The Quiberon peninsula offers everything that Brittany holidaymakers expect from a dream destination. Extensive sandy beaches on the eastern side, steep cliffs and rolling seas on the opposite side. From the southern tip of Quiberon, you can enjoy a magnificent view of Belle-Île, Brittany’s largest island.
Quiberon is located between Vannes and Lorient, very close to the entrance to the Carnac headland, which juts 14 kilometres into the ocean. A natural causeway, only 20 metres wide at its narrowest point, leads to the peninsula. Behind it, one of the most beautiful landscapes in Brittany opens up.
Quiberon’s Wonders Of Nature
The “Côte Sauvage” on the western side lives up to its name. Secret caves, huge rock arches and rugged bays line the 5-kilometre-long “wild coast”. The waves crash against the granite rocks with such force that bathing is actually prohibited here. Nevertheless, this does not stop some extreme sports enthusiasts from jumping from the heights into the sea in some places.n the other hand, it is absolutely safe to watch the wild sea from the hiking trails on the cliffs. The best hiking trail is an approx. 7-kilometre stretch between Beg en aud in the north of the peninsula and the eponymous town of Quiberon in the south. On the tour southwards, the hike along the Côte Sauvage passes the impressive Pointe du Percho with the mighty rock gate Arche du Port Blanc
In addition to breathtaking natural spectacles, you can admire the traces of earlier inhabitants on Quiberon. Among the heather vegetation at the edge of the sea, hikers will come across isolated dolmens and menhirs. There are also the remains of a Roman fish farm and a Bronze Age fortress to discover.
At the Pointe du Conguel, the southernmost point of the peninsula, dark granite rocks contrast with fine white sand and the turquoise sea in fine weather. The beach here is clean and even in high season you can still find a spot.
Quiberon is not only fantastic for hiking. Cycling, horse riding, surfing, fishing – everything that active holidaymakers dream of in and around the sea is possible on Quiberon.
Enjoyment On Quiberon
The eastern side of the peninsula is much quieter. In the northern town of St. Pierre-Quiberon and the main town of Quiberon, whitewashed houses spread a Mediterranean flair. Here, the terraces of crêperies, restaurants and cafés invite you to enjoy a cosy meal.
An ideal opportunity to sample the sweet delicacies of the peninsula. For example, savoury butter biscuits or “niniche”. These characteristic lollipops come from the Maison d’Armorine chocolaterie, where the famous salty caramel cream “Crème de Salidou” also comes from.
Quiberon is also widely known for its fish cannery. In the “Conserverie la belle-iloise”, sardines, tuna and mackerel are processed and combined with many spices. The colourfully designed preserves can be found in many supermarkets in Brittany and in speciality shops far beyond the region.
Addresses On Quiberon
It’s hard to believe, but for some travellers Quiberon is just a stopover. From Port Maria, once the largest sardine port in France, ferries leave for Belle-Île and the islands of Île d’Houat and Île d’Hoedic. The trip to Belle-Île takes about 45 minutes and costs 30 or 35 euros for an adult (round trip), depending on the season.
Camping enthusiasts will find several campsites on Quiberon. An overview of the possibilities can be found on the website of the tourist board. -and those looking for a holiday home on Quiberon will find it here!
More to discover:
Most Beautiful Beaches Brittany
Images: Fotos: Comité Régional du Tourisme de Bretagne | © Loic Kersuzan