ISLAND TO THE MONKS

PEDALER OVER THE LANDSCAPES

Nicknamed "the island with the bike", you will understand it. the movements are done, here more than elsewhere still on 2 wheels. the scenery is total, the small white fishermen's houses recall the beauty of the Greek islands and the flowery streets leave a delicious smell at every street corner in the spring. Pedal on 17 km following "Le Tour de Île" to discover this pearl morbihannaise. On your way you will discover crosses, crucifixes, fountains or even megalith sites. At the tip of Pen Hap in the south, the Guip shipyard will unveil all the secrets of traditional ships and yachts. Go sailing, catamaran sailing, kayaking and even stand up paddling to discover the hidden treasures of the island.

Located in Morbihan, Île aux Moines has been inhabited since Neolithic times, as evidenced by the still visible dolmens and other remains. Traces of occupation in the Galio-Roman era have also been discovered in the town. The island of Moines and the island of Arz also located in the Morbihan formed then only one and same territory.

After the Norman invasions of the tenth century, the island aux Moines is attached to the parish of Arradondans south Morbihan. In 1453 she was elevated to the rank of parish. In 1792, it became a town under the French name of Île aux Moines.

The change of scenery is at the rendezvous! Small miniature world with contrasting landscapes, the island, shaped like a cross, voluptuously displays its branches from the village of Locmiquei. Low-walled fishermen's houses with whitewashed walls, beautiful granite houses with chiseled lintels, walled gardens with high walls planted with camellias, mimosas, rhododendrons and horthensias, the habitat on Île aux Moines is a pleasure for eyes.

A lush and semi-wild vegetation, as well as the variety of its landscapes constitute the charm of this island called "The Pearl of the Gulf". We walk or bike narrow paths that span small hills, descend into small valleys, through small woods that bear the names of fairy tales: Bois d'Amour, Wood of Sighs, Bois des Regrets .. .

Under the discreet shading of pines, fig trees and wild rose trees, we discover fountains, small chapels, old mills and many megalithic remains (menhirs, dolmens, cromlech ...). A large beach of golden sand, very popular, you will enjoy the waters of the Gulf of Morbihan. The economy of the island lies mainly in the exploitation of fishing and oyster farming.

The contribution of tourism is very important from April to October. Also, you will find all the necessary services: shops, restaurants ...

The village of Kergonan is in the south. The largest cromleeh in France, its stones are visible from the road. Further on, from the very impressive Brouel dolmen, one enjoys a magni fi cent view of the entire Gulf of Morbihan. To the north, a very beautiful calvary at the tip of Trech, to the east point of Brouel with the handle of Guerrie framed by the Wood of Sighs, Wood of Regrets and the chapel Ste Anne ...