Houat & Hoëdic – Sister Islands of Morbihan
In Breton, Houat means "the duck" and Hoëdic means "the duckling." These two sister islands offer a truly exotic getaway with unspoiled nature, a preserved atmosphere, and a rare authenticity in Brittany.
Located 14 kilometers east of Quiberon (40-50 minutes by boat), Houat and Hoëdic offer a complete change of scenery. From Camping Les Druides in Carnac, a 30-minute drive from Quiberon, set sail for these islands full of character, where cars are banned and traditional fishing continues.
📌 About These Destinations
Camping Les Druides recommends visiting Houat and Hoëdic via its blog and recommendation articles.
Important: Houat and Hoëdic are freely accessible destinations managed by their respective municipalities andthe Quiberon Bay Tourist Office. Les Druides campground:
does not handle these destinations
does not organize guided tours
does not make ferry reservations
We recommend only these exceptional destinations to enrich your stay.
For information on maritime transport, accommodation, and activities, contact the Quiberon Bay Tourist Office directly using the contact details at the end of this article.
🏝️ Houat – "The Duck"
An Authentic & Unspoiled Island
Houat is the larger of the two sister islands, measuring 3.3 kilometers long by 1.5 kilometers wide (area ~288 hectares). Its permanent population is 210-220 inhabitants (Houatais), which increases tenfold in July and August.
Set foot on Houat and discover unspoiled nature: colorful moorland crisscrossed with sandy paths, picturesque coves with crystal-clear waters, and southwestern cliffs carved out by secret beaches. There are no cars on the island —only pedestrians and bicycles.
Port Saint-Gildas – Heart of the Island
The port of Saint-Gildas, built in 1956-57 after the old port was destroyed by a storm in January 1951, is the economic and social heart of Houat. On the quays, 30 brightly colored fishing boats sit alongside lobster pots stacked in blue and black walls.
Small-scale fishing is the true soul of Houat. Most of the workers are professional fishermen who practice versatile fishing: lobster, crab, sea bass, conger eel, and rock lobster. The island even has a lobster hatchery built in 1972, demonstrating the importance of this activity.
The Picturesque Village
Within walking distance of the port, the village charms visitors with its preserved authenticity: whitewashed houses lining the narrow streets, traditional blue shutters, and slate roofs cemented to withstand the island winds. The steep streets exude a timeless atmosphere of an authentic, unpretentious Breton village.
Trails & Beaches
The tour of the island (15 km of coastal path) takes 4-5 hours on foot. The southwestern cliffs reveal idyllic coves, including the famous Treac'h er Goured beach with its fine sand, surrounded by dunes with protected sea lilies.
The west coast is home to Beg er Vachif rock with its abandoned military battery, while the north coast offers gentler cliffs and lush vegetation.
⚠️ Warning: Very cold water even in summer. Do not walk on the dunes to preserve sea lilies and marram grass.
🦆 Hoëdic – "Le Caneton"
The Smallest Inhabited Island in Morbihan
Hoëdic is 2.5 kilometers long and 1 kilometer wide (area ~209 hectares), with only 40-50 permanent residents (Hoëdicais). It is located 5 km southeast of Houat, separated by the Passage des Sœurs.
Hoëdic offers a peaceful atmosphere, less lively than Houat. Its entire circumference (8.5 km) can be covered on foot, revealing magnificent coves with crystal-clear waters. The island has little shade: bring water and a hat.
Unique Historical Theocracy
Hoëdic has a political history that is unique in France. Between 1815 and 1825, the inhabitants of Houatais and Hoëdic drew up a "Regulation" that served as a constitution for these small island "republics."
From 1822 to 1892, in the absence of a mayor on the island, the rectors (priests) of Hoëdic enjoyed a special status known as the "Charter of Hoëdic":
Religious government governed by the Rector
Sovereign Rector responsible for spiritual and civil administration
Partial autonomy persisting until the 20th century
This unique system reflectsthe island's isolation and the need for autonomous local organization. In the 17th and 18th centuries, Hoëdic was even coveted and occupied at times by the English, who built military forts there, the remains of which can still be seen today.
