Yacht charter Lorient

  By Agathe LAMIGEON

February 15, 2022

Reading time: 10 minutes

Contents

1. Practical information for your sailboat charter from the port of Lorient
2. What is there to do in the city of Lorient?
3. Where to sail in Southern Brittany?
4. The most beautiful anchorages in the Morbihan islands
5. The best activities for enjoying southern Brittany
6. What sailing itineraries should you follow?
7. What are the weather conditions in Lorient?

"Southern Brittany is a very beautiful place for sailing. The coast is complicated, there are many islands, it's perfect for elaborate navigation! The tides and the wind are stronger than in the Mediterranean, which means you don't have to use the engine much. You always find your wind in the Atlantic, which is very pleasant," says Pierre, a Filovent customer who sailed a Pogo 8.50 in August.

Located in the heart of"Sailing Valley", Lorient is a sailor's paradise! A regatta starting point, vibrant to the rhythm of its many nautical events, it is the ideal point of departure for setting a course for the islands of Southern Brittany and immersing yourself in Breton culture.

There's no doubt that you 'll have fun (which means "have a good time" in Breton) during this unique getaway with family, friends or your sweetheart!

1. Practical information for your sailboat charter from the port of Lorient

What styles of boats are available for charter?

Set sail from the port of Lorient in the heart of the city on board one of the 85 boats available, the vast majority of which are boats with one hull (90%) and very few catamarans (5%). It is possible to choose a short-term charter to explore one or two islands for a weekend, but in high season (July/August), charters are only available on a weekly basis.

In view of the high tidal coefficient (5 meters), we advise you to opt for a beachable sailboat. Choose one with either a biquille, a retractable keel or a centerboard, so as to have more freedom.

"The choice of boat really depends on what the customer wants to do. For boaters who want to go up rivers, I recommend boats with lifting keels. In my opinion, the RM Yachts and Mojitos are the most suitable for sailing in the region," advises our partner rental company Iloria Bretagne.

But above all, make your choice according to your preferences and your budget. It's your vacation, treat yourself!

Average prices according to the season and the size of the boat

The table below gives you an idea of the average prices of boats. These prices may vary depending on the season, availability, model, age of the boat, etc

What license do I need?

Sailing is open to everyone in France! A boat license is compulsory to drive a motorboat, but not to skipper a sailboat. For a vacation at the side of the boat, you will need to fill in your nautical CV proving that you have sufficient experience. In concrete terms, you must have already skippered units similar to the one you are renting, or have completed internships as a skipper on this type of boat.

You can either decide to set off with a professional skipper, or skipper your boat yourself.

The port of Lorient

Welcome to sailing paradise! Lorient harbour, in the heart of the "Sailing Valley", has a high concentration of water sports activities. Long known as the"city of five ports", it is now part of the leading shipbuilding hub in Europe.

A city known for its numerous regattas and nautical events, boaters can also immerse themselves in this sailing culture by renting their boat at the port of Lorient, with modern and well-equipped facilities to meet all your needs. It is spread over 3 different sites and the pleasure craft activity is licensed to the Lorient agglomeration. In all, it has more than 3,600 berths!

It is very easy to get to Lorient. Trains leave all day from Paris and arrive in 3 hours in the charming Breton port city.

Our local partners

We have teamed up with the best local professional boat rental companies to offer you a wonderful Celtic experience! Our main partners from Lorient, and also the most appreciated by our customers, are Atlantique Concept Voile, Iloria Bretagne and Bretagne Yachting.

• Atlantique Concept Voile has specialized in multihull charters since 1995. The slogan"Sail your dreams"says a lot about their promise! This charter company is one of our best partners for all destinations, as it obtains an incredible score of 19.67/20 from our customers who have sailed from Lorient. As exclusive distributors of the Lagoon brand, you are sure to find what you are looking for among the catamarans available to you at this base.
• Iloria Bretagne combines pleasure and safety so that you can leave the port feeling relaxed and with a thirst for discovery on board one of their 37 boats from Lorient. Our customers really appreciate this rental company for its warm proximity to boaters as well as its wide choice of renowned brands such as Dufour, Beneteau and Jeanneau. They give it the very good rating of 16.84/20.
• Bretagne Yachting is also enormously popular with our customers, who have given it a wonderful score of 18.64/20. It only offers 8 boats for setting course for the Morbihan islands, but will win you over with its typically Breton character and the quality of its service.

