The Gulf of Morbihan is home to around forty picturesque islands, each with its own charm: the lively Île aux Moines, the wild Île d’Arz, megalithic Gavrinis, and Berder and Tascon, which you can reach on foot at low tide. Classified as a Regional Nature Park, this “island paradise” combines coastal walks, guided cruises, prehistoric heritage and unspoilt nature. From Camping Les Druides, 20-45 km from the departure ports (Port-Blanc, Larmor-Baden, Vannes), set off on an unforgettable family adventure at sea.
📌 About these activities
Camping Les Druides recommends the islands of the Gulf of Morbihan through its blog and recommendation articles.
Please note: cruises and crossings to the islands are organised and run directly by independent boat companies (NAVIX, Compagnie du Golfe, Vedettes l’Angelus). Camping Les Druides:
does not organise the cruises;
does not take bookings;
does not run the crossings.
We simply recommend these exceptional islands to enrich your stay.
For bookings, availability, timetables and up-to-date prices, contact the boat companies directly using the details at the end of this article.
🗺️ The Gulf of Morbihan – an exceptional nature park
The legend of the islands
“As many islands as there are days in the year”
Breton legend has it that there are as many islands in the Gulf of Morbihan as there are days in a year! In reality, around forty islands are officially recorded in the land registry. But whatever the exact number, the magic works on every one of them.
A protected Regional Nature Park
The Gulf of Morbihan is classified as a Regional Nature Park, which guarantees strict protection of its exceptional environment.
Key features:
✅ Exceptional wildlife: seabirds and protected marine mammals
✅ Remarkable flora: seagrass beds, coastal vegetation, wetlands
✅ Wild landscapes: uninhabited islands, secret coves, cliffs
✅ Mild climate: tempered by the Gulf Stream
✅ Cultural heritage: island communities and Breton traditions
🏝️ The 6 must-see islands
1️⃣ Île aux Moines – the pearl of the Gulf
The largest and liveliest
Île aux Moines is the largest island in the Gulf, 7 kilometres long and 5 kilometres wide, forming a magnificent crescent of land.
Key features:
The only island truly inhabited all year round, with a lively summer scene
5 main beaches of fine sand
A busy little village: restaurants, shops, hotels
Cycle paths for exploring the island by bike
Varied landscapes: woods, cliffs, coves
Flower-decked houses typical of Brittany
Access: shuttle boat from Port-Blanc (Baden), 15 km from Vannes
Crossing time: 5-10 minutes
Perfect for: families, holidaymakers looking for a lively atmosphere, all ages
2️⃣ Île d’Arz – the island of captains
Wild and off the beaten track
Île d’Arz offers a wilder, more secluded atmosphere than Île aux Moines. It is nicknamed “the island of captains” for its seafaring tradition.
Key features:
The only other island inhabited all year round (with a calmer atmosphere)
18 kilometres of coastal paths, perfect for a family walk
Very few cars: a peaceful atmosphere
A paradise for yachtsmen and sailing boats
Unspoilt nature and remarkable wildlife
An inn, gîtes and a campsite for staying on the island
Access: shuttle boat from Vannes or Baden
Perfect for: nature lovers, walkers, yachtsmen
3️⃣ Gavrinis – the megalithic island
The prehistoric treasure
Gavrinis is a private island that is home to one of the greatest megalithic treasures in Brittany.
The Gavrinis cairn:
A major Neolithic monument from the 4th millennium BC (4241-4000 BC)
A passage tomb with exceptional carvings on its slabs
An international reputation for its prehistoric heritage
Nicknamed “the Sistine Chapel of the Neolithic” for its 917 metres of carvings
Only the cairn and its surroundings are open to the public
Panoramic views over the entrance to the Gulf
UNESCO World Heritage since July 2025
Access: shuttle boat from Larmor-Baden or Île aux Moines
Crossing time: 10-15 minutes
Perfect for: prehistory and archaeology enthusiasts
4️⃣ Île Berder – the nature walk
Reachable on foot at low tide
Île Berder offers a unique experience: you can walk there at low tide!
Key features:
Linked to the mainland by a submersible causeway visible at low tide
Walk around the island in 1-2 hours (about 2.6 km)
Mediterranean-style vegetation, unusual for the region (palm trees, conifers)
A prime viewpoint over the Jument current (the 2nd most powerful in Europe)
Beautiful in every season
Access: on foot from Larmor-Baden at low tide
Walking time: 1-2 hours for the full loop
⚠️ Important: always check the tide times before setting out
Perfect for: walkers, families, nature lovers
5️⃣ Île Tascon (Saint-Armel) – the secret island
The most authentic and secluded
Île Tascon is a secret, peaceful island, naturally cut off by the tides.
Key features:
The 3rd largest island in the Gulf (55 hectares)
Reachable on foot at low tide via the Rodu causeway (400 m)
Only 8 year-round residents: a timeless atmosphere
A local market garden growing vegetables and raising Charolais cattle
Thousands of birds in the cove and seagrass beds
Remains of megalithic monuments on view
Splendid views: the Séné coastline, the island of Lern, the north of Île d’Arz
Access: on foot from Saint-Armel via the Rodu causeway at low tide
Time: up to 4-5 hours of walking
⚠️ Important: check the tide times (use Vannes, not Port-Navalo)
Perfect for: adventurers, nature lovers, picnics
6️⃣ Other interesting islands
Islands reached by cruise (not accessible on foot):
Ilur: a wild island, guided visits from Île d’Arz (public nature reserve)
Boëdic: a private island that can be seen from the boat
Radenec, Irus, Île Longue: seen from the cruise boats
🛥️ Cruise companies
NAVIX – the reference since 1922
More than a century of experience in Breton cruises
NAVIX is the oldest boat company in the Gulf of Morbihan, with more than 100 years of tradition.
