"Le Palais" (the residents of Belle-Ile say "Palais") is the main activity center of Belle-Ile (shops, public services, etc.). The Palais harbour is the entry port when you come from Quiberon with your car (there are some other summer links with Sauzon, but only for passengers without cars). Palais is also a very popular harbour for pleasure boats in summertime. Every ship arrival is a source of activity for Palais and the streets around the harbour are very busy.

The town of Palais is dominated by the Vauban citadel overhanging the harbour. (Click here to get a high definition aerial view of the citadel)

(Click on the small pictures to enlarge them. Some pictures are available in high definition (about 1600x1200 pixels): click on the link "(High definition)" to open them.


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Boats in the harbour of Palais
Panoramic view of Palais harbour

28 July, 2010: old ships meeting in the harbour of Palais:

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22 and 23 July, 2008: old ships meeting in the harbour of Palais:


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Fest-noz with Capstern

 



Palais harbour entrance

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Arrival of the "Vindilis" shuttle ship at Palais.
The Vauban citadel dominates the town.
The harbour.
Inside the harbour.

The outer harbour.

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The beaching harbour, and the Leblanc quay.

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The beaching harbour at low tide.

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Harbour entrance

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The cruise ship Sea Cloud II in front of the harbour.

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Call of the cruise ship Sea Cloud II.

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Some keys to decode the local toponimy

     
         
   
 
The harbour, seen from the " Bourdelle" pier. You can see, on the wall of the citadel, the white stone which shows the place where the Englishmen opened a gap in the wall of the stronghold in 1761.
The beaching harbour in the evening. Other views from the ramparts of the citadel.    
Unusual formerly picture of Palais


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The " Belem" in front of Palais, May 2007
Another picture of the "Belem", May 2007

March 2007, preparation of the race Belle-Ile-en-Mer --- Marie-Galante.
28 boats Bénéteau 2 (Figaro class) gather in the harbour of Palais.



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November 2004, the Thalassa team (French TV) comes to Belle-Ile with the Marité.
Here are some pictures of the visit of this three-masted ship to Palais.

November 11th, 2004: the Marité comes in the harbour of Palais
The Marité in front of the Vauban citadel
Palais beaching harbour, at high tide.
When passing the tide gate, the margin is very limited.
The Marité moored at the Gambetta quay.
November 12th evening: Thalassa TV show from Belle-Ile
November 13th: the Marité sets out to Saint-Nazaire

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Two small beaches are located in the south of Palais: "Ramonet" and "les Armels", and some other beaches are located in the north of the citadel: beach of the "Soldats", of the "Colons" and of the "Curés" (there are two beaches of the "Curés": this one, on the north of Palais, and another one near the Port-Coton needles).

More in the south, along the road leading to Bordardoué and Samzun, you will find the beach of Port Guen in a small valley.

Beach of Ramonet
Beach of "Les Armels"
Beach of Port Guen
Beach of "Les Soldats"
Beach of "Les Colons"
Beach of "Les Curés"

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

De Goulphar à l'île Bangor De Goulphar à l'île Bangor Pointe des Poulains Aiguilles de Port-Coton Plage de Donnant De Donnant au Grand Guet De Goulphar à l'île Bangor De Goulphar à l'Ile Bangor De Goulphar à l'île Bangor De l'île Bangor à Porh Gwenn De Porh Gwenn à Kastel Brand De Kastel Brand au Skeul Du Skeul à Kerzo De Kerzo à La Biche De La Biche à la pointe Bugul De La Biche à la pointe Bugul De la pointe Bugul à Port Guen De la pointe Bugul à Port Guen Le Palais Des Curés à Port Jean Sauzon Sauzon De Fri Mez à Kerledan De Kerledan à Donnant De Baguen Hir à Fri Mez