2. What is there to do in the city of Lorient?

Lorient's love of the sea is nothing new! It all began in 1666, when the East India Company decided to set up its shipyard on the Faouëdic peninsula, marking the beginnings of Lorient. Today, this charming port city has become an impressive maritime interface that welcomes thousands of pleasure boaters every year.

The curious in searchof authenticity will be delighted to learn that this city will transport you and make you live the Breton way thanks to its gastronomy, its unique architecture and its magnificently exotic landscapes. With the labels of"City of Art and History"and"Remarkable Sites and Cities", historians among you will be able to contemplate the beauty of its historical monuments such as the Goulphar lighthouse, the Notre-Dame-de-Becquerel Chapel and the Notre-Dame-de-Paradis church.

"I recommend that yachtsmen take a trip to the Eric Tabarly museum, which is very interesting for learning more about sailing. There is also the German submarine military base which is really great to visit, it has bunkers dating from the Second World War, great for history lovers", informs me our partner Iloria Bretagne. "Also go and discover the East India Company museum, as well as being truly captivating, it offers you a view of Port Louis just opposite", he adds.

Lovers of Celtic culture will surely already be aware of the Interceltic Festival, which brings together 11 nations of Celtic origin every year for ten days at the beginning of August. This grandiose event is the most important Breton and French festival, with more than 750,000 spectators at each edition. There's nothing better than having fun to immerse yourself in a new culture! Meet the locals and share a glass of good cider to the sound of bagpipes. Yec'hed mat (Brittany for "cheers"!

These visits and festivities will certainly have worked up an appetite. Breton gastronomy is simple and delicious, something to delight young and old alike! Wander through the charming streets of the city center in search of a table in a crêperie. Taste the traditional buckwheat galettes and finish on a sweet note with the famous crêpe with salted butter caramel. If you still have room, enjoy the excellent Kougn Amann, the famous Breton butter cake.

"If you want to have a drink in a great atmosphere, I recommend the bar'Le Tour du Monde'at the port of Kernevel, and also the bar at the Lorient sailing club before Groix. The pub"Shamrock"is great too, as is the"Benbow", advises Jordan, sales technician at our partner rental company Bretagne Yachting. "As for restaurants, the best are the one at the port de la Base and"L'Optimiste"at the port de Kernevel," he adds.

3. Where to sail in southern Brittany?

Easily accessible by transport and pleasant all year round, this region attracts many yachtsmen, whether to unwind for a weekend before returning to work, or for a longer, exotic vacation. There are many possibilities from Lorient and you will have the opportunity to discover everything if you leave for a week. However, if you are only going on a romantic weekend cruise , you willonly have time to visitone or two islands. Don't panic, we are here to guide you and help you choose which island is right for you!

"It seems to me that you can discover quite a few beautiful places in 5 days. If you choose aweek-long charter, you can go further afield, to Belle-île-en-Mer or the Glénan Islands, for example. You'll also have time to discover the Gulf of Morbihan", says our charter partner Iloria Bretagne.

"I strongly recommend that boaters stay at least a week. We are located in the middle of southern Brittany and there are so many ports of call to see that it would be a shame to miss out on splendid getaways by limiting yourself to just 3 days," advises Jordan from Bretagne Yachting.

The island of Groix

"Whoever sees Groix, sees its joy," wrote François-René de Chateaubriand, a great name in French literature.

The second largest island in Brittany,the island of Groix, 45 minutes by boat from Lorient, is a jewel among the islands of Southern Brittany and is part of the European network of protected areas"Natura 2000".