Services:
Guided cruises around the Gulf
Crossings to Île aux Moines and Île d’Arz
Excursions to Belle-Île-en-Mer
Lunch and dinner cruises
Evening aperitif cruise
Departures: Vannes, Port-Navalo, Locmariaquer, Auray, La Trinité-sur-Mer
Website: www.navix.fr
Telephone: +33 825 132 100
Compagnie du Golfe
The guided-cruise specialist
Services:
Non-stop tour of the Gulf
Cruise with 1-2 stops (Île aux Moines and/or Île d’Arz)
P’tite Balade Golfe (short cruise)
Friendly aperitif cruise with music
Departure: Vannes
Website: www.compagniedugolfe.fr
Telephone: +33 2 97 46 60 00
Season: April to October, according to the programme
Vedettes l’Angelus
Fun sightseeing cruises
Vedettes l’Angelus offers sightseeing cruises with commentary on history and nature.
Departures: Vannes and Port-Navalo
Website: www.vedettes-angelus.com
Telephone: +33 2 97 57 23 24
Gavrinis cairn shuttles
The specialist for shuttles to Gavrinis
Regular shuttle boats from Larmor-Baden to the Gavrinis cairn (UNESCO World Heritage).
Departure: Larmor-Baden
📋 Practical information
Best season
Season
✅ April-May: flowers in bloom, migratory birds, mild weather
✅ June-August: warm, lively summer scene (busier with tourists)
✅ September-October: perfect weather, fewer people
✅ November-March: dull weather, reduced cruise programme
Tide times – essential!
For Berder and Tascon:
✅ Always check the tide times before setting out
✅ Use the Vannes tide table, not Port-Navalo
✅ Window: roughly 4-5 hours around low tide
✅ Warning: the submersible causeway is very dangerous on a rising tide
Resources: Gulf of Morbihan tourist office, specialist tide-table websites
Distance from Camping Les Druides
Departure port – distance – driving time:
Port-Blanc (Baden): 25 km, 30 min
Larmor-Baden: 20 km, 25 min
Vannes: 40 km, 45 min
Saint-Goustan (Auray): 30 km, 35 min
🏕️ From Camping Les Druides
An ideal base
Camping Les Druides is ideally placed for exploring the islands of the Gulf:
✅ 20-45 km from the main departure ports
✅ Heated pool to relax after the cruise
✅ Comfortable mobile homes for a good rest
✅ Le Carpe Diem bar to unwind
The perfect day trip: morning cruise → lunch on the island → return in the afternoon → relax by the campsite pool! ☀️
💡 Tips for making the most of the islands
✨ Leave early to make the most of your day
✨ Avoid peak times for crossings in high season
✨ Combine activities: a cruise plus Château de Suscinio and the salt marshes
✨ Sun protection is a must: reflections off the water intensify the sun
✨ Bring a picnic if you are spending the whole day on an island
✨ Do not forget your camera: unforgettable scenery
✨ In short
The islands of the Gulf of Morbihan offer a varied island experience combining unspoilt nature, prehistoric heritage and picturesque charm. The holiday bustle of Île aux Moines, the serenity of Île d’Arz, the prehistoric magic of Gavrinis (UNESCO), the low-tide adventure of Berder and Tascon: the Gulf has something for every traveller in search of an authentic escape by the sea.
From Camping Les Druides, 20-45 km from the departure ports, explore this exceptional Regional Nature Park on memorable day trips through the Breton archipelago of the Morbihan.
📞 Boat company contacts
The boat companies organise and manage bookings, timetables, conditions and availability directly.
For up-to-date prices, availability and bookings, contact the boat companies directly.
NAVIX Croisières
Address: Gare maritime, 9 allée Loïc Caradec, 56000 Vannes
Telephone: +33 825 132 100
Website: www.navix.fr
Key features:
Founded in 1922 – more than 100 years of experience
Specialist in Morbihan crossings and cruises
Departures from 11 ports in southern Brittany
Guided cruises, island crossings, lunch and dinner cruises
Departures: Vannes, Port-Navalo, Locmariaquer, Auray, La Trinité-sur-Mer
Season: April to September, according to the programme
Compagnie du Golfe
Address: Vannes
Telephone: +33 2 97 46 60 00
Website: www.compagniedugolfe.fr
Key features:
Specialist in guided cruises around the Gulf
Non-stop tours and tours with stops (Moines/Arz)
Evening aperitif cruise
Accessible to people with disabilities
Departure: Vannes
Season: April to October, according to the programme
Vedettes l’Angelus
Telephone: +33 2 97 57 23 24
Website: www.vedettes-angelus.com
Key features:
Fun sightseeing cruises
Commentary on history and nature
Commentary in several languages
Departures: Vannes, Port-Navalo
Gulf of Morbihan tourist office
Website: www.golfedumorbihan.bzh
Telephone: +33 2 97 01 64 00
Services: island maps, tide times, full information
Gulf of Morbihan Regional Nature Park
Website: www.parc-golfe-morbihan.bzh
Services: natural heritage, wildlife, flora, regulations
Camping Les Druides
Address: 55 Chemin de Beaumer, 56340 Carnac
Telephone: +33 2 97 52 08 18
Website: www.camping-les-druides.com/en
Distance: 20-45 km from the Gulf departure ports
Services: heated pool, bar, information at reception