Plouhinec & Around

Plouhinec is centrally located on the south coast of Brittany, just outside Lorient. It's centrally located and close to the beach and the ocean. The area offers something for everyone! The climate is mild. This part of Brittany has a microclimate, making it relatively dry, with plenty of sunshine, and sea breezes that ensure it never gets too hot. 

Plouhinec

In fact, there's enough to discover in Plouhinec alone to fill your holiday, such as Le Vieux Passage, La Barre d'Etel (the constantly shifting sandbar off the coast), the Mané Vechen archaeological site, the endless dunes, the sandy beaches (Pavillion Bleu), the forests, the many chapels and fountains, and of course, not to forget La Ria d'Etel with its imposing Pont Lorois bridge connecting the two banks of the Ria. On the other side of the bridge, near St. Cado, lies perhaps Brittany's most photographed cottage. But there's also such a cottage on "our" side of La Ria, Ile Nohic. There are a huge number of hiking and cycling routes, so you can practically leave the car at home! 

For several years now, Plouhinec has been part of the protected dune and coastal area of ​​Gavres-Quiberon (more information: Dunes Sauvages ), so the coast here is completely protected, a paradise for nature lovers!

The ship cemetery at Le Magouer

 

The walking path along the Ria d'Etel towards Pont Lorois

Port Louis

This ancient fortified town boasts lovely beaches, a charming town center, and both old and new harbors, as well as a magnificent old citadel that now houses the VOC Museum. The old ramparts have been beautifully renovated and offer stunning views of the sea, the Bay of Lorient, the Gavres Peninsula, and the small beaches. There's a lively market here on Fridays. 

La Petite Mer de Gavres from Port Louis

 

Etel

This former tuna fishing port lies at the mouth of the Etel River and has a marina. However, sailing on the Etel River is not for everyone due to its currents, as evidenced by the wreck of the TK Bremen , which ran aground here in December 2011 and was completely dismantled in the winter of 2012. However, you can take a tour boat that will take you on an hour and a half to see the most striking spots of the Ria, including the fascinating Barre d'Etel. On Tuesdays, there's always a very pleasant and bustling market, which can also be reached by ferry from Plouhinec. There are also a number of charming bars, shops, studios, and restaurants. 

The seal watches over the Etel

 

Lorient

This large city served as the headquarters of the German Navy during World War II and was completely bombed by the British. In that respect, it reminds us a bit of Rotterdam. Originally a port city, it's now a working city, not particularly beautiful, but with plenty of activity and events. The old harbor areas are being renovated into trendy venues, and one of the main attractions is the Cité de la Voile Eric Tabarly , a massive building that focuses on sailing and Lorient's maritime life. This place is also the base for professional sailors; many teams call it home here, and their fast boats are proudly displayed in the harbor. In this part of Lorient, you can also visit the impressive bunkers that served as bases for German U-boats. The museum dedicated to them is truly fascinating. The city center is excellent for shopping, and a ferry service runs from our side of the water to and from the center. In early August, Lorient hosts the largest festival in Brittany, and even Europe, the Festival Interceltique, a melting pot of all Celtic cultures. Highly recommended if you're in the area. 

 

Vallée du Blavet & Vallée du Scorff

The area along the Blavet and Scorff rivers, which both flow into Lorient, is beautiful. It's verdant, peaceful, enchanting, and photogenic, and ideal for cycling, walking, and fishing. For a true glimpse into life in this region 100 years ago, a visit to the Poul Fetan open-air museum is highly recommended. And the magical chapel of Sainte Barbe near Le Faouet is worth a drive, especially combined with a walk at La Roche du Diable.

The Minazen lock in the Blavet

 

River Scorff

Thatched longères in Poul Fetan

Ile de Groix

Well worth a day trip! Take the ferry from Lorient in the morning, rent bikes, cycle around all day, enjoy this beautiful Breton island, swim in the almost tropical coves, have lunch at a restaurant serving local cuisine, and return to the mainland in the evening, "tired but satisfied." You'll feel like you've been away for a week...

Tropical colours on Ile de Groix

Hennebont

This medieval town, with its impressive castle walls, hosts a market on Thursdays for all the local farmers. A delight for anyone who loves food! And for horse lovers, the Haras is a must-see attraction, and there's also a beautiful park.

Carnac & La Trinité s/Mer

Carnac is known worldwide for its fantastic beaches and its remarkably large concentration of standing stones, the menhirs, numbering no fewer than 3,000. To this day, the origins of this fascinating interplay of lines remain unclear. They are known to have been erected between 5,000 and 3,000 BC, long before Obelix began working on them. Several menhirs can also be found in Plouhinec and Erdeven, but they are less imposing. Both Carnac-ville and the beach are pleasantly busy in the summer, but certainly not overcrowded. It gives you a real holiday feeling to get an ice cream on the beach and stroll along the promenade, gazing at the beautiful holiday villas overlooking the sea. If you then continue to La Trinité s/Mer, you'll find yourself in the nautical mecca for many competitive sailors. With a truly enormous marina, home to numerous racing teams and important sailing competitions, it's truly a place with something to do year-round. If you find the boulevard a bit crowded, pop down an alleyway to the old neighborhood behind it, and suddenly you'll hear nothing and see only places you'd love to live ;-).

One of the beautiful houses in Carnac

The endless dunes near Plouharnel

Quiberon

Sun, sea, sand, surfing—in short, everything for a true beach holiday. But this peninsula is also a must-see for nature and hiking enthusiasts. The rocks and cliffs of the Côte Sauvage, the harbor towns of Portivy and Saint-Pierre, the dunes, and the winding roads in between. Quiberon is also home to two of France's most important canneries: La Belle Iloise and La Quiberonnaise. A guided visit to La Belle Iloise is a must for anyone who loves sardines!

One of the magical viewpoints of the Cote Sauvage

 

The small harbour of Portivy at sunset

Golfe de Morbihan

Mor Bihan is Breton for 'little sea' and this part of the already stunning coastline of the South coast is known to be one of the most beautiful bays in the world. It is like La Ria d'Etel but bigger and hosts about 40 little islands scattered around this inner sea where the ocean meets the green and lush countryside and has worked its way all the way up to Vannes and Auray. Endless hiking trails, beautiful cottages with view to only dream of, great amount of oyster farms, dazzling morning and evening light and although their are many boats floating around on the water, there are always little creeks to be found where you are alone in the world...

The list above is certainly not exhaustive, but in our opinion, these are the most important highlights within a half-hour drive from here. The photos don't reflect reality at all; they remain snapshots..; in real, it's truly way more beautiful! 

For even more tips & advice, beautiful places and adventurous experiences, just come here and discover, feel, smell and taste this part of Brittany.