For a weekend change of scenery, forget the stress and get on your bike to explore the 40 kilometers of cycle paths. If you prefer to take your time and stop regularly to enjoy the surrounding nature, set off on foot along the 27 kilometers of coastal paths. Cyclists can meet up with walkers at the cliff of Trou de l'Enfer, which looks as if it has been cleaved by an axe.

Lose yourself in the small villages with their pretty stone houses, admire the charming ports and lighthouses and marvel at the wild beaches. Far from the superficiality of the big cities, treat yourself to a moment of swimming in a unique natural environment on the beach of Grands Sables. Its dreamy setting of white sand and crystal clear water will make you dive in as if in a dream. Groix is undoubtedly one of the 10 most beautiful islands in Brittany.

To find out more about the origins of this picturesque island, we invite you to visit its ecomuseum. Still thirsty for history? Go and discover its many relics from the Paleolithic era, the Viking period and the Second World War.

"I invite you to have a drink at the island's legendary bar,'Tti Beudeff', less than five minutes' foot from the port," Jordan from Bretagne Yachting tells me.

Belle-île-en-Mer

You're probably wondering which is the largest of the Breton islands? It's Belle-île-en-Mer. But that's not all, it's also the largest mainland island after Corsica. As well as being gigantic, it is of unparalleled beauty, hence its name! A perfect combination of dizzying cliffs and charming little colorful houses, it will never cease to amaze you.

This Breton jewel deserves more than a day's visit. We recommend berthing in the commune of Le Palais, home to more than half of the islanders. Visit the Vauban citadel and its history museum during the day and mingle with the locals to party in the evening. You won't be disappointed by the atmosphere!

In order to discover as much as possible, I advise you to rent a car for the afternoon, it will cost you around USD60, to go all the way around the island. You will have time to see everything and even linger in front of breathtaking landscapes such as the poetic Pointe des Poulains, at the extreme west of the island, or the impressive Aiguilles de Port-Coton. Budding artists will recognize the painting by the famous painter Claude Monet,"The Pyramids of Port-Coton, wild sea". Take the opportunity to have a picnic in a picture postcard setting, weather permitting.

If you're not pressed for time, take a bike ride along the sublime paths on the side of the boat between the four communes: Bangor, Locmaria, Le Palais and Sauzon. We strongly advise you to sit down at a café terrace in Sauzon to take advantage of the sunbathing mattresses in front of the pastel-colored houses and appreciate the incomparable calm. No noise pollution on the horizon!

Pay a visit to the island's beekeepers, who will be delighted to show you their work and let you taste their products. Perfect for food lovers, but also for their children, who will learn more about bees.

The Gulf of Morbihan

The Gulf of Morbihan is a must-see during a cruise in Southern Brittany. This archipelago of about 40 islands and islets has many mooring points, each more wonderful than the last. The two best known, but also the largest, islands are Île-aux-Moines and the îles d'Arz.

You can't visit the Gulf of Morbihan without passing through the medieval town of Vannes. Stroll along the ramparts once intended to protect the town, and admire the beautiful flower gardens. Lose yourself in the streets in search of authenticity and, if you look up at the magnificent half-timbered houses near Saint-Pierre Cathedral, you'll see that Vannes has 170 of them! Pay close attention to the details! Vannes and his wife are carved on one of them. Send them a pok ("kiss" in Breton) and treat yourself to regional products at the market on Wednesday and Sunday mornings.

Then change tack and head back to your boat towardsÎle aux Moines. This island is not the haunt of the region's monks, but was the property of the monks of the Abbey of Saint-Sauveur in Redon, hence its name! Some would assume that it is so named because of its cross shape. This island is made for sports enthusiasts. Everything is in place for fantastic hikes or bike rides, which you can rent at the landing stage. A nice little stroll through the old town will make you forget all your worries! Stroll through the flower-filled alleys and admire the charming fishermen's houses.

