BELLE ILE, FRANCE

Belle-ile-en-Mer is the largest of the Breton islands (20km long and 10km wide). Many valleys, which cut deeply into high rocks and end as beached or picturesque harbours cross it.

Belle-ile-en-Mer is the largest of the Breton islands (20km long and 10km wide). Many valleys, which cut deeply into high rocks and end as beached or picturesque harbours cross it. This island of contrasts, where we will find white sandy beaches, steep cliffs, green valleys and an infinite variety of flowers and birds, appeal to nature lovers all year round. Leaving directly from Le Palais, the island’s main town dominated by the impressive citadel (1549), we will take the narrow country roads to reach the wild coast ‘Cote Sauvage’. Our first stop will be made at Port-Coton for a photo stop of the Port-Coton needles. Port-Coton is so called because the sea there seems to boil and build up into a great mass of foam like cotton wool. The needles are an impressive pyramid of rock worn to a point by the sea. Our next stop will be made to view the apothecary’s grotto. The name of this impressive site is derived from the Cormorant’s nests, which at one time were made in rows in the rocky cavities, like jars on the shelves of a chemist’s shop. The grotto forms a deep cavity into which the sea thunders. Our tour will then proceed along the Cote Sauvage towards the ‘Pointe des Poulains’ where a breathtaking panorama can be seen. We will follow our guide to discover this famous beauty spot which greatly appealed to actress Sarah Bernhardt. Her fortress house where she spent almost all of her summers can still be seen here. A last stop will be made at the lovely Port of Sauzon with its busy marina. Sauzon lies in a very pretty setting on the east bank of the Sauzon river’s estuary. Here we will be given free time to explore and shop for souvenirs before heading back to our awaiting ship.

Please note that this tour involves approximately 50 minutes of walking at Cote Sauvage where uneven and rough ground will be encountered to reach the viewpoints.

DESCRIPTION CORRECT FOR 2008 CANARIES & MEDITERRANEAN CRUISES