A stay off the beaten track in Locmaria

This small village located at the eastern tip of Belle-Ile-en-Mer is a haven of tranquility, ideal for a moment of disconnection. It will seduce lovers of calm and nature.

Histoire - Patrimoine bâti, Belle île en mer, île de Bretagne, Bretagne sud, au large du Golfe du MorbihanConsacrée en 1070, elle serait donc la plus ancienne de l’île. Un grand corps d'édifice avec le grand autel au pignon du levant, deux bras ornés de chapelles, un clocher en aiguille, sous le toit en lambris des charpentes sous la couverture en ardoises.
©Consacrée en 1070, elle serait donc la plus ancienne de l’île. Un grand corps d'édifice avec le grand autel au pignon du levant, deux bras ornés de chapelles, un clocher en aiguille, sous le toit en lambris des charpentes sous la couverture en ardoises.|©Alexandre Canaple
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  5. A stay off the beaten track in Locmaria

Do you know the charm of Locmaria? This small town located at the eastern tip of Belle-Ile-en-Mer is a haven of tranquility, ideal for a moment of disconnection. It will seduce lovers of calm and nature.

Oxygenate yourself on top of the highest cliffs of the island towards the pointe du Skeul and Arzic. Then, head out to enjoy its great beaches like theGrand Sables. This 2 km long beach with white sand is great for swimming with the backdrop of the neighboring islands of Houat and Hoëdic.

In the heart of the village, you will find the oldest religious building on the island, the Notre-Dame-du-Bois-Tors church. Are you an art lover? Meet the island’s artists by pushing open the doors of their galleries. Stroll through the narrow streets of Locmaria to discover beautiful stone houses. Finally, spend the night in an eco-friendly and atypical guest room made of cardboard.

Come and relax on this part of the island. Here is our selection of ideas for original activities to escape for a weekend in the middle of the ocean!

Let yourself be carried away by a

a world made of cardboard!

Histoire - Patrimoine bâti, Portraits Insulaires, Bretagne au large du Golfe du MorbihanNicole Lenoble artiste basée à Locmaria confectionne toute sorte d'objets avec du carton : mobiliers, luminaires
©Nicole Lenoble artiste basée à Locmaria confectionne toute sorte d'objets avec du carton : mobiliers, luminaires

    A cardboard house

    For an atypical and committed stay!

    L’Ilot Carton is a unique guest house because it is the first cardboard house built in the world! The owners Nicole and Alain, are invested by the concern of preserving this magnificent island that is Belle-Ile and welcome you in an eco-labeled guest house.

    Come and spend an unusual night in a decor decorated with unique pieces made of cardboard by the mistress of the house. Here, everything is made of cardboard, declined in multiple ways: design furniture, lighting, decorative objects and even curtains! Nicole Lenoble’s work has been distinguished by the label “Savoir-Faire des Îles du Ponant”.

    Their happy 30m² room is a real cozy cocoon with natural colors and careful decoration.

    In addition, on fine days, it is possible to rent a tree house perched in the trees for 2 people with independent dry toilets….There’s nothing left to do but to put your bags down in this sustainable environment!

    Discover and book your stay at Ilot Carton

    Walk the coastal path

    from Port Andro to Port Maria

    From cliffs to valleys

    A concentrate of Breton landscapes!

    Early in the morning, put on your sneakers and go admire the sunrise at the beach of Port Andro or at the Pointe de Kerdonis.

    The coastal path offers you beautiful views of this jagged coastline. Here, the parts overhanging the cliff alternate with the crossings of valleys, before reaching the beach of Port Maria.

    A fort dating from the Second Empire and transformed into a second home, dominates the cove. This good-natured beach is only 300m from the town in which restaurants and artists’ galleries are located, to invigorate yourself and discover the local “know-how”.

    Histoire - Patrimoine bâti, Plages - Partir à la plage, Randonner -autour de l'île, Belle île en mer, île de Bretagne, Bretagne sud, au large du Golfe du MorbihanA quelques hectomètres du bourg de Locmaria, la crique de Port Maria permet de profiter d'une baignade calme et de s'adonner aux loisirs nautiques
    ©A quelques hectomètres du bourg de Locmaria, la crique de Port Maria permet de profiter d'une baignade calme et de s'adonner aux loisirs nautiques|©Karine Piquett

      Iodine break and artist workshops

      To continue the ride in style!

      Once you arrive in Port Maria, walk quietly up to the town. In front of the church, stop on the terrace of the boutique-restaurant of the oyster farmer Maxime. You can stock up on local flat or hollow oysters or just let yourself be tempted by a tasting. Direct sale from producer to consumer! The Breton 100% pure butter will perhaps prefer to treat themselves to a galette at the creperie l’Équipage located two steps away!

      After your meal, push the doors of the two unavoidable artists, installed in Locmaria.

      Bo Glass Studio: watch a glass blower at work

      Marvel at the dexterity of the glass artisan as he creates unique glass pieces. Glass is a living, magical material that bears witness to a thousand-year-old tradition. The creations of Bo Glass come from two techniques: blowing and thermoforming and address the themes of architecture, design and art. Glass is all about know-how!

      Patman Art Gallery: discover a painter-sculptor of oars

      Patman expresses his poetry and humor by sculpting oars from around the world that have already lived a story. From the oar will come a fish native to the same region as the paddle. His studio-gallery is anchored in the heart of Locmaria, a stone’s throw from Bo Glass Studio, and presents his original works. Patman…oars with a soul!

      Good to know: The 3 workshops (Bo-Glass, Patman and L’îlôt Carton) are members of the “Savoir Faire des îles du Ponant” brand.
      Savoir-faire des îles du Ponant is a collective brand that is committed to the economic development of the Ponant islands. It promotes entrepreneurs who create sustainable jobs on their islands thanks to their know-how.

      Prendre le temps - marchés, cafés, terrasses, Déguster local,Belle île en mer, île de Bretagne, Bretagne sud, au large du Golfe du Morbihan
      ©Dégustation de fruits|©Karine Piquet
        All about it

        on Locmaria, its atypical church and its beaches!

        Histoire - Patrimoine bâti, Belle île en mer, île de Bretagne, Bretagne sud, au large du Golfe du MorbihanConsacrée en 1070, elle serait donc la plus ancienne de l’île. Un grand corps d'édifice avec le grand autel au pignon du levant, deux bras ornés de chapelles, un clocher en aiguille, sous le toit en lambris des charpentes sous la couverture en ardoises.
        ©Consacrée en 1070, elle serait donc la plus ancienne de l’île. Un grand corps d'édifice avec le grand autel au pignon du levant, deux bras ornés de chapelles, un clocher en aiguille, sous le toit en lambris des charpentes sous la couverture en ardoises.|Photo Loup SAMZUN
        Locmaria and its atypical church
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        Océan - Profiter de l'Océan, Se dépasser - sports, Changer de rythme - déplacement doux, Belle île en mer, île de Bretagne, Bretagne sud, au large du Golfe du Morbihan
        ©Optimistes aux Grands Sables -Locmaria|@Karine Piquet
        Les Grands Sables, white sand beach
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