Tour of Houat Island (Morbihan)

Houat Island, a granite pearl of the Morbihan, is best explored via its coastal path starting from the picturesque Port Saint-Gildas. Following the jagged cliffs towards Fort En Tal, hikers delve into the island's military history before reaching the melancholic ruins of the Old Port, testaments to a centuries-old maritime past. The path winds between low-lying heathland and the turquoise coves of Portz Plouz, where the wild and unspoiled nature offers a striking contrast to the white sand. Prehistoric heritage is revealed at the Bar-Kreiz menhir, standing facing the ocean, while the Béniguet redoubt marks the westernmost point, a stone sentinel against the currents of the Teignouse passage. Returning towards Port Navalo, the fragile dune landscapes shelter rare flora, such as the sea lily, typical of this island ecosystem.

The island of Houat, a granite pearl of the Morbihan, stretches for five kilometers of wild moors and pearly beaches, far from the hustle and bustle of the mainland. Accessible only by boat, it has retained the authentic soul of a fishing village with whitewashed houses and colorful shutters. Its history, marked by centuries of self-sufficiency and deep piety, is reflected in its Saint-Gildas church and its small, still-active port of Saint-Gildas. Here, no cars circulate, giving way to the whistling of the wind and the crashing of the Atlantic, revealing the majestic Treac'h er Goured beach and hidden coves. Between sea lilies and steep cliffs, the landscape changes with the rhythm of the tides, offering a unique sanctuary of biodiversity.

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Distance: 14km, Elevation maximum: 26m, Elevation minimum: 3m, Elevation gain uphill: 64m
IGN Maps: 0822OT - BELLE-ILE / ILES D'HOUAT ET D'HOEDIC.