The island's northernmost point juts out dramatically at Pointe des Poulains. Flanked by craggy cliffs and affording sublime views, this windswept headland is Belle Île's loftiest lookout, and was once the home of French actress (and sculptor) Sarah Bernhardt. Her former fortress home is open to the public as a museum from April to October; there is a lighthouse here too, closer to the Pointe itself.
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Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
16.1 MILES
Predating Stonehenge by around 100 years, the Carnac (Garnag in Breton) area is the world's greatest concentration of megalithic sites, with no fewer than…
18.94 MILES
This unusual neolithic site on the eastern edge of the village of Locmariaquer (13km south of Auray) sits in an area rich in dolmens. This one features…
29.7 MILES
Vannes' old town is surrounded by imposing ramparts and gates, which are in turn lined by a moat and, on the eastern edge, simply spectacular flower…
20.81 MILES
One of the most special neolithic ruins along the Morbihan coast, this giant cairn is out on the island of the same name. Dating from 4000 BC and…
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5.75 MILES
Just off the western side of the island, these magnificent rock stacks – depicted in a series of celebrated canvases by Claude Monet in 1886 – resemble…
17 MILES
The massive burial mound of a neolithic chieftain dating from 3800 BC, the astonishing Tumulus de Kercado lies just east of Kermario and 500m to the south…
16.07 MILES
This huge tumulus, 400m northeast of the Carnac-Ville tourist office, and accessed off the D781 at the end of chemin du Tumulus (itself off rue du Tumulus…
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16.17 MILES
Opposite the Maison des Mégalithes, the largest menhir field – with 1099 stones – is the Alignements du Ménec, 1km north of Carnac-Ville.
Nearby attractions
1.91 MILES
The huge Grotte de l'Apothicairerie is formed from two caves where waves roll in from both sides.
4.48 MILES
This lovely beach on the west side of the island is secluded, but swimming is very dangerous due to riptides.
3. Citadelle Vauban & Musée d'Art et d'Histoire
5.37 MILES
The dramatic citadel, strengthened by the architect Vauban in 1682, dominates little Le Palais port. Inside, the informative museum's displays concentrate…
5.75 MILES
Just off the western side of the island, these magnificent rock stacks – depicted in a series of celebrated canvases by Claude Monet in 1886 – resemble…
7.3 MILES
This small, sheltered beach on the south coast of the island is a good choice for young kids.
8.73 MILES
This rather epic 2km-long stretch of sand spans the calm waters of the island's eastern flank.
8.74 MILES
Grande Plage is a long, family-friendly and attractive, sheltered sweep of sand; bathing spots towards the peninsula's tip are less crowded.
15.75 MILES
The Musée de Préhistoire is chock full of the finds from the megalithic sites throughout the region, so it serves as a fantastic primer to the area and…