🛥️ Access & Transportation
Boat connections
From Quiberon (main port):
Crossing: 40-50 minutes (Houat) / 65 minutes (Hoëdic)
Distance: 14 km (Houat)
Frequency: All year round (minimum 2 crossings daily)
Companies: Compagnie Océane (BreizhGo), Finistmère, NAVIX
Inter-island connections:
Houat → Hoëdic: 20-25 minutes (all year round)
Belle-Île to Houat/Hoëdic: Seasonal May-September (45-50 minutes)
Traveling on the Island
Houat and Hoëdic are 100% car-free:
✅ On foot: Marked coastal trails
✅ By bike: Rental available on Houat (standard and electric bikes)
✅ Hiking: Accessible full tours
📋 Practical Information
Recommended Visit Duration
1 day: Houat express (village + port) or Hoëdic complete
2 days: Complete discovery of Houat, Hoëdic day 2
3+ days: Complete tour of coastal paths with breaks
Best Season
✅ April-May: Mild, flowers, less touristy
✅ June-August: Hot, maximum activities, very touristy
✅ September-October: Perfect climate, calm restored
Essential Tips
⚠️ No ATMs: Withdraw cash before crossing
⚠️ Little shade: Hat and water essential
⚠️ Cold water: Even in summer, swimming is refreshing
✅ Take your trash with you: No trash cans in nature
✅ Stay on the trails: Preserve the fragile ecosystem
On-site Services
On Houat:
3 restaurants serving freshly caught seafood
Bicycle rental (traditional and electric)
Small accommodations (limited cottages, bed and breakfasts)
Museum: Hatchery and marine world discovery center
On Hoëdic:
Very limited services (smaller island)
Restricted hosting
🏕️ From Les Druides Campground
Ideal Base for the Islands
Camping Les Druides offers a convenient base for Houat and Hoëdic:
✅ 25-30 km from Quiberon (main port)
✅ Easy route in 30-40 minutes
✅ Free parking in Quiberon (Port Maria)
✅ Heated swimming pool at the campsite for relaxation on your return
Perfect combination: Island day trip (boat + hiking) → Return to campsite → Relax by the pool! ☀️
✨ In Summary
Houat "the duck" and Hoëdic "the duckling" are sanctuaries of authentic nature. Between the picturesque streets of Houat, traditional fishing that is still alive today, the unique historical theocracy of Hoëdic, and the enchanting coastal paths, these islands offer an unparalleled island experience in Brittany.
100% car-free, these unspoiled islands embody the very essence of insular Brittany: wild nature, authenticity, a connection to the sea, and living craft traditions.
From Camping Les Druides in Carnac, less than an hour's drive from Quiberon, set off to discover these Breton gems that offer a complete change of scenery.
📞 Practical Information & Contacts
Houat and Hoëdic are freely accessible destinations managed by their respective municipalities.
For reservations for ferry crossings, on-site accommodation, activities, and updated 2026 prices, please contact the relevant organizations directly.
Quiberon Bay Tourist Office
Address: 14 rue de Verdun, 56170 Quiberon
Telephone: +33 (0)2 97 50 07 84
Website: www.baiedequiberon.bzh
Email: contact@baiedequiberon.com
Information provided:
Schedules and fares for sea crossings
Accommodations on islands
Bicycle rentals and activities
Guided tours available
Shipping Companies
Compagnie Océane (BreizhGo)
Ferry terminal: Port Maria, Quiberon
Website: oceane.breizhgo.bzh
NAVIX
Phone: 0 825 132 100
Website: www.navix.fr
For updated 2026 crossing rates, please consult the shipping companies directly.
Town Halls of the Islands
Houat Town Hall
Address: Le Bourg, 56170 Houat
Telephone: 02 97 30 68 04
Email: mairie-houat@wanadoo.fr
Hoëdic Town Hall
Address: Le Bourg, 56170 Hoëdic
Les Druides Campground
Address: 55 Chemin de Beaumer, 56340 Carnac
Telephone: +33 (0)2 97 52 08 18
Website: www.camping-les-druides.com
Distance: 25-30 km from Quiberon (30-40 min by car)
Services: Heated swimming pool, campsite bar (6 p.m.), reception information, free parking