of the stage!

The Thumbtack

An atypical crustacean that has made Belle-île-en-Mer its paradise!

Due to strict ecological requirements, Belle-île is home to the largest deposit of barnacles. This crustacean, also called barnacle, grows in clusters and lives attached to the rocks beaten by the waves, in the tidal swing zone, mainly on the wild coast of Belle-Ile-en-Mer, at the foot of the shale cliffs.

Its appearance is surprising but its taste reminds that of the crab or the shrimp. It can be eaten in a thousand and one ways. The barnacle – just like the Agneau du Large, La Viande des Embruns or the Abeille Noire honey – is a must-taste during any stopover in Bellil!

Discover barnacles this holiday season!

Hand-crafted stays

our Winter formulas

The Tourist Office creates customized stays including round-trip crossings and 2 nights (or more) with breakfast! The establishments are selected with care and love….Discover our must-see winter offers!”

Discover Belle-Île all year round

One island, 4 seasons

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