Imagine a postcard island, but far from the clichés and the Caribbean. A much closer island. On the Atlantic, south of the tip of Brittany. Now that you’re there, begin to visualize a network of nature trails to cycle through, pastel-colored houses, towering cliffs, creeks with turquoise waters, old lighthouses, gigantic platters of oysters, razor clams, or mussels. This island has a name: Groix.
Groix is one of these thirty islands “druidic, mysterious, haunted” (as Guy de Maupassant writes) of the Gulf of Morbihan, which in addition to being one of the most beautiful bays in the world is protected as a regional national park by the French government. The tides punctuate the daily life of its inhabitants and their legends. Let’s not forget that we are in Brittany, a territory of Celtic origin, where tales abound, witches and mermaids, stories of fishermen kidnapped by fabulous beings, and countless souls in pain. That being said, doesn’t the old proverb say “Who sees Groix sees his joy” ? It is therefore the island of happiness where slowness and disconnection are essential.
To reach this natural refuge of almost 2,400 inhabitants (much more numerous in summer of course, because who wouldn’t want to spend their holidays here?) 8 kilometers long and 3 kilometers wide, you have to take a ferry or rent a boat from Lorient or Port-Louis, and its spectacular citadel erected by the Spanish army in the 16the century, which now houses the museum of the Compagnie des Indes. If you prefer Lorient, you can contemplate during the hour of crossing the German submarine base of the Second World War converted into museums, offices, marine research center and restaurants.
Seafood menus
The boat leaves you at Port-Tudy, a delightful marina where most of the island’s activities are concentrated, starting with its lively restaurants and their iodine-flavoured menus.