The two biggest islands in the gulf of Morbihan watch over thirty or forty tiny isles, mostly private properties. Strolling from one hamlet to another or discovering their jagged outlines along coastal paths is a surefire way to fall for the preserved insular nature of this southern part of Brittany.

Ile aux Moines
This elegant island full of charm, surrounded by the “little sea” (mor-bihan in breton), is very well-named “pearl of the gulf”. Delicate fragrance of bright mimosa, sparkling camellia and wood-scented pine perfume the air. Thanks to its particularly mild climate, the island hosts a great number of mediterranean species, there are even three perfectly well adapted olive-trees. On Izenah (the breton name of the island), the settings bear poetical names, invitations for day-dreaming: bois d'Amour (wood of love), bois des Soupirs (wood of sighs), bois des Regrets (wood of regrets). It takes less than five minutes to reach the île aux Moines leaving Port Blanc and you can walk all around the island in a day. About 6 km lie between the Pointe du Trec'h, in the north, and the Pointe du Nioul, and it is no more than 3 km wide.

Ile d'Arz
The Arz Island has a more rustic style than its neighbouring island. Like on the île aux moines, there are few cars on Arz, the inhabitants walk or ride their bikes a lot. The “Captain's island” has to be earned, and it takes a good walk (or a ride on the island's taxi) to get from the dock to the pretty village with white, narrow houses. Parting from there, you can choose any path, peacefully criss-crossing isolated little hamlets, for a nice stroll, even with children: the island is not bigger than 5 km in one way, 3 in the other. Between shellfish beaches and shady woods, the coastal path offers stunning views over the Gulf. Furthermore, Arz is a sailing paradise. Take it as a proof: the famous Glenan school opened up a center here.