Two routes start in Locmaria and offer different impressions of Belle-Île: one passes notable coastal landmarks and reaches the island’s far southeast, while the other offers elevated views of coves and sandy beaches. The area also has distinctive beach features, a church with a long history and locally farmed oysters. You can tailor your stay according to whether you would like to focus more on paths, coastal scenery or culture.

Routes and coastal landmarks

The “Autour de Locmaria” route starts in town, passes the Pointe du Skeul and continues to the Pointe de Kerdonis, reaching the island’s far southeast. The Locmaria–Port Andro loop also starts in Locmaria and offers elevated views of coves and sandy beaches. The loop is open to hikers, walkers and trail runners. “Autour de Locmaria” focuses on the two coastal landmarks and the route to the southeast, while the loop offers elevated views of coves and beaches. Trail conditions may change; check them before setting out.

The Pointe du Skeul is the highest point on Belle-Île and offers remarkable panoramic views stretching to the horizon. The Pointe de Kerdonis marks the transition between the wild, ocean-facing coast and the gentler coast facing the mainland. The Phare de Kerdonis is one of Belle-Île’s three lighthouses. The two points therefore offer different coastal features: height and far-reaching views at Skeul, and the contrast between the two types of coast at Kerdonis.

Beaches and seasonal water sports

Plage des Grands Sables is sheltered from westerly winds and has calm water and a sandy tidal area. Belle-Ile Horizon offers sailing lessons and rents kayaks and stand-up paddleboards at this beach. Lessons and rentals are seasonal and may change; check in advance what is available during your stay. Plage de Port Blanc has fine sand and faces east-northeast. Plage de la Biche is sheltered in a small cove of schist cliffs. The beach descriptions therefore differ in terms of wind shelter and tidal area, sand and orientation, as well as the sheltered rocky cove.

Church, garden and oysters from Locmaria

The Eglise Notre-Dame de Locmaria was consecrated in 1070 by the monks of Sainte-Croix de Quimperlé Abbey. It is the oldest religious building on Belle-Île-en-Mer. The specific date of its consecration and its connection to the named abbey give the town a clear historical dimension alongside its coastal paths.

The Jardin du Théâtre du Bord du Champ offers daily visits by advance reservation. A reservation is therefore part of planning a visit. Local produce can also be part of your discoveries: visitors can try oysters farmed in Locmaria by Huîtres de Cochennec. Their availability in markets and restaurants may vary; check in advance where they will be available during your stay.

Discover more destinations: Camoël, Guidel, Etel, Le Bonhomme, Saint Gorgon, Saint-Tugdual, Saint-Armel, Le Faouët

See the regional travel overview: Morbihan.