Trail du Ponant – Belle-Île en Trail

This magnificent route takes you on a loop that goes half around the island. From the Palais, you take the vast majority of the coastal path to the south-east of Belle-Île-en-Mer. The route also crosses the localities of Locmaria and Bangor which are located inland.

You will largely follow the GR 340 markings throughout the route. This takes you along the seaside of the northern coast towards the tip of Kerdonis. Along the way, there are numerous beaches and coves. In particular, you go along the largest beach on the island, that of Grands Sables. When you see the Kerdonis lighthouse you are not very far from the point. This advance of land offers breathtaking views and delivers the rest of the route.

You leave the sea and the GR for a moment to discover the small village of Locmaria. There you will find a small supermarket as well as bars and restaurants to stock up on energy and provisions. Leaving the village you head towards the highest cliffs of the island which are located at Skeul Point. Once again the views are magnificent.

From this rocky promontory you follow the southern trails. This section is a little steeper than the ones you've already ridden. The climbs and descents follow one another. However, they have the merit of offering a marvelous succession of beaches, coves and cliffs. These picturesque landscapes inspired many of Claude Monet's works.

The points of Pouldon and Saint-Marc are on your way alongside small coves that are as numerous as they are mysterious. It is at the Kérel port that this superb portion ends. You then begin crossing the island overland. The village of Bangor has some amenities for dining, before joining and finishing the loop at the Palace.