Theisland of Houat is a small island in Brittany, off the south coast of the Quiberon peninsula in the Morbihan department. It is part of the Houat and Hoëdic archipelago and lies around 15 km from the coast, opposite the town of Quiberon. To the south of Houat are three uninhabited granite islets: Beg Pell, Beg Creiz and Beg Tost. To the south-east of Houat is the Passage des Sœurs, a dangerous passage that separates the island from Hoëdic because it is shallow and strewn with rocks, and the Chaussée de l'Île aux chevaux, which separates Houat from Île aux Chevaux,

The island of Houat is home to 210 inhabitants, known as the Houatais, and covers an area of 2.91km2.

The island is renowned for its rugged beauty, peaceful atmosphere and impressive scenery, with fine sandy beaches, steep cliffs and typically Mediterranean vegetation.

The geography of the island of Houat

The island of Houat is around 3.3 km long and 1.5 km wide. It is relatively small, which contributes to its unspoilt and intimate character. The island's terrain is varied, with fine sandy beaches on the east coast and more rugged cliffs and rocks on the west coast.

The island can be reached by boat from Quiberon, Port-Louis or Vannes, with crossings taking around 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on departure times. There are also ferry links during the tourist season, but the island is less popular than other Breton islands such as Belle-Île and Groix.

The history and culture of the island of Houat

The island of Houat has a rich history, marked by fishing and sailing. Small hamlets have sprung up on the island, with typical fishermen's houses and traditional stone buildings. The village of Saint-Gildas, located on the south coast of the island, is its only village and port, and is home to the majority of its inhabitants.

The island has a strong maritime tradition, with a long history of fishing for sardines, cod and other fish. For centuries, the island of Houat was home to subsistence farming and cattle rearing, as sheep and goats were not much appreciated by the islanders. Today, this activity has all but disappeared.

Today, the island is a popular destination for lovers of nature and tranquillity, with controlled development and a strong desire to preserve the natural environment. Tourism is discreet and respectful, allowing the island to retain its authenticity.

Interesting sites and activities on the island of Houat

The island of Houat is a real haven of peace and offers a range of activities for visitors:

• Hiking: The island is perfect for walkers, with paths criss-crossing the island and offering spectacular views of the sea. Walking around the island is a classic itinerary, taking in the beaches, cliffs and small fishing ports.
• Beaches: The island has several magnificent beaches, including Plage des Béniguet, a beautiful stretch of fine sand to the east, and Plage du Treac'h er Boullou, popular for its clear waters and peaceful setting. These beaches are ideal for swimming, relaxing or water sports such as kayaking and windsurfing.
• The Croix lighthouse: Situated on the westernmost point of the island, the Croix lighthouse is an emblem of Houat. It guides sailors through a region that is sometimes difficult to access. The lighthouse is one of the most photographed sites on the island.
• The village of Saint-Gildas: This picturesque little village is home to the church of Saint-Gildas, dedicated to a 6th-century Breton saint, as well as typical fishermen's houses. It's a peaceful place to stroll and discover local life.
• Flora and fauna: The island is rich in biodiversity, with natural landscapes that are home to numerous species of seabirds, plants and wild flowers. The island is ideal for birdwatching, particularly during migration periods.

The island of Houat: accessibility and tourism

The island of Houat is an ideal destination for those seeking tranquillity and natural beauty, away from mass tourism. The village of Saint-Gildas is within walking distance of the harbour, and there are a number of small shops and restaurants where visitors can sample local produce, including seafood and Breton specialities.

The island is also an excellent departure point for boat trips, particularly to the neighbouring island of Hoëdic, another small island in the archipelago. Visitors can also take advantage of the sea for scuba diving, kayaking or simply relaxing on the beaches.

Coming to the Ile d'Houat by boat

The Saint Gildas marina is open from 1 April to 30 September. It is a mooring port on buoys, protected by a dugout. It offers a mooring service and a welcome on the water, as well as access to showers (€2) and toilets, with free Wi-Fi. There are 25 to 30 moorings on moorings and other individual moorings in the port of Saint-Gildas.

Inside the harbour: centre line of the sea coast at 0.5 m CM, line along the breakwater at 1.20 m CM; outside the harbour: 2 m CM and more.

Warning: Anchoring is forbidden on the beaches of Treac'h er Goured and Treac'h er Salus (Cf. hydro map n° 7033): underwater cable zones.