Silversea Expedition Cruises A BELLE ILE

Belle Ile, "la bien nommée", is the largest of all Breton islands with a coastline comprising of cliffs, creeks and beaches, sloping gently down on the North side while facing the open sea. Le Palais, the small island's capital is dominated by a star shaped citadel built in the 16th century.

Port Coton

Take a short walk from the pier to the coaches and drive to Port Coton. En route, see the Grand Phare from the coach: the island's tallest lighthouse. View the original Port Coton Needles, pyramids of rocks worn and shaped by the ocean where foam may fly like cotton balls on stormy days.

Pointe Des Poulains

Continue to Pointe Des Poulains on the Northern side of the island. This area was well loved by many artists including Sarah Bernhardt, and Claude Monet. Monet found this to be a peaceful inland village where he spent some time painting the same stretch of nearly wild coast 36 times in all weather conditions.

Sauzon

You will then depart for Sauzon, a picturesque harbour over the entrance of a deep estuary, known for its coloured facades. This little town does not allow coaches into its centre, you will therefore need to take a 10-minute walk into the centre of town in order to explore.

Citadel

Continue to the Citadel for a guided visit of this "Battleship of the Atlantic", a perfect expression of classical military architecture, and enjoy a discovery through history. Meet Fouquet or the Cardinal of Retz, Louis XIV and the "poison affaire", the Chouans and Cadoudal and many more characters that made the story of this sentinel of the sea. Enter the fortress through the gate (Porte du Bourg) and follow the great Moat (Grand Fossé) carved in rocks to the Keep Gate. With the tour of the Parade ground discover soldiers' quarters, prison cells, gunpowder storage and kitchens. From the Governor Bastion and its gardens view Le Palais Port and the little town, the coastline and far away islands of Houat and Hoedic. The guide will select areas to visit inside the Citadel: museum, prison cell, officers quarters (exterior only), in accordance to time allowed.

After this tour you can walk directly to the ship or you may choose to enjoy some free time in Le Palais before returning to the ship.

Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of activity including walking over cobble paths for approximately 2.1km (1.3 miles). This tour is not suitable for guests who utilise a wheelchair or those with limited mobility. We recommend wearing comfortable clothing, walking shoes and sun protection.

Belle Ile, "la bien nommée", is the largest of all Breton islands with a coastline comprising cliffs, creeks and beaches, sloping gently down on the North side while facing the wild sea. Le Palais, the small island's capital, is dominated by a star shaped citadel built on the 16th century. This "Battleship of the Atlantic", today museum and hotel, overlooks the harbour.

Port Coton

Take a brief walk through Le Palais and drive to Port Coton. En route see the Grand Phare, the island's tallest lighthouse, from the coach. Continue to the Port Coton Needles, these "pyramids of rock" have been formed and shaped by the blustery Atlantic Ocean.

Pointe des Poulains

Your tour then proceeds to Pointe des Poulains on the Northern Island cape. Pass through Kervilahouen, a peaceful inland village where the Impressionist Claude Monet spent some time, painting the same stretch of wild coastline 36 times in all weather conditions.

Sarah Bernhardt Museum

At the Pointe des Poulains, take a visit of the Sarah Bernhardt Museum and house. Bernhardt is widely considered the world's first "superstar" and now, even decades after her death, is still an actress of international renown.

After leaving the museum you will proceed through the town of Sauzon, the picturesque harbour over the entrance of a deep estuary, known for its coloured facades. Take a walk around this charming town and discover its charm and beauty.

Return to Le Palais where you can walk to the pier and re-board the ship or explore on your own.

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately 1.2 km (.75 miles) with a dozen of steps and is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and those who utilise a wheelchair. We recommend wearing comfortable clothing, walking shoes and sun protection.

In terms of oysters, the coastal region of southern Brittany constitutes a very large area with many bays, rivers and streams. Discover this region of Belle-Île and the oyster farms that are known worldwide and sample this product with a tasting.

Belle-Île

After a short walk from the pier to the coach depart Le Palais, Belle-Île's little capital, and commence a short panoramic tour of this beautiful island. Pass the picturesque harbor of Sauzon, over the entrance of a deep estuary, known for its colored facades.

Port Coton

Continue to Port Coton and the 'Needles' and view these incredible rock pyramids. The artist Claude Monet painted these fascinating jagged rocks. Their name comes from the foam whipped up due to heavy weather making them appear as large flakes sparkling like cotton.

Port Goulphar

After you arrive in Port Goulphar proceed to a charming local restaurant for an oyster sampling. Enjoy one of this region's prized delicacies paired with white wine as you breathe in the salty air coming from one of the most delightful rocky coves in the island.

On the way back to Le Palais, pass by the Grand Phare as well as the inland village of Kervilahouen, where the Impressionist Claude Monet spent some time and completed several pieces of work.

Upon your return to Le Palais you may wish explore this charming town on your own or you can return directly back to the ship.

Please note: This tour requires a moderate amount of walking for a total period of approximately 1.2 km (.75 miles), some of this may be up gentle inclines. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility or those who utilize a wheelchair. We recommend wearing comfortable clothing, walking shoes and sun protection.