The wild islandof Arz is also called"the island of the Captains"because the majority of its inhabitants worked in the Merchant and Royal Navy. A true oasis for walkers, its coastal path goes all the way around the island and offers incomparable points of view over the Gulf of Morbihan. After a good walk, bask in the sun on one of the island's many beaches and enjoy the water, which is 2°C warmer than the Atlantic.

History buffs will undoubtedly want to go back in time by going tothe island of Gavrinis to enter the cairn. If you enjoyed it, you can repeat the experience at the Petit Mont cairn at the end of Port du Crouesty.

Don't leave the gulf without tasting the oysters from an oyster farm, you won't regret it!

The breathtaking beauty of the Morbihan landscapes (youtube video)

The Glénan Islands

Want to feel like you're in the tropics? Apart from the outside temperature and the water temperature,the Glénan archipelago looks the part! Its 9 sandy islets surround a shallow, transparent sea with white sand, making it a paradise. It's the ideal day trip, where you can admire the magnificent Glénan daffodils, threatened with extinction, without touching the seabed.

"I loved the Glénan! Everything seems surreal, between the shape of the islands, the lighthouses and the color of the water, it's quite amazing," Pierre, who sailed on a Pogo 8.50, tells me.

An island not to be missed is Saint-Nicolas. Numerous mooring buoys are available for only around USD20 a night. No more excuses for not having an anchored boat there! Sublime hiking trails on wooden planks invite you to take a 1-kilometer tour of the island. The view of the inland sea is breathtaking, so take the opportunity to take photos with family, friends or lovers. Something to keep as a nice memory!

Lie on the white sand and think of the Seychelles while your children take a lesson at the famous sailing school. They'll be just as good a skipper as you! And why not learn a new discipline yourself? After relaxing all day, why not take the opportunity to try scuba diving at the world-renowned center.

Quiberon

A little Breton paradise close to the coast, the Quiberon peninsula is full of magnificent anchorages well sheltered from the wind. Known as a playground for numerous water sports, you will have the choice between surfing, sailing, kite-surfing and sand yachting, so let yourself be tempted by your desire of the moment.

When the fun's over, it's time to explore! I can recommend three places to discover. Brittany is known for its many megalithic sites. The Goalennec menhir is an impressive testament to this era that will make you wonder a lot about this period. Then walk to the Port-Haliguen lighthouse, which now exhibits works of art. Fall under the spell of this pretty marina, which has 1,200 berths for pleasure boaters. You can then head to the center of Quiberon and pick up a little something to eat to enjoy on your walk. In my opinion, you can't be in the open sea without going to the extreme south at the Pointe du Conguel. You will feel like you are at the end of the world, and a wonderful feeling of freedom will immediately wash over you! The early risers among you can go there at dawn to catch a glimpse of a magnificent sunrise.

4. The most beautiful anchorages in the Morbihan islands

"The Morbihan islands are very attractive and their anchorages are all delightful and pleasant. My favorites are on the island of Glénan, its anchorages are extremely appealing," says Iloria Bretagne, a boat rental company.

La Pie

Located on the island of Glénan, the anchorage of La Pie is not only splendid, but also well sheltered from all winds! Easily accessible, it lies between the islands of St Nicolas and Bananec. "At low tide, a spit of sand allows you to cross from one to the other on foot," our partner Iloria Bretagne tells me.

La Chambre

With its tropical sailing trim, crystal-clear water and white sand, the anchorage at La Chambre is a must on the Île des Glénan. It is even considered the best anchorage in the archipelago, due to the fact that it is well sheltered from all winds at low tide. You can catch a glimpse of pretty waves at high tide!

The port of Saint Nicolas

"The port of Saint Nicolas, on the island of Groix, is an excellent anchorage. It is nestled between cliffs, which means it is well sheltered from the wind. It is a fairly small place and it is really nice there, you get the impression of being in a sort of mini harbor," Jordan from the rental company Bretagne Yachting tells me.

