TOP 3 beaches for a sunset | Belle-Île-en-Mer Tourist Office

#1 Ster Vraz

A sheltered beach

near Sauzon

This large, sheltered cove is one of the most photogenic spots on the island, with the natural riches of Ster Vraz lending a unique atmosphere to your photos. Towering cliffs encircle the beach, providing a stunning perspective of the cove and the neighbouring moorland, especially in spring. During this season, the coastline is a vivid yellow, thanks to the flowering gorse, a species endemic to Belle-Île. The area’s geology is equally remarkable, with the beach composed of a blend of sand and quartz pebbles. Ster Vraz is also perfect for watching sailboats, as it forms a natural harbour with its neighbour, the Ster Ouen cove, where vessels often anchor overnight.

A hike to discover

Belle-Île’s signature sites

What could be better than an evening hike with friends? Starting from Sauzon’s harbour, a 10 km route will lead you to Ster Vraz in 2 hours and 30 minutes. The walk is relatively easy and takes you via Pointe des Poulains, where a spectacular panorama of the ocean and rugged coastline awaits. Don’t miss the landmark monuments at the site!

By bike or by car, follow the road towards “l’Apothicairerie”. Turn right at the sign indicating the beach of Ster Vraz.

By bus, Line 1 which operates in mid-season, and line 4 a the summer will take you to the Kerguerc’h stop located 20 minutes walk from the beach.

The advantage of this hike? A stunning dinner on the wild coast at “A l’Ouest Bistrozza” merely 2 km from Ster Vraz, at the Golfe des Poulains. Rooftop terrace seating guarantees breathtaking views on the ocean and Les Poulains. On the Menu: burgers, tapas and pizzas, all made unique with local and sometimes unusual ingredients!

The Vival grocery store on the port of Sauzon is open year round and stocks everything necessary for a quaint picnic on the coast: Bellilois cheese, honey and cakes as well as island grown fruits and veg.

During summer the crêperie and ice cream parlour l’Herminoise offers organic takeaway crepes, galettes and waffles.

Kayak or paddle

Beaches and Ocean

explore differently

Rentals, supervised outings and the most beautiful trips: everything you need to know about kayaking in Belle-Ile

Ecole de Stand Up Paddleboard : Ty School

Paddleboarding on Belle-Île

Kayaking in Belle-île in practice

#2 Baluden

A small sandy beach

In the heart of the wild coast

This cove of fine sand provides an enchanting setting for those bold enough to tackle the rugged trails of Bangor’s coastal tails. The beach is accessed via a car park perched on the coast, less than 5 minutes away. From there, a path leads through meadows where Belle-Île’s unique flora is on full display. At the end of the trail the beach is revealed, framed by dunes, soft sand, and cliffs rising some 15 metres above the ocean.

Once on the beach, explore the wild coast’s pristine environment and its small caves flanking both sides of the cove. The fine sand and gentle slope makes for a very pleasant stroll along the water’s edge. During low tide and high coefficients, it’s possible to walk to the nearby Herlin beach on the vast exposed seabed. Baluden is also a prime swimming spot in summer, with its waters being some of the warmest and calmest on Belle-Île.

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Baluden est une plage de sable fin située sur la côte sauvage
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©Karine Piquet

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Profitez d'une pause à la plage après une randonnée
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©Fabien Giordano, Bellimages

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Située sur la côte sauvage, Baluden offre un cadre idéal pour une pause pique nique après une randonnée
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©Gaëlle Le Boulicaut

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Des visites nocturnes du Grand Phare de Bangor sont possibles
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©Karine Piquet

By bike, follow the green cycle route towards Locmaria. In the village of Herlin, turn right towards Baluden and a dirt road will lead you to the beach parking lot in 5 minutes.
By car, follow the D25 towards Locmaria and turn right towards the village of Herlin. Then follow the small road towards Baluden.
With the bus in summer take the line 4 and get off at the stop Herlin. A 30 minute walk will lead you to the beach.

Neighbouring Herlin is the start point of an 8km loop that passes along the beach at Baluden. You will find this loop and 16 others our Hiker’s Guide available at the Tourism Office in Le Palais or on our website.

Night tours of Grand Phare are available. 247 steps will take you 92 meters above sea level to an unparalleled height for Belle-Ile! The monument also houses a museum dedicated to the history of lighthouses.

#3 Giving

A protected natural area

Unique in Brittany

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Promenez vous sur les dunes de Donnant, un site natura 2000 de 109 hectares à deux pas de l'océan
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Fabien Giordano Bellimages

The largest beach on Belle-Île’s wild coast, Donnant, offers a perfect vantage point for watching sunsets, thanks to the surrounding rocky relief. Two plateaus, Anter to the north and the plateau near the village of Donnant to the south, provide stunning panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, the beach, and the impressive dunes—among the tallest in Brittany.

A surfer’s beach

swimmers welcome!

Donnant is renowned as the island’s premier surf spot, offering an average of 200 surfing days a year. Waves can reach heights of up to 3 metres, making it a hub for surfers and bodyboarders. The beach hosts two surf schools:

Ty School
The Belle Isle Surf Club

These schools provide lessons for both children and adults, with equipment available for hire.

In summer, Donnant is also a family-friendly swimming destination, with lifeguards present in July and August, ensuring a safe experience for all visitors.

Barely 5 minutes from Donnant, the “Poney Bleu” equestrian center in the village of Anter offers horseback tours along the coastal trails around Donnant.

Looking for a watersports focused stay? Thanks to its 50+ beaches, Belle-Ile has everything you need to make the best of your time by the sea:

Courses and paddle rentals are provided by Ty School in Grands-Sables on the commune of Locmaria.
Sailing lessons and sea kayak rentals are available at Grands-Sables with Horizon.
From Port Puce beach in Sauzon, vives eaux rents two-seat or single-seat kayaks.

By car from Sauzon, turn right at the menhir and head to the parking lot of Anter. From Bangor, take the D190 and head towards the hamlet “Petit Cosquet”. Then take the small road on the right, just before the restaurant la Désirade.
By bus, you can get to Donnant from the bus station of Le Palais with the line 2 which operates in mid-season and in summer. Another option, the line 4 from the Pointe des Poulains and the 4 b from Locmaria allow to reach the beach in summer only.
By bike from Sauzon follow the purple cycle route. A 6 km route will lead you to the village of Anter. From Bangor, the red route will take you to the parking lot of the village of Donnant in 15 minutes.