Viewpoint
Pointe des Poulains
Sauzon, Belle-Île-en-Mer · Morbihan
The jewel of north-west Belle-Île, with an 1868 lighthouse, Sarah Bernhardt’s estate and a 360° ocean view, open all year but with an islet cut off at high tide.
- Suggested time
- 2 hours to half a day.
- Type of place
- Viewpoint
- Atmosphere
- Wild, artistic and very oceanic.
- Getting there
- By road or bus, then on foot; for the lighthouse islet, you must check the tide.
Who this place suits
- With family
- 8/10
- As a couple
- 10/10
- With friends
- 9/10
- Solo
- 8/10
- With a dog
- 8/10
- Reduced mobility
- 4/10
These scores are calculated from what the page records: official rating, facilities, difficulty, duration and location. They are a guide, not a substitute for contacting the venue, especially about accessibility.
About
The Pointe des Poulains is one of Belle-Île-en-Mer’s iconic landscapes. At the far north-west of the island, it combines a wild coast, a lighthouse, Sarah Bernhardt’s former estate and a 360° view of the ocean. The lighthouse islet is free and accessible all year when the tide allows: at high tide, especially at high coefficients, it can be completely cut off. The tourist office recommends half a day to fully enjoy the site and its heritage spaces.
What you will see
- 360° views over the ocean, the wild coast and the bay of Quiberon.
- The Poulains lighthouse was built in 1868 and automated in 1987.
- The lighthouse islet is free and accessible all year, but only when the tide allows.
- The estate is closely linked to Sarah Bernhardt.
- The headland is especially recommended for sunset in autumn.
Practical information
- Address
- Pointe des Poulains, 56360 Sauzon
- Getting there
- By road or bus, then on foot; for the lighthouse islet, you must check the tide
- Public transport
- Buses to the Pointe des Poulains depending on the season; a hike from Sauzon.
- Services
- The Maison du Littoral and heritage spaces open depending on the season; limited services out of season
- Parking
- Parking near the site; buses possible from Sauzon or Le Palais depending on the season.
- Pets
- Depends on the natural and museum areas; a lead is recommended
- Accessibility
- Limited accessibility on the natural part; check the facilities at the heritage spaces.
- Pushchair
- Limited on the natural paths and the islet access
- Difficulty
- Easy to moderate; natural paths, and islet access varies with the tide
- Safety
- Check the tide before going onto the islet, and do not get cut off by the rising water
- Best time
- Late afternoon, especially in autumn, or a calm morning.
- Crowds
- Very busy in summer, quieter out of season
- Photography
- Exceptional for the lighthouse, the wild coast and sunset
- Ideal for
- Couples, photography, sunset, heritage, hiking
- Nearby
- Sauzon, the Sarah Bernhardt fort, the Maison du Littoral, the Poulains lighthouse, Ster Vraz
Tips on the spot
- Check the local weather on the day; in fog or very poor visibility, postpone if the view is your main aim.
- Come in the morning or late in the day for softer light and fewer people.
- Bring a windproof and waterproof layer: the wind makes it feel much colder.
- Wear shoes with good grip; after heavy rain, paths can be muddy or slippery.
- Never cross a fence or safety marking for a better photo, and stay back from the cliff edge in strong wind.
Show 11 more tipsHide
- With children, be especially careful near cliffs, rocks and exposed areas; keep dogs on a lead.
- Stay on the paths to limit erosion, and take all your litter home.
- Do not count on toilets at the viewpoint, and bring water if the site is isolated.
- Do not fly a drone without checking the rules, and do not disturb seabirds.
- For sunset, plan your walk back after dark and bring a small torch.
- Check the tide before leaving the car park.
- Never cross to the islet if the sea is already closing the passage.
- Come at sunset outside high season.
- Allow more time if you visit the Sarah Bernhardt space.
- On foot from Sauzon, allow about 1 h 30 for 5.5 hilly kilometres.
- In winter, be very careful with the swell and wind.
Frequently asked questions
Why is it worth the trip?
It is one of Belle-Île’s most iconic sites, remarkable in every season and especially spectacular at sunset.
What can you see from here?
A 360° view over the ocean, the wild coast and the bay of Quiberon.
What is the atmosphere like?
Wild, artistic and very oceanic.
How much time should I allow?
2 hours to half a day.
Is the site free?
Access to the viewpoint is free; some heritage visits may be paid.
Can I come with a pushchair?
Only in a limited way on the natural paths and the islet access.
Stay in Sauzon, Belle-Île-en-Mer
Places to stay that are still available, with current prices, compared across the main booking platforms.
Partner link: a booking made from this map may earn us a commission, at no extra cost to you.
Read in the journal
- Region guideWhat to do in the Gulf of MorbihanThe Île aux Moines, the Île d’Arz, the Gavrinis cairn, Port-Navalo, Locmariaquer, Vannes and Suscinio: the guide to visiting the Gulf of Morbihan, its islands and its shores.
- ChristmasWhat to do in Morbihan during the Christmas holidaysChristmas in Vannes, the Pont-Scorff light trail, Rochefort-en-Terre lit up and Carnac in winter: our ideas for the 2026 Christmas holidays in Morbihan.
- SeasonWhat to do in Morbihan during the All Saints’ holidaysThe Carnac alignments open to walk among, the Gulf of Morbihan, castles, the wild coast and Lorient: our ideas for All Saints’ 2026 in Morbihan.
Traveller reviews
Nobody has reviewed this place yet.
Photograph: Pmau · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons