Between land and sea, Sarzeau is a charming stopover in the heart of the Rhuys peninsula in the Gulf of Morbihan. This Breton municipality boasts a diverse landscape, a rich historical heritage and a relaxed way of life. Here, you can explore the corridors of a medieval castle, watch birds in the wild, sample a local tomme while gazing out to sea, or embark on a cruise between the islands. Beaches, coastal paths, family activities or gourmet discoveries: here are the 10 must-sees when you visit Sarzeau.
1. Château de Suscinio, former residence of the Dukes of Brittany
Former residence of the Dukes of Brittany, Château de Suscinio invites you to relive the great hours of its history through a series of events, all set in a privileged location between land and sea. It stands at the heart of a vast, formerly wooded area, now classified as a protected natural area and recognized for its remarkable biodiversity. Today, the estate opens its doors to you all year round, bringing its legends to life and immersing you in the intensity of its past through a rich program of events. In summer, don 't miss the Suscinio nocturnes: as soon as night falls, the ramparts light up to the rhythm of a sound and light show inspired by Arthurian legend, punctuated by a fireworks display.
Good to know: bring warm clothes and comfortable shoes - some parts of the castle are not heated. Extend your experience by exploring the estate's discovery trails, which stretch over 65 hectares of natural areas freely accessible to all.
2. What to do in Sarzeau Visit the Château de Kerlévenan
Situated between Saint-Armel and Sarzeau, on the road to Vannes, the Château de Kerlévenan is set amidst lush greenery. Built between 1780 and 1802 by Joseph Armand de Gouvello and later by his son, this elegant edifice is a perfect example of the neoclassical style. Today, it remains privately owned by the de Gouvello family. The fine tufa stone of the walls and the elegance of the slate work, both sourced from Angers, are to be admired. Visitors canexplore the carefully tendedgardens, the chapel and the charming Chinese pavilion, while enjoying a remarkable view of the gulf.
Read more: Visit Vannes in 2 days: what can you do in a weekend?
3. Watch cows being milked and cheeses being matured as a family
On the south coast of the Rhuys peninsula, the Ferme fromagère de Suscinio opens its doors to you to discover all the stages in the artisanal production of its cheeses. The milk comes from Breton cows with black udders bred on site, as well as Normandes and Montbéliardes. Watch the cows being milked, observe the maturing of the cheeses - including the famous Rhuys tomme - and indulge in a tasting at the cosy Café de la Pie Noir. Before you leave, make a detour to the store to take away some of the local terroir: cheeses, farm produce and other local specialties.
Read more: What to do and see in Morbihan and its Gulf? Top 11 most beautiful spots
4. Tasting oysters at La Nurserie du Golfe
Nestled on the magnificent Pointe de Bénance, the Nurserie du Golfe boasts an exceptional setting, with a breathtaking view over the waters of the Gulf of Morbihan. Accessible on foot, by car or even by boat, this unique site combines modernity and authenticity. Both a state-of-the-art production site and a place of discovery, the nursery can be visited freely or with a guide. It's also an atypical place for tasting: sit down with your feet in the water, facing the sea, to savor aperitif plates featuring oysters refined with fresh marine spirulina. A simple, refined and unforgettable experience. And for a magical moment, there's nothing like watching a sunset or a full moon over the Gulf.
5. What to do in Sarzeau? Visit the Petit Mont cairn
Located 13 minutes' drive from Sarzeau, the Petit Mont megalithic site has been classified as a site of national interest since 1989, and stands on a spectacular promontory facing the Atlantic. Occupied since Neolithic times, this impressive cairn was built in four major phases between 5000 and 3000 BC, and served as a strategic location for prehistoric populations from the outset. Today, this fascinating archaeological site is also a starting point for the famous GR®34 coastal footpath. It opens its doors during the school vacations and offers immersive activities for young and old alike: interactive table, projections, storytelling, archaeological dig workshops... A captivating plunge into 7,000 years of history, with your feet facing the sea.
Read more : GR 34 le Sentiers des Douaniers: itinerary and information
6. Penvins, Landrezac and Le Roaliguen beaches
On Sarzeau's Atlantic coastline, the beaches of Penvins, Landrezac and Le Roaliguen offer the ideal setting for relaxation, swimming and water sports. Long stretches of fine sand bordered by dunes and the ocean, they appeal as much to families in search of tranquillity as to water sports enthusiasts. Penvins beach, with its view of the Notre-Dame-de-la-Côte chapel, is particularly popular for sunset strolls. The vast, well-exposed Landrezac beach is perfect for high tides and family games. More confidential, the Roaliguen beach invites you to laze around in an unspoilt environment. Each has its own charm, but all promise a moment of escape by the sea.
Read more: Top 15 of Brittany's most beautiful beaches
7. Visit the Notre-Dame-de-la-Côte chapel
Overlooking the ocean, the Notre-Dame-de-la-Côte chapel is one of the emblematic symbols of Penvins, 12 minutes from Sarzeau. Perched on an ancient Gallo-Roman site, it is said to have originally housed a small medieval sanctuary, surrounded by local legends of the Virgin Mary, Saint Demetrius and Saint Gildas protecting the inhabitants from invasions and storms. The current building, in the shape of a Greek cross to better resist the sea winds, was rebuilt in 1897. During the Second World War, the chapel narrowly escaped destruction thanks to the tenacity of Abbé Buquen, vicar of Penvins. Topped by a statue of the Virgin Mary, it still watches over sailors and offers visitors an exceptional view of the sea and surrounding coastline.
8. What to do in Sarzeau Coastal hiking trails
Sarzeau is a veritable paradise for walkers and nature lovers. With more than 25 kilometers of marked coastal paths, including a section of the famous GR®34, the town invites you to escape to the rhythm of the tides. A must-see trail in Brittany, and a unique opportunity to discover this exceptional coastline! By following these coastal paths, you'll discover an incredible diversity of landscapes: wild beaches, secret coves, salt marshes, rocky points and breathtaking panoramas of the Gulf of Morbihan and the Atlantic.
Read more: Top 11 hikes in Brittany
9. Birdwatching at the Réserve ornithologique du Duer
Located in the commune of Sarzeau, on the edge of the Gulf of Morbihan, the Réserve ornithologique du Duer is a haven of peace for wildlife. Part of the Parc Naturel Régional, it offers an exceptional setting for birdwatching. Between coastal marshes, mudflats, wet meadows and copses, a great diversity of natural environments favors the presence of some 200 species of birds counted each year. From autumn to winter, the reserve welcomes up to 120,000 waterfowl, making it one of the most important wintering and migration sites in France. Discreetly landscaped so as not to disturb the ecological balance, the reserve allows visitors to contemplate this living spectacle without disturbing protected species.
10. Take a cruise in the Gulf of Morbihan
The Gulf of Morbihan, ranked among the most beautiful bays in the world, is revealed in a whole new light on a boat cruise, which you can book right here. Come aboard a boat to enjoy breathtaking seascapes and discover iconic sites such as Ile aux Moines and Ile d'Arz. We bet you'll be charmed by the small coves, lighthouses and unspoilt landscapes that line this legendary bay.
Where to stay in Sarzeau?
Sarzeau, located on the Rhuys peninsula in Morbihan, offers a variety of accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets. Here is a selection of options to help you choose the ideal accommodation for your stay:
- Best located: Hotel du Port
Bookable right here, this hotel-restaurant, run by a very friendly couple, enjoys a beautiful setting facing the sea! Rooms are bright and airy, and equipped with all modern conveniences. The "family" room, with its 3 mezzanine beds, is particularly attractive. As for the restaurant, the chef is sure to please you with his different formulas. You can also enjoy a drink at the bar, on the large terrace overlooking the ocean and harbor.
- The most luxurious: Manoir de Kerbot
Bookable right here, the Manoir de Kerbot is an elegant four-star hotel, complementing the luxurious restaurant of the same name. The establishment welcomes you all year round and offers top-quality services, including a wellness area with sauna, hammam, bubbling spa and ice water cascade. Bike hire for enthusiasts, picnic baskets and meal trays for late arrivals are also available.
What to do in Sarzeau with children?
Sarzeau is an ideal destination for families with children, offering a variety of fun, educational and nature-based activities. Here are a few ideas on how to make the most of your stay with your little ones:
- Sarzeau's beaches, like Penvins and Landrezac, are perfect for children. With their calm waters and wide expanses of sand, they're ideal for swimming, beach games or family outings. Little ones will love playing in the sand, while older children can try their hand at water sports.
- The Cairn de Petit Mont is a fascinating archaeological site and an excellent educational activity for children. They can discover the mysteries of the Neolithic period while having fun at the same time, thanks to the interactive activities on offer: archaeological digs, projections and storytelling. What's more, the panoramic view is perfect for a family break.
- The Duer ornithological reserve is a calm and fascinating place to observe the local fauna. It's both an educational and entertaining activity where children can observe birds in their natural habitat, while learning about biodiversity and species protection. Well-maintained trails make this a fun visit for the whole family.
- Sarzeau offers a number of marked hiking trails suitable for families. You can choose short routes along the coast, offering magnificent views and allowing children to discover nature while having fun. These walks are also the perfect opportunity to enjoy a picnic in the open air.
- Finally, children will love a visit to the Ferme de Suscinio, where they can learn about the cheese-making process, watch cows being milked and taste local produce. An educational and gourmet experience!
Read more: Where to go on vacation in France with children? 16 destination ideas
Which villages to visit around Sarzeau?
There are a number of picturesque and charming villages around Sarzeau, some of the most beautiful in Brittany, well worth a visit to discover the region's rich cultural and natural heritage. Here are just a few of the must-see villages around Sarzeau:
- Located just a few kilometers from Sarzeau, Le Tour du Parc is a small village typical of the Gulf of Morbihan, offering a quiet, authentic atmosphere. Stroll through its narrow streets and discover its historic heritage, including the Saint-Jean-Baptiste church and its old stone houses. The village is also an excellent starting point for exploring the coastal paths.
- Arzon is a charming village, ideally situated at the tip of the Rhuys peninsula, with magnificent views over the ocean and the Gulf of Morbihan. The port of Crouesty, one of Brittany's largest marinas, brings the village to life all year round. You'll also find beaches, an interesting historical heritage and natural sites like the Port-Navalo lighthouse.
- Saint-Armel is a small village nestled on the southern shore of the Gulf of Morbihan. It is renowned for its fishing port, Saint-Armel church and coastal paths. Saint-Armel is perfect for a stroll along the water's edge, or a break in one of the small restaurants by the harbor, offering a view of the neighboring islands.
- Located on the eastern side of the Gulf of Morbihan, Larmor-Baden is a quiet, picturesque village. With its small port and beaches, it's a haven of peace for nature and sea lovers. Larmor-Baden is also the departure point for numerous cruises and excursions to the islands of the Gulf, such as Ile aux Moines and Ile d'Arz.
- Saint-Gildas-de-Rhuys is a village full of character, with a strong historical dimension thanks to its Benedictine abbey founded in the 6th century. Here you'll find a beautiful church, a museum and charming flower-lined streets. Saint-Gildas-de-Rhuys is also a good base for exploring the surrounding beaches and countryside.
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