The port of Sauzon

To set off to discover Belle-île-en-Mer, our partner Iloria Bretagne advises you to moor at the pretty port of Sauzon. "It's a pretty fishing port, very flowery and picturesque with charming pastel-colored houses," he tells me.

It is the island's second port, located in the northwest, just 7 kilometers from the Palace. Come and enjoy the peaceful surroundings while having a coffee on the terrace and observe the work of the artisans in the town's shops.

The Blue Beach

On the islandof Hoedic (pronounced "hedic"), fall in love with the blue beach. Believe me, you won't want to leave! Berth at the port of Argol in the north and take a tour of this tiny, fairly flat island. Then visit Fort Louis-Philippe, observe the Menhir de la Vierge and then eat a crepe while lounging on the fine sand!

The Merrien inlet

"I strongly advise you to have your boat anchored in the Merrien estuary, where it will be as if it were in a green setting. You will find yourself in a splendid, very wild and exotic environment. You can quietly enjoy the calm by listening to the sound of nature," Iloria Bretagne, a boat rental company, tells me.

Hiking enthusiasts will be in their element! Stroll along the shore and feel a sense of pure happiness. For young and old alike, the Quimperlé Terre Océane Tourist Office offers activities such as orienteering to discover the Bois de Plaçamen, so you can have fun with family or friends!

Stern Vern

This secret anchorage, little known to the general public, is located on Belle-Île-en-Mer. A few nautical miles from Sauzon, Stern Vern is a wild cove nestled between two cliffs. For seasoned sailors, be warned that it is very difficult to get an anchored boat in there! But the view and the peace and quiet are well worth the effort.

The port of Brigneau

"The port of Brigneau is not too busy and is of incomparable splendor. You will love the shades of color you will find, blue or green, it's magnificent!" our partner Iloria Bretagne tells me. Immerse yourself in a marvelous 100% Breton postcard setting!

5. The best activities to enjoy southern Brittany

Hiking

"I recommend that customers take a stroll along the coast on the GR 34. You can start from the port of Merrien and walk as far as Brigneau, it's a superb walk! What's more, you'll find excellent restaurants on the way that serve local seafood. I recommend trying the typical dishes atthehighly renowned"Chez Jacky",in the middle of the wooded banks of Bélon. You will feel like you're in a whole new world!", says our partner Iloria Bretagne.

"You can go hiking on the island of Groix, renowned for its long paths offering sublime views," Jordan from Bretagne Yachting tells me.

"I already knew the region a little and I loved discovering it in more depth during my 3-week cruise," says Jérôme, a Filovent customer, who sailed on board a Dehler 32. "My best memory, in addition to the dolphins in the open sea off Guilvinec, is the walks in Port-la-Forêt. It wasn't too crowded, it was perfect!", he adds.

"We went around the island of Groix on foot for half a day. There are some very pleasant paths to explore," Pierre, who sailed in August, tells me.

Ideas for paths to follow on a hike on Belle-Île-en-Mer (youtube video)

Cycling

"You can also rent a bike and go all the way around the island of Groix in a day, it's really great!" Jordan from Bretagne Yachting tells me.

"We did a superb tour of Belle-Île-en-Mer by bike. We went from the Pointe des Poulains to the Aiguilles de Port-Coton, passing through charming little villages. We then left our bikes at the Palais, but also in Sauzon, a beautiful port," Pierre tells me.

Diving and spearfishing

"You can go diving from the island of Groix to observe the wonderful seabed of the region," advises Jordan from Bretagne Yachting.

"I recommend veering off to go underwater fishing. It goes perfectly with sailing and you'll have a great time having fun in magical settings like Belle-île-en-Mer," advises Iloria Bretagne, the boat rental company.

Discovering the local gastronomy

"As soon as we moored at a port, we would immediately go and have lunch at a seafood restaurant in the port," says Pierre, who sailed in August. "We tried several in Le Palais and Groix, and we ate really well! The Yachtman in Lorient is excellent, we went there on the way there and back on the way back," he adds.

