A few miles from Lorient in France, on the Finistere coast of southern Brittany, is located the enchanting island of Groix. This is the second-largest island in Brittany, after Belle-Ile-en-Mer. It stretches 8 kilometres in length and spans 3 in width. People know it for its breathtaking landscapes, picturesque villages, and unspoiled natural beauty.
The most enjoyable way to explore the island is at a relaxed pace, through cycling and walking. The coastline path spans 26 kilometres and encircles the island. It beckons adventurers to explore through 5 loops of footpaths that reveal the island’s breadth and depth.
2 days in Groix: let the trip begin
Don’t forget to book your boat trip
Before embarking on your island journey, it is essential to secure a boat reservation. Especially during the busy summer months. You have two options. You can seek passage with a local sailor, or you can opt for the services of shipping companies.
We booked our trip with the Compagnie Océane. Your maritime adventure begins with a sail through Lorient’s harbour. From there, you can see the Port-Louis citadel and the 19th-century villas of Larmor-Plage. Looming ahead, Groix Island comes into focus.
- Departures from Lorient ferry terminal.
- A 45-minute passage from Lorient to Port-Tudy.
- Between 6 and 9 daily round trips during July and August, and 5 round trips from September to June.
- Prices: Adults from €17.50 (full price), Youth from €13.50 (full price)
The charming fishing village of Port-Tudy
The green and red beacons announce your arrival on the island. From there, Port-Tudy reveals its captivating charm. We were spellbound, lingering on the quay, enchanted by the bustling rhythm of the small port.
Surrounding the cosy marina, café-restaurant terraces offer an inviting respite before continuing your island odyssey. Here, you can rent a bicycle or an electric car. Although, in our instance, there was no more available. So we resigned ourselves to traverse the island on foot. Word to the wise: reserve your bicycle well in advance to ensure availability.
Heading up to the town offers a view of the shipbuilders’ houses and the family cinema with its facade decorated by Italian craftsmen. Mornings bring forth the market, showcasing the island’s bounties from land and sea. The church bell tower is topped with the famous tuna, a symbol of a whole era when tuna fishing left its mark. Within the town, a delightful array of restaurants, shops, and cafes abound.
Our hotel in Port-Tudy
Regrettably, our booking for Groix Island was made rather belatedly, limiting our lodging options. Aligning our schedule with availabilities leads us to go to L’Escale Hotel. Situated a mere 50 meters from the island’s pier, the hotel welcomes travellers all year round. While the sea view was alluring, unfortunately, we cannot share it as a recommendation. Even though we made the reservation online, it did not yield an email confirmation. Moreover, we noticed organizational shortcomings. They had told us breakfast was included, so we went to The Mojo on the first floor, but then we got an unexpected bill. To compound matters, the hotel was very close to a noisy pub across the street. Loud partygoers were around all night long, making it hard to sleep until early in the morning. We tell seek accommodations in the island’s centre to ensure an authentic and enjoyable experience.
Explore the island’s beautiful beaches
After a quick check-up with the doctor on the first day (yes, I wasn’t feeling well once there but don’t worry, there’s a medical centre on the island in case of emergencies!), we decided to go to the Grands Sables Beach, which is also known as Sables Blanc Beach. This beach is special because it’s one of the few curved beaches in Europe. This shape comes from the ocean currents that come from the top and the south of the island. The beach has a lot of soft, white sand and clear, turquoise water – it’s really beautiful! In the summer, you can even rent surfboards, small boats, and paddleboards. It’s a great place to enjoy a sunny summer day at the beach.
We also went to Garnet Island Beach (Plage des Sables Rouges) during our two-day trip to Groix. This popular beach is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying amazing views. It is named after a type of red gemstone called garnet, which can be found on this beach. Some people who live on the island often find this red sand with garnet in it.
Last but not least, we also came across Poulziorec, a charming little bay nestled along the western coastline. It is roughly 4 kilometres away from the main town of the island, Port-Tudy. This spot is a well-loved choice for swimming, hiking, and fishing too. The bay is nicely protected from the usual winds and boasts a sandy beach. At Poulziorec, you will also find a quaint hamlet with a handful of houses.
For real-time tide schedules, fishing times, and weather forecasts for Île de Groix, check out TidesChart, which provides detailed information for over 60,000 locations around the world for free.
