Île aux Moines, one of our top 11 most beautiful spots in the Gulf of Morbihan, is also known in Breton as Izenah. It's probably the most accessible of Brittany's islands, as it can be reached in just 5 minutes by boat from Port-Blanc (Baden). The island, 6 km long, is easy to explore on foot or by bike. Shops and restaurants are concentrated around the harbor and in the town center, offering two distinct atmospheres: the charm of the seaside and the authenticity of a true Breton village. Walking enthusiasts can opt for a relatively easy 17 km loop hike around the island along the coastal path.
1. The big beach
On Île aux Moines, the "grande plage", or Dréhen beach as it's really known, is located at the entrance to the island, right next to the landing stage for the mainland. This popular sandbank is no less than 300 metres long. It's absolutely charming, with its famous colorful bathing cabins. The elegant villas overlooking it add to the charm of a stroll along a beach that also offers a panoramic view of the strait separating the island from Port-Blanc. As you'll have gathered, this emblematic beach is the ideal place to lay back your towel, relax and take a refreshing dip after a day's hiking or a long bike ride. Before setting off again to discover Brittany's most beautiful beaches.
2. Pointe du Trec'h
At the northern end of île aux Moines is the inevitable Pointe du Trec'h, a must for all hikers and cyclists on their way to the Breton island. Its name means "passage" in Breton... Naturally, the yellow circuit (5 km long, leading to the north of the island) or the coastal path are the ideal way to get to the Pointe du Trec'h and enjoy the incredible panorama of the mainland, the commune of Arradon and another charming little piece of land: Ile Holavre. In the past, the Pointe du Trec'h was used as a boarding point for passengers heading for the mainland, disembarking at the Pointe d'Arradon. Naturally, there's still a small harbour with a quay where you can moor.
3. The dolmens
In the center of Ile aux Moines, in the direction of Pointe de Penhap and close to the road, the megalithic site of Kergonan has been protected as a historic monument since the 19th century. The site is made up of dozens of standing and lying stones, ranging in height from 50 cm to 3.50 metres.
The Penhap dolmen is perched atop one of the island's hills, but is also easily accessible from the road or coastal path. Above all, it offers a magnificent view of the Gulf of Morbihan. Not to be missed!
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4. The town center of Ile aux Moines
Inhabited year-round by some 600 inhabitants, Île aux Moines naturally has a small town center where all these people meet. This is the place to sit on the terrace of a café or restaurant to recover from a stroll, or to go to the market every weekend in summer. In an atmosphere typical of Brittany, one of our top destinations for beach vacations.
5. La pointe du Nioul
At the southernmost tip of the island, the Pointe de Nioul extends the natural site of the Pointe de Penhap. This rocky point, whose name means "point of the sun", offers a magnificent panorama of the Rhuys peninsula. It's a must for all hikers, who can reach it by taking the blue circuit (10 km, approx. 3h30, 1h30 by bike) or the coastal path. It's certainly one of the most beautiful walks in the Golfe du Morbihan. A great destination to visit in July!
See also our Top 11 of the most beautiful walks in Brittany.
6. La pointe de Brouel
Located to the east of Ile aux Moines, the pointe de Brouel offers a breathtaking view of its charming neighbor, Ile d'Arz and its... pointe de Brouël! This time, hikers will take the red circuit (6 km, 2h and 1h by bike). Along the way, you can admire the fountain and the chapel of Sainte-Anne de Guéric. It's a beautiful walk in the heart of the Gulf of Morbihan, a Breton paradise between land and sea.
7. Hiking
In addition to the yachtsmen who sail around the island and into the Gulf of Morbihan, Ile aux Moines is also a popular destination for hikers - a must-do vacation activity for all levels of fitness. The Breton island boasts a number of signposted footpaths winding through superb scenery, a map of which can be obtained from the tourist office. The green trail is the shortest (2 km) and leads to the island's town center, then the yellow trail (54km, 1h30) leads to the north of the island to the Pointe du Trec'h, while the red trail (6km, 2h) takes you to the Pointe de Brouel. The fourth is the blue trail (10km, 3h30), which takes you to pointe de Penhap in the south of the island. Finally, the most courageous can tackle the coastal trail, a 17km loop hike along the coast. It's part of the mythical customs trail, the GR34, a must in Brittany, which runs along all the region's coasts. So, before you land on Ile aux Moines, warm up!
8. Find a table at Chez Charlemagne, an institution on île aux Moines
Chez Charlemagne is a veritable institution on Île-aux-Moines, having existed since... 1848 ! Locals and tourists alike gather here in a convivial atmosphere to enjoy a meal or simply a drink. You'll enjoy delicious seafood as well as hearty, tasty dishes such as grilled fish and meat. At this famous Charlemagne, you'll have a great time in a unique setting, facing the sea... or even on the water, thanks to the converted barge. Petit Futé tip: to make the most of your visit to Chez Charlemagne, come when the sea is high!
9. A great stopover for yachtsmen
While the crossing to Île aux Moines takes just 5 minutes with the "Izenah" shipping company, yachtsmen can also moor in the harbour (with around 100 berths) or drop anchor in the surrounding area. At the heart of the Gulf of Morbihan, Île aux Moines is a great stopover for yachtsmen who like to cruise around the area as soon as the sun comes out. It's a great way to discover Brittany, and a great destination for family vacations.
10. Test Breton cuisine
Brittany's cuisine is simple, authentic and generous, based above all on good raw produce, both noble and popular: scallops, bouchot mussels, salt-meadow lamb, Paimpol cocos, Guémené andouille, salted butter, buckwheat... Culinary traditions are alive and well in Brittany, anchored in the daily lives of the people, but this doesn't stop chefs from revisiting them as they please in their restaurant kitchens. Farmhouse recipes, brought up to date, are reclaiming their letters of nobility and inviting themselves to the finest tables. Cider, the quintessential country drink, is also following this trend, while a myriad of microbreweries is renewing the range of beers and a few adventurers are trying their hand at wine or whisky. Bon appétit!
How to visit Île aux Moines by bike? What you need to know
A popular destination for hikers, the island's marked trails can of course be explored by bike. With blue, green, yellow and red circuits ranging from 2 to 10 km, cyclists can discover every corner of the island . The 17km coastal path around the island is also accessible by bike. You can rent a bike on the island. You can also take them on board the Izenah shuttle, departing from Baden, quai de Port-Blanc (every 30 minutes; €6.50 return), paying an additional €5 per bike. The crossing takes 5 minutes.
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