A stay off the beaten track in Locmaria

This small village located at the eastern tip of Belle-Ile-en-Mer is a haven of tranquillity, ideal for a moment of disconnection. It will seduce lovers of calm and nature.

Histoire - Patrimoine bâti, Belle île en mer, île de Bretagne, Bretagne sud, au large du Golfe du MorbihanConsacrée en 1070, elle serait donc la plus ancienne de l’île. Un grand corps d'édifice avec le grand autel au pignon du levant, deux bras ornés de chapelles, un clocher en aiguille, sous le toit en lambris des charpentes sous la couverture en ardoises.
©Consacrée en 1070, elle serait donc la plus ancienne de l’île. Un grand corps d'édifice avec le grand autel au pignon du levant, deux bras ornés de chapelles, un clocher en aiguille, sous le toit en lambris des charpentes sous la couverture en ardoises.|©Alexandre Canaple
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Take in the vastness of the Atlantic from the heights of the tallest cliffs on the island between Point Arzic and Point Skeul. Follow this hike up with a dip at one of Locmaria’s stunning beaches like Grands Sables. Set against the backdrop of the neighbouring islands of Houat and Hoëdic, this 2km stretch of white sand is ideal for a swim or lazy afternoon tan.

Discover Belle-Ile’s oldest religious site, Notre-Dame-du-Bois-Tort, the thousand year old anchor of Locmaria. Arts are your thing? Meet Locmaria’s artists and artisans with workshop and gallery visits! Then roam the streets of this ancient village and witness living history in the shape of charming stone houses. Finally, why not stay the night in an atypical and eco-friendly cardboard guesthouse?

Come relax on this peaceful bit of the island, affectionately known to the Bellilois as “The other end of the world”. Here’s our curated list of unique activities to help you escape and recharge for a weekend amidst the ocean’s serenity!

Let yourself be carried away by a

a world made of cardboard!

Histoire - Patrimoine bâti, Portraits Insulaires, Bretagne au large du Golfe du MorbihanNicole Lenoble artiste basée à Locmaria confectionne toute sorte d'objets avec du carton : mobiliers, luminaires
©Nicole Lenoble artiste basée à Locmaria confectionne toute sorte d'objets avec du carton : mobiliers, luminaires

    A Home made of Cardboard

    For a unique and sustainable stay!

    L’Ilot Carton (Cardboard Island) is a unique guesthouse, being one of the first houses in the world built entirely of recycled cardboard and wood! Deeply invested in the protection and preservation of Belle-Ile, owners Nicole and Alain welcome you into their novel, eco-labelled guestroom.

    Spend a unique night surrounded by handmade creations crafted entirely from cardboard by the host herself. Every element in this space features innovative uses of cardboard: designer furniture, lighting fixtures, decorative objects, and even curtains! Nicole Lenoble’s remarkable work has earned her the prestigious “Savoir-Faire des Îles du Ponant” label.

    The cosy 30m² guest room offers a snug retreat, with natural tones and a carefully curated decor. Additionally, during warmer months, guests can opt to stay in a treehouse for two, complete with independent composting toilets. Settle into this eco-friendly haven for a truly sustainable getaway!

    Discover and book your stay at Ilot Carton

    Hike along the coastal path

    from Port Andro to Port Maria

    From Valleys to Clifftops

    A Quintessential Breton Landscape

    Start your day early with a stroll to watch the sunrise at Port Andro beach or the Pointe de Kerdonis.
    The coastal path offers stunning views of this rugged shoreline, alternating between dramatic clifftop sections and verdant valley crossings, eventually leading you to the charming Port Maria beach.
    Overlooking the cove is a fort from the Second Empire, now repurposed as a private residence. Just 300 metres from the village centre, this welcoming beach is close to restaurants and artist galleries, perfect for rejuvenation and discovering local craftsmanship.

    Histoire - Patrimoine bâti, Plages - Partir à la plage, Randonner -autour de l'île, Belle île en mer, île de Bretagne, Bretagne sud, au large du Golfe du MorbihanA quelques hectomètres du bourg de Locmaria, la crique de Port Maria permet de profiter d'une baignade calme et de s'adonner aux loisirs nautiques
    ©A quelques hectomètres du bourg de Locmaria, la crique de Port Maria permet de profiter d'une baignade calme et de s'adonner aux loisirs nautiques|©Karine Piquett

      A Taste of the Sea and Artistic Encounters

      Continue your exploration with flair!

      When you reach Port Maria, take a leisurely stroll back to the village. Facing the church, make a stop at oyster farmer Maxime’s boutique-restaurant. Here, you can purchase fresh local oysters—either flat or cupped—directly from the producer, or, if you prefer to savour them on-site, indulge in a tasting. For a different local delight, nearby Crêperie “L’Équipage” offers traditional Breton galettes, perfect for a cosy, flavoursome break.

      After your meal, explore the workshops of two of Locmaria’s standout artists:

      Bo Glass Studio

      Step inside a master glassblower’s workshop to witness the creation of unique glass artwork. Using ancestral techniques such as blowing and thermoforming, Bo Glass produces designs that blend architecture, art, and craftsmanship. The enchanting process of shaping glass reveals a timeless artform full of life and character.

      Patman’s Art Gallery

      Discover Patman’s humourous and poetic approach to sculpting: he transforms reclaimed oars into sculptures, each morphed into a fish from the region the oar originated in. Located near Bo Glass Studio, Patman’s gallery presents his imaginative creations—proving that the humblest of objects can carry great meaning and charm.

      Good to Know: These workshops, alongside L’Îlôt Carton, are certified under the “Savoir-Faire des Îles du Ponant” label. This collective brand highlights artisans and businesses contributing to sustainable island economies by preserving local expertise.

      This blend of gastronomy, artistry, and sustainability makes Locmaria a true haven for curious minds and food lovers alike!

      Prendre le temps - marchés, cafés, terrasses, Déguster local,Belle île en mer, île de Bretagne, Bretagne sud, au large du Golfe du Morbihan
      ©Dégustation de fruits|©Karine Piquet
        Everything you need to know about

        Locmaria, its atypical church and its beaches!

        Histoire - Patrimoine bâti, Belle île en mer, île de Bretagne, Bretagne sud, au large du Golfe du MorbihanConsacrée en 1070, elle serait donc la plus ancienne de l’île. Un grand corps d'édifice avec le grand autel au pignon du levant, deux bras ornés de chapelles, un clocher en aiguille, sous le toit en lambris des charpentes sous la couverture en ardoises.
        ©Consacrée en 1070, elle serait donc la plus ancienne de l’île. Un grand corps d'édifice avec le grand autel au pignon du levant, deux bras ornés de chapelles, un clocher en aiguille, sous le toit en lambris des charpentes sous la couverture en ardoises.|Photo Loup SAMZUN
        Locmaria and its atypical church
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        Océan - Profiter de l'Océan, Se dépasser - sports, Changer de rythme - déplacement doux, Belle île en mer, île de Bretagne, Bretagne sud, au large du Golfe du Morbihan
        ©Optimistes aux Grands Sables -Locmaria|@Karine Piquet
        Les Grands Sables, white sand beach
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