Islands of the Gulf of Morbihan – Breton Island Getaways
The Gulf of Morbihan is home to around forty picturesque islands, each with its own unique charm: the lively Île aux Moines, the wild Île d'Arz, the megalithic Gavrinis, and Berder and Tascon, which can be reached on foot at low tide. Classified as a Regional Natural Park, this "island paradise" combines coastal hikes, guided cruises, prehistoric heritage, and unspoiled nature. From Camping Les Druides, 12-28 miles from the departure ports (Port-Blanc, Larmor-Baden, Vannes), embark on an unforgettable maritime adventure with your family.
📌 About These Activities
Camping Les Druides recommends the islands of the Gulf of Morbihan via its blog and recommendation articles.
Important: Cruises and crossings to the islands are organized and managed directly by independent shipping companies (NAVIX, Compagnie du Golfe, Vedettes l'Angelus). Les Druides campground:
does not organize cruises
does not make reservations
does not handle crossings
We recommend only these exceptional islands to enrich your stay.
For all booking requests, availability, schedules, and updated 2026 fares, please contact the shipping companies directly using the contact details at the end of this article.
🗺️ The Gulf of Morbihan – Exceptional Natural 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, there are around forty islands officially listed in the land registry. But whatever the exact number, each one has its own unique magic.
A Protected Regional Nature Park
The Gulf of Morbihan is classified as a Regional Nature Park, guaranteeing strict protection of its exceptional environment.
Features:
✅ Exceptional wildlife: Seabirds, protected marine mammals
✅ Remarkable flora: Seagrass beds, coastal vegetation, wetlands
✅ Wild landscapes: Uninhabited islands, secret coves, cliffs
✅ Mild climate: Temperate influences from the Gulf Stream
✅ Cultural heritage: Island inhabitants, 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, measuring 7 kilometers long and 5 kilometers wide, forming a magnificent crescent of land.
Features:
The only island that is truly inhabited year-round with summer entertainment
5 main beaches with fine sand
Small, dynamic town: Restaurants, shops, hotels
Bike paths for exploring the island by bike
Varied landscapes: Forests, cliffs, coves
Typical Breton houses decorated with flowers
Access: Shuttle bus from Port-Blanc (Baden), 15 km from Vannes
Crossing time: 5-10 minutes
Perfect for: Families, vacationers looking for entertainment, all ages
2️⃣ Île d'Arz – The Island of Captains
The wild and confidential
Île d'Arz offers a wilder and more secluded atmosphere than Île aux Moines. Nicknamed "the Island of Captains" for its maritime tradition.
Features:
The only other island inhabited year-round (calmer atmosphere)
18 kilometers of coastal trails perfect for family hiking
Very few cars: Peaceful atmosphere
Paradise for boaters and sailors
Unspoiled nature and remarkable wildlife
Inn, lodgings, campground for staying on the island
Access: Shuttle bus from Vannes or Baden
Perfect for: Nature lovers, hikers, boaters
3️⃣ Gavrinis – The Megalithic Island
The Prehistoric Treasure
Gavrinis is a private island home to one of Brittany's greatest megalithic treasures.
The Cairn of Gavrinis:
Major Neolithic monument from the 4th millennium BC (4241-4000 BC)
Corridor tomb with exceptional engravings on the slabs
Internationally renowned for its prehistoric heritage
Nicknamed "the Sistine Chapel of the Neolithic period" for its 917 meters of engravings
Only the cairn and its surroundings are accessible to the public.
Panoramic view of the entrance to the Gulf
UNESCO World Heritage Site since July 2025
Access: Shuttle bus from Larmor-Baden or Île aux Moines
Crossing time: 10-15 minutes
Perfect for: Prehistoric history and archaeology enthusiasts
4️⃣ Berder Island – Nature Walk
Accessible on foot at low tide
Berder Island offers a unique experience: access on foot at low tide!
Features:
Connected to the mainland by a submersible tombolo visible at low tide
Tour of the island in 1-2 hours (approximately 2.6 km)
Mediterranean vegetation atypical for the region (palm trees, conifers)
Privileged observation point overlooking the Jument current (the second most powerful in Europe)
Beautiful in all seasons
Access: On foot from Larmor-Baden at low tide
Walk duration: 1-2 hours for the full tour
⚠️ Important: Be sure to check the tide times before venturing out
Perfect for: Hikers, families, nature lovers
5️⃣ Tascon Island (Saint-Armel) – The Secret Island
The most authentic and isolated
Tascon Island is a secret and peaceful island, naturally isolated by the tides.
Features:
Third largest island in the Gulf (55 hectares)
Accessible on foot at low tide via the Rodu passage (400 m)
Only 8 year-round residents: A timeless atmosphere
Local vegetable farm growing vegetables and Charolais cattle
Thousands of birds populate the cove and seagrass beds.
Remains of megalithic monuments visible
Splendid view: Séné coastline, Lern Island, northern Île d'Arz
Access: On foot from Saint-Armel via the Rodu passage at low tide
Duration: 4-5 hours of walking possible
⚠️ Important: Check tide times (based on Vannes, not Port-Navalo)
Perfect for: Adventurers, nature lovers, picnics
6️⃣ Other Interesting Islands
Islands accessible by cruise ship (not accessible on foot):
Ilur: Wild island, guided tour from Île d'Arz (public nature reserve)
Boëdic: Private island visible by boat
Radenec, Irus, Île Longue: Visible during the cruise
🛥️ Cruise Lines
NAVIX – A benchmark since 1922
Over a century of experience in Breton cruises
NAVIX is the oldest shipping company in the Gulf of Morbihan, with over 100 years of tradition.
