Pointe des Poulains, coast of Belle-Ile-en-Mer, Brittany, France.

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Pointe des Poulains


The island's northernmost point juts out dramatically at Pointe des Poulains. Flanked by craggy cliffs and affording sublime views, this windswept headland is Belle Île's loftiest lookout, and was once the home of French actress (and sculptor) Sarah Bernhardt. Her former fortress home is open to the public as a museum from April to October; there is a lighthouse here too, closer to the Pointe itself.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

2. Plage de Donnant

4.48 MILES

This lovely beach on the west side of the island is secluded, but swimming is very dangerous due to riptides.

4. Aiguilles de Port Coton

5.75 MILES

Just off the western side of the island, these magnificent rock stacks – depicted in a series of celebrated canvases by Claude Monet in 1886 – resemble…

5. Plage d'Herlin

7.3 MILES

This small, sheltered beach on the south coast of the island is a good choice for young kids.

6. Plage des Grands Sables

8.73 MILES

This rather epic 2km-long stretch of sand spans the calm waters of the island's eastern flank.

7. Grande Plage

8.74 MILES

Grande Plage is a long, family-friendly and attractive, sheltered sweep of sand; bathing spots towards the peninsula's tip are less crowded.

8. Musée de Préhistoire

15.75 MILES

The Musée de Préhistoire is chock full of the finds from the megalithic sites throughout the region, so it serves as a fantastic primer to the area and…