Get out the sailboat and follow the guide to discover the 11 must-do things to do on the Quiberon peninsula!
Quiberon is Brittany’s must-see seaside destination. Located in the Morbihan department between the Atlantic Ocean and the bay that bears its name, the Quiberon peninsula is the ideal place to spend your vacations.
In fact, not only is there no shortage of things to do here, but the scenery of its wild coastline is breathtaking. Between the ocean skyline from the steep cliffs and the inland countryside with its white and blue houses, there’s no shortage of things to do in the region.
It’s also a sporty destination for lovers of hiking and water sports, with plenty of opportunities for gastronomic breaks too. In short, this part of Brittany won’t give you a bad vacation.
And to give you an idea, we’ve selected the 11 must-do things to do on the Quiberon peninsula.
1. Quiberon and its port
Photo credit – andrewtit
A visit to the Quiberon peninsula necessarily includes a visit to the town of Quiberon itself. And one of the best places to start is its historic port, Port-Haliguen. Today, it no longer serves its original purpose as a fishing port, as it is now reserved for yachting, but it’s no less charming for a stroll.
Its 19th-century lighthouse still watches over the area, even though it’s no longer in service. From here, you can walk to the town center in ten minutes and enjoy the markets.
Alternatively, you can opt for a stroll along the seafront with its pretty houses, a reminder that the town has long been considered a must-see seaside resort.
2. Thalassotherapy
Photo credit – Instagram – thalassaseaspa
Created in 1946 by a former champion cyclist, thalassotherapy must be on your to-do list of things to do on the Quiberon peninsula. Today, the center is managed by Sofitel, but it has lost none of its original philosophy and dedication to well-being.
The setting is exceptional, with the center located at the end of the peninsula facing the ocean. Treatments are based on seawater, renowned for its many virtues. Now it’s up to you to decide whether to opt for the outdoor marine circuit, the seawater pool, the jacuzzi and sauna, or a treatment in the cabin.
3. Niniches and Salidou
Photo credit – Instagram – amidnightmemo23
The pleasures of the taste buds are not forgotten when you visit the Quiberon peninsula – quite the contrary! If you’re feeling peckish, or just want to indulge your sweet tooth, go in search of the famous Niniches and Salidous, a.k.a. typical local sweets made with salted butter caramel.
For the former, you’ll find them at Maison d’Armorine. You can choose from a wide range of flavors, so you’re sure to have a regressive time. Salidous are soft caramel candies found at Henri Le Roux. In short, sweet tooths should already be salivating.
4. GR de la presqu’île
Photo credit – gdela
This long-distance hiking trail offers a unique opportunity to visit almost the entire Quiberon peninsula. Along the coast, it follows the old customs path.
You can start the tour in Plouharnel, inland from the town, before reaching the wild coast after passing Fort Penthièvre. That’s where the show begins, and you’ll be in for a real treat.
Between charming villages like Kerhostin, prehistoric remains, seafront manor houses and scenic wonders, you’re sure to get plenty of photos.
A must is to finish at the fishing port of Portivy to enjoy a magnificent sunset over the ocean.
5. The menhirs
Photo credit – siloto
With the Carnac alignments just around the corner, it’s hardly surprising that the peninsula is home to megaliths. You can see 3 on the peninsula. The most impressive are those at Kerbourgnec in Saint-Pierre Quiberon. This is a cromlech, a set of stones erected in a circular arc. The site is all the more unusual for being located in the middle of dwellings built in the 20th century.
Towards the Pointe du Vivier, the Goalennec menhir is famous for its original shape, reminiscent of a bishop’s cap, hence its nickname. Then there are the two stones nicknamed « Jean et Jeannette », which legend has it are two lovers frozen for eternity.
6. La pointe du Conguel
Photo credit – Paddo47
The pointe is located at the very south of the peninsula. It is a nature reserve fully protected by the Conservatoire du Littoral, to which it belongs. Visitors make no mistake about it: at the height of the season, there can be thousands of them strolling around every day.
From the end, there’s a lovely view all the way to the Teignouse lighthouse. In addition to its biodiversity and landscape, this is also a place where you’ll find historical relics. In particular, there are ancient goémon ovens in which the locals burned kelp, the seaweed washed up by the sea. The aim was then to extract iodine from the ashes.
