Getting Ready for Your Trip to the Breton Islands with BreizhGo Océane
08 July 2025
Have you booked your crossing with BreizhGo Océane to Belle-Île, Groix, Houat or Hoëdic? Here’s what you need to know to prepare your visit, move around easily, and fully enjoy your stay — whether it’s for a day or a longer trip.
If you’ve found this guide by chance, welcome! These tips will help you plan your next island getaway.
Getting ready to go to Belle-Île
Departure from Quiberon: access and parking
To best prepare your arrival in Quiberon and vehicle parking, check our recommendations [here].
Things to know before departure
Belle-Île covers 85 km²: One day is enough to fall in love… but several days are better to discover its full character.
Before departure or upon arrival, visit the Tourist Office to help plan your stay.
Wild camping is forbidden: book your accommodation in advance.
Getting around
Roads are narrow and shared: be cautious with cars, bikes, scooters and buses.
Helmet and lights recommended for cyclists.
A bus network operates from April to November.
Hiking
Wear sturdy shoes and bring water (no water points on the coastal path).
Avoid hiking poles, or use rubber tips — metal spikes are forbidden on the entire island.
Getting ready to go to Groix
Departure from Lorient: access and parking
To best prepare your arrival in Lorient and vehicle parking, check our recommendations [here].
Getting around
Groix is ideal by bike — but bikes are forbidden on coastal trails. Bike racks are available so you can walk to the coves.
The town centre is pedestrian-only in July/August from 10:30am to 1pm: cyclists must walk their bikes.
Buses run all year round after each boat arrival (Izilo lines 13 and 35).
Hiking
Stay on marked trails — do not trample vegetation.
No hiking poles with sharp tips on natural paths.
Getting ready to go to Houat & Hoëdic
Departure from Quiberon: access and parking
To best prepare your arrival in Quiberon and vehicle parking, check our recommendations [here].
Things to know before arrival
There are no ATMs on these small islands: withdraw cash in Quiberon before boarding — card payments may not be available.
Each island has a small grocery store. You can also bring a (zero waste) picnic or book a restaurant.
Respect wildlife: do not approach seabirds. These islands are bird sanctuaries.
Getting around
Houat and Hoëdic are car-free and best explored on foot.
Hiking
On both islands, hiking poles with sharp tips are not allowed.
Essential tips for a smooth island trip
Whether you’re going for a day or several nights, these simple guidelines will ensure a peaceful, comfortable, and eco-conscious experience.
Adapt your plans to the season
Shops, restaurants, and activities vary between low and high seasons.
Before you go, check municipal websites or the Tourist Office to avoid unpleasant surprises and plan better.
Waste: leave no trace
Few or no public bins: bring your waste back to the mainland or dispose of it on board.
At your accommodation, sort your waste. All plastics go in the yellow bin. Separate bio-waste and regular trash.
“Bac à marée” beach bins are only for marine litter washed ashore.
Save resources
Water and energy are precious: switch off lights, take shorter showers, and avoid waste.
Keep dogs on a leash.
Don’t pick flowers, sand or pebbles — every element helps preserve island ecosystems.
The BreizhGo Océane traveller’s checklist
✔ Accommodation booked (for longer stays)
✔ Cash for Houat & Hoëdic
✔ Shoes, water, and rubber hiking pole tips
✔ Helmet & bike lights
✔ Respect island traffic rules
✔ Waste sorted or taken back
✔ Respect local wildlife and plants
Have a great stay with BreizhGo Océane! Thank you for travelling responsibly. Together, let’s protect these unique places.