Riverside paths, regular boat trips and a Neolithic burial monument offer different perspectives on Bono. Explore the landscape on foot or on the water; its cultural history spans a necropolis used over thousands of years, medieval architectural elements and Forban fishing boats. When planning, pay particular attention to the tides for kayaking trips and the fixed date of the Pardon.

Hiking along the Rivière du Bono

The coastal paths along the hike by the Rivière du Bono are more than eight kilometres long and pass through unspoilt landscapes. The Circuit de la rivière du Bono initially follows the GR®34 along the shore to the far end of Kerdréan Bay. The circular route then continues along beautiful sunken lanes and returns via former oyster-farming areas. These areas bear witness to intensive oyster farming since the second half of the 19th century.

Forban Boats and Activities on the Water

The Station de l’Ombrière at the Parcours pédagogique presents the history of the Forbans—the fishing boats typical of Bono from the 18th century to the beginning of the 20th century. The historic sailing ship Notre Dame de Béquerel is a faithful replica of traditional Forban sailing boats. Le Forban du Bono offers regular trips on the Rivière d’Auray and the Rivière du Bono. Members of Le Forban du Bono also have the opportunity to sail aboard the historic boat Notre Dame de Béquerel.

A guided kayak trip in Le Bono passes between the Rivière du Bono and the Rivière d’Auray, through salt marshes that provide a refuge for birds and past oyster farms. The trip is available year-round on request and in summer according to the events calendar; its times depend on the tides. Confirm the date with the provider in advance.

The water-based activities differ in how they are planned: Le Forban du Bono offers regular trips on both rivers; the opportunity to sail aboard Notre Dame de Béquerel is for members. For the kayak trip, availability depends on a request, the summer calendar and the tides.

Archaeology and Architectural History

The Tumulus de Kernours was built in the Neolithic period. The burial monument has an 18-metre-long, angled chamber; the Kernours site was used as a necropolis over several millennia.

At Notre-Dame de Béquerel, the choir and north transept date from the late Middle Ages, shortly after 1453. On 30 June 1925, Notre-Dame de Béquerel was added to the register of historic monuments. On 21 September 1987, the Moulin de Kervilio was listed as a historic monument together with its mechanism and dam.

The Pardon at Notre-Dame de Béquerel takes place every year on 15 August and is still celebrated today. It includes a summer village festival each year. If you are considering timing your trip to coincide with it, check the current event dates in advance.

Discover more destinations: Baden-Mériadec, Saint-Pierre-Quiberon, Plouay, Le Faouët, Guillac, Guilliers, Nivillac, Cadouarn.

For the wider travel overview: Morbihan.