South Brittany

[seeleys]

We are a group of 3 sailing boats 32-40 feet planning 2-3 weeks cruising South Brittany in August. I have heard that mooring might be problematic during the French hols. Is this the case in anyone's experience?
Thanks

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, seeleys.

[Hydra]

Welcome in CruisersForum, seeleys

Yes, South Brittany is a bit crowded in summer. But it's generally possible to obtain a berth in marinas, provided you arrive early enough. Sometimes, you will have to raft up, even on mooring balls.

For example, that's the case in River Belon: there are 3 big steel mooring buoys, between which you moor bow and stern, alongside with 2 or 3 other yachts.

Some very popular mooring areas are full by mid-afternoon. That's the case in Glénan archipelago. Depending on the tide, some moorings might also not be deep enough for 40' yachts.

It's the same for some anchorages, e.g. on the coast of Belle-Île when the weather is suitable. The other weekend, the anchorage where I intended to go appeared crowed. There were 4 yachts in the one I finally chose, another arrived after us.

Maybe we will meet when you come cruising...

Alain

[Pete7]

As Alain says it will be busy in August which is the traditional French holiday period. However, many of the marinas will do there very best to squeeze you in somewhere and certainly we have never had a problem.

Enjoy, a superb sailing area and the Gulf of Morbihan impressive

Our favourites are La Turballe, Piriac and Croisic

Pete

[Hydra]

Sometimes in summer, Port Tudy in Groix and Le Palais in Belle-Île are completely full. In that case, they broadcast a message on VHF channel 9 (working channel for marinas in France).

Most of Le Croisic dries at low tide, even the marina. It's OK for one OVNI 365 but I'm not sure if there will be enough room there for three 40' visiting yachts.

Alain