Belle-ile-en-Mer

Belle-ile-en-Mer - About the island

The island lies off the south coast of Brittany and is connected to the mainland by regular ferries and car ferries. Belle-ile is known for its exceptional unspoilt beauty, with new houses no longer getting planning permission within sight of the coast. The beaches and coastline therefore will remain as they are - something unknown almost anywhere in the world.

The beaches are sandy for the most part and, except during the middle part of the afternoons during July and August, they tend to remain very uncrowded. The sea is chilly, but not so cold as to put one off a daily swim during the summer.

There are several towns on the island, le Palais being the most important. There is a market in the main square every day of the year, apparently, except for Christmas Day. Here one can buy fresh fish (live crabs and langoustines etc) as well as locally grown vegetables.

Because it is famous as a sailing island, there are many thriving good restaurants. Prices are reasonable and the quality of food is very high.

Every summer there is a music festival with concerts held in the local churches and an opera company performs in the Citadel Vauban above le Palais.