Camping Morbihan » Tourism near the campsite » Tourism in Saint-Cado and the Etel estuary

Discover Saint-Cado and the Etel estuary

Saint-Cado, petite île pittoresque encerclée par la ria d’Étel, un fleuve côtier, forme l’un des plus beaux sites de la région Bretagne. En vacances dans le Morbihan au camping Pen Palud, profitez d’une escapade entre terre et mer dans ce très beau décor de carte postale.

Go to Saint-Cado and the ria d’Étel

Saint-Cado and the ria d’Étel are located between Lorient and Vannes in the department of Morbihan. The ria of Etel is a coastal river invaded by the sea during rising tides, it then forms a sheltered marine gulf, about twenty square kilometers, with a bay and multiple islets. The mouth of this arm of the sea is located in the Atlantic Ocean, at the level of the municipalities of Etel and Plouhinec. There are seven lovely communes in total that are located on this marine gulf: Étel and Plouhinec, but also Belz, Landévant, Locoal-Mendon, Nostang and Sainte-Hélène.

In a very romantic setting, Saint-Cado is a small natural and preserved island that belongs to the municipality of Belz. Popular with painters and photographers, it offers a breathtaking view of the Ria d’Étel. A bridge connects the island to the land, once very old, this bridge was classified in 2007 in a state of danger following strong damage due to bad weather. Following a call for donations, it is a massive mobilization (patrons, donors and local institutions) that allowed its reconstruction in order to safeguard and preserve this emblematic heritage of the region.

Discover Etel Ria

A unique moment in Saint-Cado and the Ria d’Étel

You will undoubtedly be amazed by the charm and authenticity of the Ria d’Étel and Saint-Cado Island. As soon as you arrive, you can admire a magnificent view of an underwater sandbank, called Barre d’Étel. Depending on the winds and currents, it is a unique natural spectacle not to be missed. The ria d’Étel offers many activities to practice alone, with family or friends.

Discover during your walks the typical fishermen’s houses and observe the change of landscapes according to the tides. During low tides, you can also go fishing on foot to harvest periwinkles, clams or cockles. This will certainly make you want to taste the local specialties and in particular the oysters of the river Étel, you will find many places for this during your walks on the estuary of Étel. The discovery of fauna and flora, on land or underwater, is also a real delight. Scuba diving, kayaking or stand up paddle trips will make you live unique moments.

The island of Saint-Cado is a romantic walk par excellence, do not hesitate to extend your visit to admire the beautiful sunset that gives the small village an incredible luminosity. At low tide, oyster beds are revealed, while at high tide, the island is almost surrounded. A small house with blue shutters once owned by a local oyster farmer will surely catch your eye. Now unoccupied and located on the islet of Nichtarguer, it is the delight of painters and photographers and allows you to give free rein to your imagination. Do not miss the chapel of Saint-Cado, full of charm in an environment conducive to relaxation, where the atmosphere changes according to the tides. It was built in the seventeenth century in the middle of a meadow. Inside, superb stained glass windows dating from 1960 are the work of master glassmaker Hubert de Sainte-Marie.

Saint-Cado and the ria d’Étel are truly a corner of paradise that it would be a shame not to discover. The atmosphere and colors change according to the weather and tides to offer visitors beautiful landscapes worthy of a painting.

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