Morbihan - Photo Pêcheur d'Images

Morbihan

South of Brittany, between the estuaries of the Laïta and Vilaine, the Morbihan department owes its name to the Gulf of Morbihan (small sea in Breton), ranked among the 30 most beautiful bays in the world. Morbihan is rich thanks to its agriculture, fishing and Aquaculture.

Nothing surprising it is also among the top five tourist destinations in France with its 900 km of coastline cut in, alternating coves, wild coast and long sandy beaches. When the crystal clear waters recede, they discover the oyster parks and offer an ideal playground for fishermen and lovers of foot land craft. Before conquering the Atlantic, sailors train in summer and winter in Quiberon’s Bay. Carnac is the first naval base in Europe. With a mild climate and a favourable wind regime, all water sports are possible: kite surfing, windsurfing, kayaking, surfing and sailing of course… The yachtsmen always have plenty of choice for landing: the largest marina Breton in "the Crouesty", anchorage in the small port of Hoëdic. More than 60 calls are available: from the charming and peaceful country setting of the Auray River, to the picturesque port of Sauzon. And we still wonder how the Port-Lay in Groix was able to welcome all these great old Dundees who went fishing for tuna to Galicia.

On shore, the evidence of the past also marks out the coastline. Prehistoric megalithic sites, unique in Europe, are first on the list. Between sea and marsh, Suscinio Castle was one of the favourite residences of the Dukes of Brittany now houses a museum of history of Britain. In Magouer, beside the Ria d'Etel, or on the Blavet river, wrecks of old wooden tuna are still suffering serenely the assault of tidals. North of the department, the port of L'Orient was created in response to the development of Port Louis, headquarters of the East India Company established by Colbert in the 17th. Lorient, the city of five ports (military port, commercial port, fishing port, marina and passenger port), is now the 2nd French fishing port. It is also the capital of the Celtic Nations. To the south in the Gulf, Vannes, formerly inhabited by sailors called the Venètes, then fortified city and capital of Breton princes is now the head of the department. It preserves and maintains its heritage as a city of art and history. Country of seas and rivers, the coast is cut by the estuaries invaded by the sea, called estuary at Auray, Etel, La Trinite-sur-mer. the range of colours is unlimited, changing and capricious according to the winds and tides. Morbihan combines the sea at all times…

Texte : Anne Jankeliowitch