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
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
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:
Tourist information
Accommodation
Local specialities
Oysters, Truscat clams, Cider, savoury pancakes, Gotchial (brioche style speciality from the Rhuys peninsula), Tome de Rhuys cheese