Explore the picturesque coast of Belle Île on-foot during this panoramic, half-day hiking excursion.

Belle Île, Le Palais, Port Jean, Port Quénenec, and Pointe de Taillefer

Depart the pier for the short drive from Le Palais, capital of the small island of Belle Ile and home to a star-shaped, 16th-century citadel, en route to Port Jean. Upon arrival, begin your guided walking tour along a coastal footpath to Le Palais. Along the way, pass through Port Jean, Port Quénenec and the Pointe de Taillefer.

Cliffs, Coves, Creeks, Beaches, and Sea and Coastal Views

Breath-taking panoramic sights to be seen during your guided hiking trek include cliffs, coves, creeks, beaches, the pristine coastline, and turquoise sea. Upon arrival back at Le Palais, a refreshment stop is made before reaching back to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of walking for approximately 4.3 miles (about seven kilometres), at times over uneven surfaces, steep inclines, low lintels and narrow pathways, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach. This tour is recommended for guests in good physical condition, and is not suitable for pregnant guests, guests with back and/or neck problems, guests with heart and/or respiratory conditions, guests with limited mobility, and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking or hiking shoes, and bring sun protection and raingear from the ship. Guests must be at least 16 years old to participate on this tour. Space on this tour is very limited; we suggest you book in advance to avoid disappointment.

Belle Ile, "la bien nommée", is the largest of all Breton islands with a coastline comprising of cliffs, creeks and beaches, sloping gently down on the North side while facing the open sea. Le Palais, the small island's capital is dominated by a star shaped citadel built in the 16th century.

Port Coton

Take a short walk from the pier to the coaches and drive to Port Coton. En route, see the Grand Phare from the coach: the island's tallest lighthouse. View the original Port Coton Needles, pyramids of rocks worn and shaped by the ocean where foam may fly like cotton balls on stormy days.

Pointe Des Poulains

Continue to Pointe Des Poulains on the Northern side of the island. This area was well loved by many artists including Sarah Bernhardt, and Claude Monet. Monet found this to be a peaceful inland village where he spent some time painting the same stretch of nearly wild coast 36 times in all weather conditions.

Sauzon

You will then depart for Sauzon, a picturesque harbour over the entrance of a deep estuary, known for its coloured facades. The fishing port and marina offer a landscape of pastel colours. Rich in cultural and natural heritage, this tiny village offers its residents a comfortable life.

After this tour you can walk directly to the ship or you may choose to enjoy some free time in Le Palais before returning to the ship.

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of activity including a few steps and walking for approximately 1.2 km (.75 miles). This tour is not suitable for guests who utilise a wheelchair or those with limited mobility. We recommend wearing comfortable clothing, walking shoes and sun protection.

Experience the floral and coastal beauty of Brittany during this scenic, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Belle Île, Le Palais, Sauzon and Eden Garden

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 30-minute drive from Le Palais to Sauzon, then continue on to the Eden Garden. Brittany, homeland of many explorers, was once the starting point of the most prestigious expeditions around the world. Today, Brittany serves as an ideal locale for gardens, as hundreds of varieties have been acclimatized since the 18th century. Upon arrival at the Eden Garden, you are greeted by owner Michel Damblant, who escorts you on a narrated walking tour of his beautiful garden.

Port Coton, Grand Phare, Needles, Rock Pyramids, and Ocean Views

Next, re-board your coach and head to Port Coton. En route, see the Grand Phare, or 'Great Lighthouse', from the coach. Upon arrival at Port Coton, marvel at the original Port Coton Needles, or pyramids of rock worn and shaped by the ocean. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 30-minute drive back to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of walking for approximately 1.24 miles (about two kilometres), at times over uneven surfaces and steep inclines, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and 100 steps at the sites visited. This tour is not recommended for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes and sun protection are recommended.

Le Palais, Belle-Île's main city, is dominated by a star shaped citadelle built in the 16th century by Gondi's family, bought by Fouquet and enlarged by Vauban. Take a stroll through history as you walk to the Citadelle and learn of its rich history.

Walking Tour

Walk through the charming port of Le Palais to the entrance of the Citadelle Vauban passing the gate (Porte du Bourg) and following the great Moat (Grand Fossé) carved in rocks to the Keep gate.

Visit the citadelle and "meet" Fouquet or the Cardinal of Retz, Louis XIV and the "poison affair", the Chouans and Cadoudal and many more characters that made the story of this sentinel of the sea, today museum and hotel, overlooking the harbour.

Often referred to as the "Battleship of the Atlantic", discover soldiers' quarters, prison cells, gunpowder storage and kitchens. From the Governor Bastion and its gardens, take a view over Le Palais port and the town, the coastline and far away islands of Houat and Hoedic.

After the visit of the Citadelle, return to the pier area via Le Palais, the main street.

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of activity including walking through narrow passages and involves some stairs for approximately 1.3km (.81 miles). This tour is not suitable for guests who utilise a wheelchair or those with limited mobility. We recommend wearing comfortable clothing, walking shoes and sun protection.