Any experiences of Belle Ile in Brittany?

[WobblyLondoner]

We're thinking about going there this summer, having had a recent holiday on another French island which we really enjoyed (swimming, cycling, eating etc ..). I'd be really interested in hearing Belle Ile it from anyone who has been.

My only immediate concern is water temperature. Being able to swim in the sea was a big part of the holiday, especially for my daughter - last year we were on the Atlantic coast but it was further south and pretty warm (once you had taken the plunge). I'm assuming the water temp will be lower further north - but am worried about how much cooler it will be!

More about Belle Ile. www.brittanytourism.com/discover-our-destinations/southern-brittany-morbihan-gulf/unmissable-sites/belle-ile-the-beautiful-isle

Thanks.

I live not far away (on the mainland, near Vannes) It's very popular in summer - our neighbours went with their young children and the ferry was €€€€€ in July! I've never stayed on the island itself, but have visited with a friends boat which we moored in the harbour. It's pretty and lovely and certainly Le Palais has lots of restaurants etc - we were there in May and the sea would have been too cold for swimming then for sure, July/August I'm sure it's warmed up though. Not as choppy as the Atlantic coast is further south. We went to Mimizan one year and I was terrified - there are strong currents in certain parts of the Golfe, but it's generally lovely for swimming (not today, it's like a hurricane out there!)

Thanks very much - that's really helpful. Useful to know about the ferry prices, though not sure we've any option. Last year we weren't as far south as Mimizan (nearer Bordeaux) but it was gusty!

I looked at it the last two years but the costs of accommodation and ferry just seemed too much. Also, if the weather wasn't good there didn't seem to be a lot to do for our 11/12 year old DS. It is beautiful but I think depending on the age of your DD it may be more of a day trip or overnight stay type of place. We have had too lovely holidays in Brittany the last two years in August but never went in the sea although we all enjoy it. Just too cold, but that could be because we have lived and holidayed around the very warm Mediterranean for years. Not sure if this is very helpful, sorry OP.

What about staying somewhere round here, on the Golfe du Morbihan and doing several trips to the islands in the Golfe? The two main ones (Ile au Moins and Ile d'Arz) have loads of ferries back and forward every day - it's about 3€ one way. They're not as big as Belle Ile but they're "island-ey" and there's loads to do on the mainland too - sailing, surfing, usual water-ey stuff. Just an idea.