Golfe du Morbihan

An inland sea on the coast of southern Brittany. A multitude of islands and a long coastline provide shelter for many coastal species, the most emblematic is the Kentish Plover. Although not easy to find with a little persistence and local knowledge the sighting of one of these charismatic small waders shouldn’t be too difficult.

The area has many other attractions for the birder from farther north with breeding Black-winged stilt, Pied avocet, Mediterranean gull, Bluethroat, Fan-tailed warbler, Cirl bunting…

Black woodpecker, Lesser spotted woodpecker, Eurasian rock pipit, Long-eared owl and Short-toed treecreeper  all provide year round interest

The picturesque Brittany coastline is alive with birds in winter, with very large numbers of many waders and enormous numbers of Brent Geese.

Not far to the south is the Brière regional park, where a visit in spring or early summer can add additional interest with such birds as Black and Whiskered Terns nesting and even the White-winged Tern now a regular sight in the spring.

What to see and where

Top birding sites

Top bird species

Kentish plover

Bluethroat

Mediterranean gull

Black woodpecker

Brent geese

Download the Golfe du Morbihan
“Which birds when” list

Other wildlife

Butterflies

Dragonflies

Getting there

Travel by ferry

Portsmouth – St Malo

Plymouth – Roscoff

Travel by train

London – Paris – Vannes

Other train stations nearby:

Rennes, Lorient, Nantes

Local transport

Car rental from:

Vannes train station

Roscoff port

St Malo port

Local bus network

Bicyles for rent

Useful tips

Plan to stay 3 - 5 days

London – Avignon direct

Allow 20 - 30 km/day

Nearest airports:

Combine with the Brière for a 7 - 9 day stay

Car rental:

Local specialities

Oysters, Truscat clams, Cider, savoury pancakes, Gotchial (brioche style speciality from the Rhuys peninsula), Tome de Rhuys cheese

Golfe du Morbihan documents to download

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