Breton Beauty

As well as its unspoilt coastline, the peaceful department of Morbihan boasts delightful waterways, ancient forests, historic towns and pretty villages.

- Patricia Stoughton

Morbihan is rightfully fêted for its fabulous coastline. Its white- sanded bays alternate with wild razor-sharp cliffs, and the famous island-flecked Golfe du Morbihan has recently been awarded a third star in the Michelin Green Guide. Yet, there is another distinctive aspect to this much-loved Breton department: its countryside with its rivers, the Nantes- Brest canal, wood and forest lands, and the impressive Lac de Guerlédan.

Marking the boundary between Morbihan and Côtes-d’Armor, to the north, the Lac de Guerlédan is the largest artificial lake in Brittany. Serene and discreetly beautiful, it is 12 kilometres long, 40 metres deep and spread out over 400 hectares. It was created between 1923 and 1930 with the construction of a hydroelectric dam to supply electricity and drinking water to the surrounding area, and also to provide a variety of leisure activities and watersports including swimming, boating and kayaking.

To the south you can follow the Grande Randonnée GR341 Sud, with views of the lake and through the Forêt de Quénécan, a rare surviving part of Brittany’s once extensive natural forest. Check before you go as a section towards the west can be closed at times during the hunting season.