This has been my backyard for the last several years of since living in the beautiful Morbihan dept 56 of my lovely region of Bretagne. I looking back found some posts really repeated on this area so decided to merge them into one post with new text and links for you and me. This is the presqu’ïle de Quiberon or peninsula and all the way to the town of Quiberon. The Côte Sauvage or wild coast extends for about 8 km on the western part of the peninsula from the village of Portivy, in Saint-Pierre-Quiberon, to Port Maria, in Quiberon. All wonderful wild views of the Atlantic ocean ! Let me tell you again on the Côte Sauvage of Quiberon !!! Hope you enjoy the post as I.
The Côte Sauvage or wild coast occupies the western side of the peninsula of Quiberon, in the towns of Quiberon and Saint-Pierre-Quiberon (see posts). The Pointe du Percho is a rocky headland formerly known as Beg en Aud towers above cliffs roughly twenty meters high, carved into a granite base dating back over 300 million years. The Côte Sauvage (Wild Coast) stretches for about 8 km here, from the port of Portivy in the north to Château Turpault in the south. Facing due west, it bears the full brunt of Atlantic swells and prevailing winds. The result is a coastline eroded into a landscape of coves, inlets, and sculpted rock formations, all of which can be traversed via a continuous coastal path. This is the highest point on the Wild Coast, offering a panoramic view that takes in everything: to the south, Port-Blanc beach and its natural arch are visible; to the north, a succession of coves stretches all the way to Portivy (see post). On clear days, the islands of Belle-Île-en-Mer and Groix stand out against the horizon. This 360-degree panorama makes it the peninsula’s most photographed spot, at both sunrise and sunset. The surrounding heathland featuring pinks, sea thrift, heather, and gorse changes color with the seasons, completing the scenery. A small stone building known to everyone as the Customs Officers’ House.(see pic). Despite its nickname, the building never actually housed customs officers; it was a military structure linked to an artillery battery as early as the 17C. Today, the roofless walls remain, and its silhouette set against the sky stands out as the most recognizable landmark of the wild coast.
The Côte Sauvage,is managed by the Conservatoire du littoral, to offer protection and upkeep of this natural wonder, The wild coast is constantly harassed by the sea and the winds. Even in calm weather, the waves crash noisily on the steep cliffs, causing spurts of foam. Erosion has shaped countless coves, reefs, caves and arches which are only revealed at low tide. The cliffs are covered with a cushion of short grass where small pink flowers bloom: the carnation and the maritime armory.
Given its very steep relief, its dangerousness and its exposure to the prevailing winds , the Côte Sauvage has remained in its natural state, except for occupations dating from the Prehistory (Port-Blanc dolmens, barred spur of Pointe de Beg in Aud, a few occasional uses (the former customs house, now in ruins, at Pointe du Percho; former military ground at Kergroix, and the converted fishpond at the beginning of the 20C to store shellfish (a café-restaurant Le Vigier now occupies the site see post) in Beg ar Goalennec. You will be delighted with the sights along the narrow coastal road to discover the Côte Sauvage taking the coastal road dotted with numerous parking areas and follow the coastal path.
The Côte Sauvage or wild coast is a cliffs hanging zigzagging road with beautiful views of the Atlantic ocean below you and passing by what was the famous WWII Atlantic Wall that the Nazis tried to hold on the possible invasions which as you know was not enough thanks God. At Portivy, at the Port Blanc is a picturesque and nice quant old fashion. The road here is number D186A and changes with names but no matter you just keep going slowly, of course in Summer is a bit crowded but plenty of parking for free along the road to enjoy the sights. The D186A is also, call the Route Cotiére or coastal road. The views here of the ocean and the force of the waves hitting the rock is impressive and the fresh sea air wonderful. It started out as a bit rainy and cloudy and finish very warm and sunny with all kinds of ocean activities going on from kites to surfing ,boating and rock climbing.
The way if coming from Vannes is to take the N165 direction Brest and get off at exit/sortie 33 for Quiberon on the road D768 direction Quiberon. Passing Plouharnel you entered into the isthmus passing on your right the museum of the war of the west (see post) and the railroad track of the tire-bouchon train (from Auray open in summers). You continue on the D768 and passing several earlier beaches such as Mané and Mentor; you passed the Fort de Penthiévre (see posts) on your right hand side and the ocean beaches. Awesome. You take right by Portivy and follow signs for the Côte Sauvage. Here you can see the Port de Portivy but very narrow streets if not used to driving skip and continue direction Côte Sauvage now on the road D186 A. By Porz Stang the coastal ride really begins. You passed by the memorial to lifesavers at sea and the sights of the cliffs begins. Several parking or stops are available along the road to view the magnificent views of the cliffs. You can even have a wonderful seafood meal at the Les Viviers restaurant (see post) our favoirte we stopped there often for oysters and muscadet white wine. And you continue along the wild coast or Côte Sauvage, the splendid wonderful ride along the edge of the Atlantic ocean. You see the approach to the Castle of Turpault (see post) a private property and the entry into Quiberon, and then the quai de Houat with pleasure boats and the SNSM lifesavers house that protect you from casualties at sea and the fisherman cooperative ,than the Port Maria beach and the gare maritime or cruisers passenger terminal (see post). Here you stopped or go around Port Maria as the road to the Grande Plage (see post) or big beach is off from vehicular traffic. You have reach the beach front of Quiberon with its shops, restos ,and bars to fully enjoy the sea, wonderful and sublime our ending point always.
The local Bay of Quiberon tourist office on the côte sauvage : https://www.baiedequiberon.co.uk/the-wild-coast-of-quiberon
The conservatory of the littoral on the côte sauvage : https://www.conservatoire-du-littoral.fr/siteLittoral/220/28-cote-sauvage-56_morbihan.htm
The town of Quiberon on the côte sauvage : https://www.ville-quiberon.fr/quiberon-cote-cote-sauvage/
There you go folks a wonderful natural area we enjoy a lot, Give a try and you too will come here often this is life, and it is short so breath the ocean pure air ! Again, hope you enjoy this post on the Côte Sauvage of Quiberon !!! as I
And remember, happy travels, good health, and many cheers to all !!!