6. What sailing itineraries should you follow?

One-week sailing itinerary proposed by Iloria Bretagne - Total distance: 125 nautical miles

• Day 1: Lorient → Groix Island, at Port Tudy or at the anchorage at Lochmaria (7 nautical miles)
• Day 2: Groix → Belle-Île-en-Mer, at Sauzon or Le Palais (20 nautical miles)
• Day 3: Belle-Île-en-Mer at the Stern Vern anchorage (4 nautical miles)
• Day 4: Belle-Île-en-Mer → Houat (14 nautical miles)
• Day 5: Houat → Les Glénan (47 nautical miles)
• Day 6: Les Glénan → a ria such as Merrien, Aven, Belon, Brigneau or Doëlan (15 nautical miles)
• Day 7: Ria → Lorient (18 nautical miles)

Eight-day sailing itinerary proposed by Bretagne Yachting - Total distance: 162 nautical miles

• Day 1: Lorient → Groix (7 nautical miles)
• Day 2: Groix → Southern Finistère, such as Bénodet, Sainte Marine or Loctudy (31 nautical miles)
• Day 3: Southern Finistère → The Glénan Islands (11 nautical miles)
• Day 4: The Glénan Islands → Belle-Île-en-Mer (40 nautical miles)
• Day 5: Discover Belle-Île-en-Mer by car
• Day 6: Belle-Île-en-Mer → Houat, Hoëdic or the Gulf of Morbihan (22 nautical miles)
• Day 7: Houat, Hoëdic or the Gulf of Morbihan → Groix (40 nautical miles)
• Day 8: Groix → Lorient (11 nautical miles)

Sailing itinerary for six days, as sailed by Pierre - Total distance: 84 nautical miles

• Day 1: Lorient → Groix (7 nautical miles)
• Day 2: Groix → Belle-Île-en-Mer (24 nautical miles)
• Day 3: Belle-Île-en-Mer → Houat (11 nautical miles)
• Day 4: Houat → Belle-Île-en-Mer (11 nautical miles)
• Day 5: Belle-Île-en-Mer → Groix (24 nautical miles)
• Day 6: Groix → Lorient (7 nautical miles)

7. What are the weather conditions in Lorient?

The biggest cliché about Brittany is that the weather is always bad. Put away your umbrellas and preconceptions, this region has beautifulsunny summer days!

It is generally cold in Brittany, but in June, July, August and even September, the air temperature is around 20 ºC and 25 ºC. We agree that it is not a tropical climate, but it is still quite good and pleasant!

As for thewater temperature, on the other hand, it's best not to be chilly. It is one of the coldest regions, reaching a low maximum of 15°C to 18°C from June to October. The hardest part is getting started, but after swimming a few lengths, I promise you'll feel great. What's more, cool water is excellent for blood circulation!

Southern Brittany is not a playground for beginners; it is important to know how to navigate very well in order to venture there safely. It is better to know how to maneuver well and have the right reflexes in the face of the strong wind, tides and currents in Brittany. Relatively strong currents mean strong tidal coefficients. In southern Brittany, they are 1 or 2 knots.

There are two prevailing winds that come from the west. You should beware of both, which blow at wind force 4 or 5 all year round ! The Suroît, which comes from the southwest, and the Noroît, which comes from the northwest. Careful! If you talk to a Breton about the "Suroît", make sure you say you're talking about the wind, because the name is also used to refer to the cocked hat worn by fishermen.

"I recommend that future yachtsmen come and sail in the region from June to September, as the temperatures are very pleasant," Iloria Bretagne tells me. "July and August are the sunniest months. On the other hand, if you are looking for peace and quiet, come and sail in June or September." Jordan from Bretagne Yachting confirms this: "The months of May, June and September are the best compromise between good weather and fewer people."

Acknowledgements

I would like to thank Jérôme and Pierre for their testimonials, which have helped to give authenticity to this content. Many thanks also to Jordan and a member of theIloria Bretagne staff for their valuable professional advice.