We love —
- Following the legendary GR340 around Belle-Île-en-Mer, an 85-km coastal trail revealing cliffs, coves, beaches and wild Atlantic scenery.
- Walking from Le Palais to Sauzon and the Pointe des Poulains, where the island’s fishing ports and ocean-facing headlands set the tone for the journey.
- Discovering the wilder side of Belle-Île, from Goulphar Bay and Herlin to the golden sands of Grands Sables and the village of Locmaria.
Customer reviews —
Your Brittany hiking escape —
Set off on an unforgettable walking escape across Belle-Île-en-Mer, following the legendary GR340, an 85-km coastal trail that circles the island through dramatic cliffs, secluded coves, golden beaches and characterful villages.
Over four scenic stages, this itinerary reveals some of the island’s most iconic landscapes, from Sauzon and the Pointe des Poulains to the Aiguilles de Port-Coton, the Grands Sables and Locmaria. Each day is designed as a true breath of sea air, combining invigorating coastal walks, gourmet picnic moments and the comfort of returning to Castel Clara for a relaxing stay overlooking the ocean. After completing the trail, slow the pace with a soothing thalassotherapy experience, where heated seawater and sweeping views over the Bay of Goulphar offer the perfect end to your Breton adventure.
Your itinerary:
Day 1: Le Palais, Sauzon & Pointe des Poulains | 10.8 miles
Begin in Le Palais, following the Sentier des Douaniers along the coast and past the creeks of Borderune and Bordilla. The trail leads you towards the fishing port of Sauzon, before continuing to the Pointe des Poulains and its emblematic lighthouse facing the Atlantic.
Day 2: Pointe des Poulains → Aiguilles de Port-Coton | 11.7 miles
From the Pointe des Poulains, follow the wild coastline past Donnant Beach and the Grotte de l’Apothicairerie. The day ends with views of the famous Aiguilles de Port-Coton, the striking rock formations immortalised by Claude Monet.
Day 3: Port-Coton → Locmaria | 14.7 miles
This longer stage crosses Belle-Île’s rugged coast, passing the Aiguilles de Port-Coton, Goulphar Bay, Vazen, Herlin and Trech. The route then continues towards the Grands Sables before reaching the fishing village of Locmaria.
Day 4: Locmaria → Le Palais |10 miles
For the final walking stage, the trail follows the island’s eastern coast, passing coves and small ports including Skeul, Pouldon and Port An Dro. Gentler in rhythm, this day leads you back to Le Palais, where the GR340 loop comes to an end after 52.8 miles of hiking.
Day 5: A moment of relaxation
After four days of walking, enjoy time to recover at Castel Clara, with access to the thalassotherapy area and its seawater heated to 33°C, overlooking the Bay of Goulphar.
Castel Clara 4* —
Set on the wild coast of Belle-Île-en-Mer, overlooking the beautiful Bay of Goulphar, Castel Clara 4* invites you to experience a refined seaside escape where ocean views, comfort and wellbeing come together. Designed as a peaceful retreat facing the Atlantic, the hotel offers a serene setting after days spent exploring the island’s dramatic coastal paths, charming villages and natural landscapes. Here, everything is centred around relaxation, with a soothing marine atmosphere and an integrated thalassotherapy centre for a truly restorative stay in Brittany.
Your room —
Enjoy a stay in an Ocean Room.
Ocean Room
Settle into the Ocean Room, a peaceful retreat designed to reflect the natural beauty of Belle-Île-en-Mer. After a day spent hiking along the GR340 or unwinding by the coast, this room offers a soothing setting where you can relax, recharge and embrace the gentle rhythm of the sea. Its ocean-inspired atmosphere makes it the ideal cocoon for a restorative stay at Castel Clara.
Your dining choices
This is a half board stay. Your breakfast and evening meal will be served in the main restaurant (excludes drinks).
Take a seat at Restaurant 180°, where land and sea come together in one of the island’s most renowned dining experiences. With sweeping views over the Atlantic, the restaurant serves refined cuisine that blends classic inspiration with contemporary touches, celebrating the flavours of Belle-Île in a beautiful ocean-facing setting. For a more relaxed atmosphere, Café Clara showcases generous island-inspired dishes, from seafood platters and market fish to local produce sourced from Belle-Île. On Sundays, vary the experience with a leisurely brunch. Later in the day, head to the cosy Cotton Bar to enjoy a cocktail while admiring the panoramic views over the coast.