There’s also the « little hole » and the « big hole », where Gallic burial remains have been discovered, which are accessible at high tide.
7. The corkscrew
Photo credit – ueuaphoto
Why not sit back, relax and watch the scenery go by? It’s quite possible, because behind its unlikely name, the corkscrew is in fact a train, making it the ideal way to visit the Quiberon peninsula.
The line links Auray to Quiberon every day during the high season. In other words, you’ll have the chance to admire all the landscapes of the bay and then those of the peninsula, as the train runs along the coast.
8. Charming villages
Photo credit – Boris Stroujko
There’s more than just the sea to see, there are also villages with character. Located inland, you have to leave the coast to stroll through them, but the sea is never far away. Most of these villages are, in fact, former fishing strongholds where time seems to stand still.
These include Kermorvan, Saint-Julien and Kerhostin. Visitors will find postcard-perfect narrow streets with white houses, blue shutters and hydrangeas lining the walls.
Parallel to the wild coast road, smaller ones criss-cross the land through fields and ancient stone walls, sheltered from the tourist crowds.
9. La pointe du Percho
Photo credit – DaLiu
This is one of the best-known sites to visit on the Quiberon peninsula. Situated on the wild coastline, the landscape is one of cliffs and rocky chaos on which the waves crash in swirls of foam. The view of the Penthièvre isthmus, Belle-Île and Groix is breathtaking.
Between two sandy beaches like Port Rhu, you can admire the stone arch of Port-Blanc, also known as the Roche Percée. And don’t miss the dunes of Port Bara.
You can even follow the path along this part of the coast to finish in style in front of the famous Château de Turpault, standing alone facing the ocean.
10. Island escapes
Photo credit – Alexander Demyanenko
Why not take advantage of your stay in Quiberon to set sail and discover the island treasures of Brittany? From Port-Maria, you can embark for Belle-Île as well as Houat and Hoëdic.
The former, the largest of the Breton islands, is no longer in the limelight, having won over the likes of Monet, Sarah Bernhardt and Voulzy.
The other two are unspoilt paradises where artisanal fishing is still practiced. They can only be discovered on foot or by bike, which is perfect for taking the time to wander through the narrow streets of their typical hamlets.
Find a boat to rent in Quiberon
11. Water sports
Photo credit – Carlos Martin Diaz
Surfing
Visiting the Quiberon peninsula also means learning that it’s a renowned surfing spot. Beginners should head for Plouharnel and its wide beaches. At Penthièvre, you can practice body surfing. At low tide, it’s the realm of short-break, but high tide is reserved for seasoned surfers. Two other spots, Port Blanc and Port Bara, are also for experienced surfers, as there are rocks in the water.
Diving
Those who prefer the deep will not be outdone, as it is possible to dive off the wild coast. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced diver, there’s something for everyone. For example, Bugalen, Ville d’Anger and Artiglio are renowned for their wrecks and the typical species you’ll come across.
The more adventurous can even plan a full day to explore the seabed near the island of Houat.
How do I get to the Quiberon peninsula?
By car
From Paris, take the A11 to Rennes, then the RN 24 and RN 166 to Quiberon. From Nantes, take the RN 165.
By train
The nearest TGV stop is in Auray en Baie de Quiberon. You can also arrive from Rennes or Brest stations. However, Auray is still the most convenient, as you can then reach the peninsula via the corkscrew.
By plane
To visit the Quiberon peninsula by plane, you can choose between two airports. Nantes has the most regular flights from Paris and the rest of France. There’s also Lorient, which serves Paris, Toulouse and Lyon. Go to a flight comparator like Skyscanner to see which suits you best.
Where to stay on the Quiberon peninsula?
As a tourist destination, it has all the facilities to welcome visitors. Of course, there are plenty of hotels, campsites and self-catering cottages to choose from. But there are also vacation villages and furnished Airbnb rentals.
The village of Saint-Pierre-Quiberon is an excellent starting point for relaxing or sporting holidays. With family or friends, stroll along the bay’s sublime beaches and discover breathtaking scenery. To the north of the peninsula, the village of Saint-Julien is the ideal place to get away from it all and enjoy a bewitching, untamed natural environment.
To see all the options available, you can visit a hotel comparison site.
Map of hotels and accommodation – Brittany