What to do · Belle-Île-en-Mer
Sauzon Harbour
Information
- Price
- Independent visit · free
- Duration
- 1 h 30
- Who it's for
- All ages
What it is
Sauzon is Belle-Île's second port, on the north coast, at the head of a sheltered inlet. It lived off fishing, especially sardines, and is now a stop for sailing boats: it has about 120 berths for visiting boats. What makes it famous is the quay: a row of brightly painted houses facing the water, which change shade through the day and light up at sunset. The commune has about a thousand inhabitants spread between the village and hamlets such as Bordery or Borcastel.
What to see and do
- The harbour and the quay. Stroll along the harbour promenade and the little streets behind. At low tide the boats rest on the bottom of the inlet; at high tide, they float in front of the houses. Check the island's tide table if you want to see one or the other.
- Artists' studios and local-produce restaurants, right on the harbour.
- An ice cream or a crêpe. On the quay is Audrey Echard, an artisan ice cream shop that also serves crêpes and galettes.
- Boat trips. Half-day or full-day sea excursions leave from the harbour.
The walk to the Pointe des Poulains
From Sauzon, the tourist office recommends following the customs officers' path, the GR 340, to the Pointe des Poulains, at the northern tip of the island, one of its best-known natural sites. It is a stretch of open coast, with cliffs and heath. Between the Apothicairerie and Er Hastellic the landscape becomes almost lunar. Wear walking shoes: bikes are not allowed on the coastal path.
Getting there
Sauzon is about 7 km from Le Palais by road. By bike it is the first natural stage of the island bike tour; the island has hills and there are no cycle lanes, so an electric bike helps. The Belle-Île Bus runs daily from the Easter holidays to the All Saints holidays.
In July and August, the Escal'Ouest boats from Lorient or Port-Louis arrive directly at Sauzon, without calling at Le Palais.
How long
An hour or an hour and a half for the harbour, the streets and an ice cream. With the walk to the Pointe des Poulains, half a day.
When to go
At sunset, for the light on the façades. The tourist office also highlights spring, with flowers in the harbour and on the paths, and autumn and winter, with the harbour at peace. In summer, it is calmer early or at dinner time.
Sleeping in Sauzon
Spending the night here makes sense: when the day-trippers leave, the harbour is quiet. On the quay is the Hôtel du Phare, and a short walk from the harbour, the Camping La Source, for those who arrive with a tent and a bike.
Facilities
On the quay there are showers, toilets, a washing machine and a tumble dryer for sailors. The island's tourist office is in Le Palais.
With children
The harbour promenade is short. Children like the boats stranded at low tide and the ice cream shop. If you carry on towards the Pointe des Poulains, take care at the cliff edge.
Tips
- Come at low tide and return at high tide You will see the boats resting in the inlet and then floating in front of the houses.
- Stay for sunset The coloured façades are at their best in low sun.
- Walk to the Pointe des Poulains The GR 340 leaves the village and leads to the northern tip of the island.
Frequently asked questions
How far is it from Le Palais to Sauzon?
About 7 km by road, which takes half an hour or a little more by bike depending on the hills.
Can you reach Sauzon by boat?
Yes. In July and August, Escal'Ouest runs boats from Lorient and Port-Louis directly to Sauzon.
What is near Sauzon?
The Pointe des Poulains, at the northern tip of the island, along the GR 340 coastal path.
As a family