4 gourmet dinners & 4 picnic lunches package
Make the most of your stay with a package including four gourmet picnic lunches, freshly prepared by the hotel's chef for you to enjoy during your hikes, along with four three-course dinners served at the hotel.
Your time
Just for you:
- Belle-Île-en-Mer hiking experience: explore the GR340 coastal trail from Castel Clara Hotel
- Access to indoor and outdoor swimming pools included
During your stay, take time to unwind in the hotel’s dedicated wellness spaces. Enjoy the heated indoor pool with sea views, relax in the sea-view hot tub, or ease into the calm of the hammam after a day spent hiking Belle-Île’s coastal trails. A fitness room is also available for those wishing to keep active, while sports lovers can make use of the tennis court. From mid-May to mid-September, the outdoor pool offers another peaceful spot to enjoy the fresh island air.
Facing the Anse de Goulphar and Belle-Île’s wild coastline, the thalassotherapy centre invites you to leave everyday stress behind and discover the revitalising benefits of seawater treatments in an elegant marine setting. To explore the island at your own pace, car and bike rental can also be arranged directly from the hotel.
Your journey to France —
Flights:
You will be able to choose your airline and flight times when you make your booking, in either Economy, Premium, or Business class, depending on the destination and carrier. This flight may include one or more stopovers. Please review your flight options carefully as departure and arrival airports may differ, in order to offer the best price.
Luggage information
Luggage, meals and other services on board may be subject to an additional fee on certain airlines. It is possible to view details of luggage allowances when you choose your flights at the next stage of the booking process. If luggage is not included with your flight, please go to the airline's website before your departure to purchase your luggage for an additional fee.
For domestic flights, airlines do not always offer the option of reserving luggage. In this case, you will need to pay for it at the airport counter.
You will receive all the information you need to check in for your flights after you have made your reservation.
Belle-île-en-Mer —
Set off the southern coast of Brittany, Belle-Île-en-Mer lives up to its name with dramatic cliffs, secluded coves, colourful harbours and sweeping Atlantic views. The largest of Brittany's islands, it offers a wonderfully unspoilt setting where wild coastal scenery meets charming villages and sandy beaches. From leisurely seaside days to scenic hikes along the cliffs, Belle-Île-en-Mer is an idyllic escape for travellers seeking nature, tranquillity and authentic Breton character.
Must-sees / Must-do:
- Le Palais: Wander around the island's lively main port, overlooked by its imposing citadel and lined with colourful houses, cafés and restaurants.
- Aiguilles de Port-Coton: Admire these spectacular rock formations rising from the Atlantic, famously captured in paintings by Claude Monet.
- Sauzon: Discover one of the island's most picturesque harbours, where pastel-coloured houses frame the waterfront.
- Plage de Donnant: Relax on a beautiful sandy beach surrounded by dunes and rugged cliffs, or watch surfers take on the Atlantic waves.
- Coastal trails: Follow sections of the island's scenic coastal path for breathtaking views over hidden coves, rocky headlands and the open ocean.
Culinary culture:
Belle-Île-en-Mer's cuisine celebrates its maritime setting and Breton heritage. Fresh fish and seafood feature prominently, alongside oysters, mussels and traditional buckwheat galettes. For something sweet, enjoy a buttery kouign-amann or a classic Breton crêpe accompanied by local cider.
Dive deeper:
Beyond its celebrated viewpoints, Belle-Île-en-Mer rewards slow exploration. Cycle between peaceful villages, discover secluded beaches or follow coastal paths through heathland and windswept cliffs. Artists have long been inspired by the island's changing light and dramatic landscapes, making every corner feel wonderfully distinctive.
Good to know:
Belle-Île-en-Mer is primarily reached by ferry from Quiberon, with regular crossings to Le Palais. Travelling without a car is easy thanks to local buses, bicycle hire and walking routes across the island. May to September is particularly pleasant for exploring the coast and enjoying the beaches. The local currency is the euro (€).