The Pointe des Chats Lighthouse, a sentinel to the south of the island of Groix
The lighthouse is on the rocky spot called Pointe des Chats, southeast of Groix Island. Boats can’t get too close to avoid the risk of hitting rocks. crashed there, so they built the lighthouse to warn about the danger.
The coastal path that goes around the island by Les Chats – a nice and pleasant walk on the wild south part of the island. If you go a bit east, you will reach the famous Sables Rouges and Grands Sables beaches. And if you go west, you will get to Locmaria, a small bay where boats can park – that is where we are headed next!
And here’s something important for you to know: at any time or weather, this place always feels like magic. When storms come, they touch the flat rocks and leave foamy waves. When the sun rises, the lighthouse shines so pretty, and at sunset, everything turns gold and calm. I really, really loved this place!
Discover the quaint village of Locmaria
Our day tour ends at the little port of Locmaria – a must-visit spot. It is charming with old-style houses of fishermen. Its large beach is great for fishing from the shore. Walk through the town and you will discover a summary of Brittany, centred around a main square. The houses here are colourful and fancy, with a history going back to the 1930s when skilled Italian builders came to the island. And do not miss Port-Lay, where you can still feel the vibe of sardine fishing.
Port Saint-Nicolas: a traditional Breton harbour
On our second day, we chose to walk from Port-Tudy to Port Saint-Nicolas. It took us about 45 min but we were impatient on discovering this new side of the island. The place is one of the island’s main ports and offers a charming and peaceful vibe.
The port is located in a deep valley that looks amazing all year round. It oversees the entrance to the ria – that’s like a river that meets the ocean. The port provides a safe haven from the vast open sea. It is a popular spot for sailboats, kayaks, and small motorboats to take a break.
Find a comfortable spot by the water to relax, read a book, or simply enjoy the calmness of the harbour. The peaceful surroundings make it an ideal place for quiet contemplation. But it is also great for people who like taking pictures – you can capture the feeling of the port and create lasting memories.
The iconic lighthouse of Pen Men
At first, we planned to walk to Pen Men. This a place with its famous lighthouse, stunning views of the coast, and rugged nature. But because I was not feeling well the day before and it was really hot there, we decided not to push ourselves too hard that day and skip going there. It was a bit disappointing since Pen Men has lovely trails and paths by the coast that are perfect for hiking. These paths take you through different landscapes like cliffs, rocky shores, and fields, so you can enjoy the island’s natural beauty.
A special part of Pen Men is its lighthouse. It is tall, 27 meters high, and stands on a rocky spot overlooking the sea. The lighthouse is unique and has a design that gives you amazing panoramic views all around the surrounding coastline and the open ocean.
Port Melin: a tranquil refuge on the Wild Coast of Brittany
Lesser known among tourists, we finally decided to make our way across the island, stopping at Port Melin before discovering Poulziorek Beach. This port is a popular spot for swimming, fishing, and hiking. The bay is protected from the usual winds and boasts a sandy beach. Also, at Port Melin, you will find a dam that serves as the main source of fresh water for the island. While Port Melin’s beach might not be so famous on the island, it is still a great place to swim, especially when the tide is high. The bay is surrounded by steep hills covered in lush plants, creating a feeling like you are swimming in a narrow waterway. It is almost like a fjord!
How to go through the island?
When you are on Groix Island, you have plenty of options to explore by biking or walking, whether it is daytime or nighttime. This place is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. You can rent a bike or follow the different trails that go all around the island. These paths take you through beautiful green areas, rocky shores, and charming villages. In total, there are 40 kilometres of paths to discover. As you follow these paths as we did, you will experience peace and stunning views. With every turn and in every village you pass, you will find new scenery that keeps you amazed and captivated.
What else?
80% of the island is in a special zone called Natura 2000, surrounded by a protected marine area. Because of this, there are many unique and special plants and animals here. The island is a great place for people who like watching birds. Bring your binoculars and explore the island’s natural habitats to spot various seabirds and migratory species.
The weather here used to be favourable because the winds blow from the west, and the ocean currents help, too. Temperatures are mild with abundant sunshine. You can enjoy water activities such as kayaking, sailing, and snorkelling around the island’s clear waters. You can also join guided boat tours to explore the coastline and nearby islands.
Remember that Île de Groix is not very big, so you can easily explore most of its attractions in just a few days. Whether you like nature, outdoor activities, or cultural experiences, this island has something to offer for every type of traveller!