I went out today to see some of the coastal towns of my lovely Brittany , both in Finistére dept 29 and Morbihan my dept 56. We have come here before but as usual is this land of gems, time is not enough. So we had time and came back for a bit more of its beach ambiance and great food lovely views and discoveries. This is Guidel plage or Guidel Beach but as always here there is also a Guidel simple , the bourg or administrative part.
Guidel is located in the coastal area of the dept 56 of Morbihan,my home. It borders the Atlantic ocean, limited to the west by the Laïta river which marks the border with the Finistère dept 29. All in Brittany, of course!
A seaside resort of the coast of megaliths, its coastline has several sandy beaches. Which are big soft sand and great! It is currently included in the area of Lorient, and is part of Lorient agglomeration. With an area of 52.29 km2, it ranks among the largest town of the Morbihan. It is bordered to the west by the Laïta river which marks the boundary with the neighbouring Dept 29 of Finistère and to the south by the Atlantic Ocean. The town of Guidel, (the bourg) which serves as the capital, is the most important settlement. It occupies a central position within the towns limits. To the south, at the mouth of the Laita river, a large secondary settlement was developed, Guidel-Plages (which is heavens) . To the north, the village of Locmaria, constitutes a secondary agglomeration. The town of Guidel is located at about 10 km west of Lorient and 10 km south of Quimperlé. It is about 40 km (25 mi)from my house!
The maritime façade of Guidel stretches 4 km long from the mouth of the Laita river to the Fort du Loc’h. The coastline consists of long beaches: the beach of the Bas Pouldu or Guidel-Plages, located at the mouth of the Laita river are great! ; the Fort du Loc’h beach, and the Fort Bloqué beach. These beaches are separated by rocky areas with low cliffs. The beaches of Guidel are a surfing spot. They are among the ten most favorable sites for the practice of this sport in Brittany.
Plages TV on the Beaches of Guidel
Great for boaters too , a nice marina, more info here: Ports of Lorient country, on the marina of Guidel
The town of Guidel has a multitude of monuments, such as the tumulus of Kerméné, the Fort du Loc’h, as well as remnants of WWII bunkers. It has several other tumulus, dolmen and menhirs. The Chapel of Saint-Mathieu , located in the district of Saint-Mathieu and whose characters and phylactery of the outer wall of the south transept are protected relics here. The Church of St. Peter and St. Paul ; 19C; partially rebuilt after WWII. The Chapel of the Madeleine: the present Chapel dates from 1883, but on the site of an ancient chapel dating from the 18C of which only the small steeple was preserved, having probably replaced an older Chapel, reserved for lepers. The chapels bearing the name “La Madeleine ” are for this reason built away from the agglomerations. The Chapel has statues of St. Anne, St. Herbot and St. Magdalene, as well as a painting; Mary Magdalene in front of the Lord’s feet. It has as well several other Chapels. Some info below
The city of Guidel on its heritage
Tourist office of Lorient south Brittany on Guidel heritage
The beach is it here, and oh so nice, in good weather they can compete with any anywhere and I have been to some. This are wide extensive sandy, protected bay, and pretty sand dunes all around you not to mention the wonderful restaurants and bars lively daytime and nightime! We have settle on one Le Roof. Brasserie Le Roof invites you to a relaxing and refreshing break. On the large terrace, with breathtaking views of the sea and in the shade of the immense maritime pines propose, noon and evening, to enjoy in all conviviality and with the feet in the water the indispensable mussels-fries, the speciality of the house, but also grilled sardines, fish and chips , omelettes, cheeseburgers, mixed salads and ice creams. And a nice Grimbergen brassin de printemps or spring brewing beer ! Open from 9h to 24h, seven days a week. A very pleasant place already couple times here all wonderful. More in their Facebook page here: Facebook page of Le Roof of Guidel plage
And of course ice creams galore at La Caramella kiosk right on the beach!
The Guidel are nice and surrounded by gigantic sandy beaches, Guidel Plage welcomes you for a relaxing seaside retreat. For a refreshing swim, you will be spoilt for choice between the beach of the Pouldu (best), that of the Falaise, that of the Loc’h or that of Fort-Bloqué. Thanks to the beach clubs, you can try all sorts of nautical activities from windsurfing to kayaking. A wide range of sports is at your disposal. Do not miss to visit the mouth of the Laita, this coastal Bay stretches between the Marina and the bridge of Saint-Maurice winding along a river of 15 km of litoral with irregular curves. like I said you will be in heavens.
And remember, happy travels, good health, and many cheers to all!!
Paris1972-Versailles2003 