Services:
Guided cruises in the Gulf
Crossings to Île aux Moines & Île d'Arz
Excursions to Belle-Île-en-Mer
Lunch and dinner cruises
Evening cocktail cruise
Departures: Vannes, Port-Navalo, Locmariaquer, Auray, La Trinité-sur-Mer
Website: www.navix.fr
Phone: 0 825 132 100
Gulf Company
Specialist in guided cruises
Services:
Nonstop Gulf Tour
Cruise with 1-2 stops (Île aux Moines and/or Île d'Arz)
Little Gulf Walk
Friendly cocktail cruise with music
Departure: Vannes
Website: www.compagniedugolfe.fr
Phone: 02 97 46 60 00
Opening hours: April-October according to schedule
Angelus Speedboats
Fun cruises
Vedettes l'Angelus offers sightseeing cruises with historical and nature commentary.
Departures: Vannes & Port-Navalo
Website: www.vedettes-angelus.com
Phone: +33 (0)2 97 57 23 24
Cairn de Gavrinis shuttles
Specialist shuttle service to Gavrinis
Regular shuttle buses from Larmor-Baden to the Cairn de Gavrinis (UNESCO World Heritage Site).
Departure: Larmor-Baden
📋 Practical Information
Best Season
Season
✅ April-May Flowering season, migratory birds, mild climate
✅ June-August Hot , summer activities (more tourists)
✅ Sept-Oct Perfect weather , fewer people
✅ Nov-March : Gloomy weather , fewer cruises
Tide Times – Crucial!
For Berder & Tascon Islands:
✅ Be sure to check the tide times before venturing out
✅ Use Vannes as your reference point, not Port-Navalo
✅ Window: approximately 4-5 hours around low tide
✅ Warning: submersible road very dangerous at high tide
Resources: Gulf of Morbihan Tourist Office, specialized tide schedule websites
Distance from Camping Les Druides
Departure portDistanceTravel timePort-Blanc(Baden)25 km30 minLarmor-Baden20 km25 minVannes40 km45 minSaint-Goustan (Auray)30 km35 min
🏕️ From Les Druides Campground
Ideal Proximity
Camping Les Druides is ideally located for exploring the Gulf Islands:
✅ 20-45 km from the main departure ports
✅ Heated pool for relaxation after cruising
✅ Comfortable mobile homes for rest
✅ Le Carpe Diem bar for unwinding
Perfect day trip: Morning cruise → Lunch on the island → Return in the afternoon → Relax by the campground pool! ☀️
💡 Tips for Exploring Effectively
✨ Leave early to make the most of your day
✨ Avoid rush hour for crossings in high season
✨ Combine activities: Cruise + Suscinio Castle + salt marshes
✨ Sunscreen is essential: Water reflections intensify the sun's rays
✨ Bring a picnic if spending the whole day on the island
✨ Camera essential: Unforgettable landscapes
✨ In Summary
The islands of the Gulf of Morbihan offer a varied island experience combining unspoiled nature, prehistoric heritage, and picturesque surroundings. From the lively tourist attractions of Île aux Moines to the serenity of Île d'Arz, the prehistoric magic of Gavrinis (UNESCO) and the low-tide adventures of Berder and Tascon, the Gulf has something for every traveler seeking an authentic seaside getaway.
From Camping Les Druides, located 20-45 km from the departure ports, explore this exceptional Regional Nature Park during memorable day trips in the Morbihan archipelago in Brittany.
📞 Shipping Company Contacts 2026
Shipping companies directly organize and manage reservations, schedules, conditions, and availability.
For updated 2026 rates, availability, and reservations, please contact the shipping companies directly.
NAVIX Cruises
Address: Gare maritime, 9 allée Loïc Caradec, 56000 Vannes
Telephone: 0 825 132 100
Website: www.navix.fr
Features:
Founded in 1922 - Over 100 years of experience
Specialist in crossings and cruises in Morbihan
Departures from 11 ports in southern Brittany
Guided cruises, island crossings, lunch/dinner cruises
Departures: Vannes, Port-Navalo, Locmariaquer, Auray, La Trinité-sur-Mer
Schedule: April-September according to schedule
Gulf Company
Address: Vannes
, France Phone: +33 (0)2 97 46 60 00
Website: www.compagniedugolfe.fr
Features:
Specialist in guided cruises in the Gulf
Nonstop tours, with stops (Moines/Arz)
Evening cocktail cruise
Accessible to people with disabilities
Departure: Vannes
Schedule: April-October according to schedule
Angelus Speedboats
Phone: 02 97 57 23 24
Website: www.vedettes-angelus.com
Features:
Fun cruises
Historical explanations and nature
Comments in multiple languages
Departures: Vannes, Port-Navalo
Gulf of Morbihan Tourist Office
Website: www.golfedumorbihan.bzh
Phone: +33 (0)2 97 01 64 00
Services: Island maps, tide times, comprehensive information
Gulf of Morbihan Regional Nature Park
Website: www.parc-golfe-morbihan.bzh
Services: Natural heritage, fauna, flora, regulations
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: 20-45 km from ports in the Gulf of
Services: Heated swimming pool, bar, information desk