In Groix, winter is slowly leaving to give way to the freshness of spring. The plants take on a bright green color while the flowers bloom on the paths, in front of the houses and in the gardens.
Walks and discoveries of villages
With its 15km² and its flat relief, the island of Groix is a real walking paradise ! The temperatures being favorable, we quickly begin to cover estimable distances from one point to another. Taking advantage of the gentle sunrise to start the day, it will take us two hours of walking to follow the coastal paths between Port Tudy and the Pen Men lighthouse...
However, you can cover longer distances by bike. From the village of Kerlard – where we will have previously enjoyed a tuna bacon pancake* at the Écurie creperie – we can continue our route via wooded paths, sometimes arid, while following the wild coast to lead to the Hell Hole.
*Tuna bacon is a specialty of Groix, you can buy it at the butcher in Le Bourg.
Our next destination: the village of Locmaria. We will pass by the water tower without missing the famous Parcabout de Groix. This unique concept in the world of acrobatic adventure parks, created by former experienced sailors under the name Black Dog®, is a mandatory passage. At least to see.
The season is starting for traders
But spring in Groix is also the time to enjoy the sunny terraces! Many establishments start their season and then allow you to enjoy their pretty views. Arriving at the village of Locmaria, we quench our thirst with a refreshing drink and a coffee at Pop's Tavern. We then sail through this charming labyrinthine village, the first village to have emerged in Groix.
At the end of the day, after visiting local craft shops in the village, our walk will end at the panoramic terrace of the Garçons du Port. This bar restaurant, located halfway up Port Tudy, is renowned for its good atmosphere. Inside there is a table football and a billiards table, the opportunity to compete against your friends or family!
Dinner at Le Bourg or Port Tudy
Back to our lovely bed and breakfast located near the Bourg, we are planning dinner. Restaurants and creperies are established mainly in the Bourg and Port Tudy. That evening, our choice fell on the Chez Sandrine creperie, located near the Bourg. Sandrine served us excellent buckwheat pancakes prepared with local products.
And for the second part of the evening you tell me? At the start of the climb to Port-Tudy there are two pubs where Groisillons and visitors meet in a warm and friendly setting. The first, Ty Beudeff, is an authentic tavern, a true institution known to sailors from all over the world. Ask a sailor friend, they will definitely know the place! At its colleague, the Auberge du Pêcheur, you will find two bars; one on the terrace and the second, a pub, inside. The house specialty: whiskies, mixed rums and Irish coffee.
A small beach?
Finally, as one could hope with the island microclimate from the island of Groix, the good weather was there throughout the stay! We will have enjoyed relaxing an afternoon at the Great Sands, the famous convex beach which moves over the years. Also, in a much more peaceful setting than in high season, we experienced a real taste of summer. The whiteness of the sand is not a legend and the “infinite” view of the Breton coasts is absolutely striking.
Ultimately, the spring in Groix it's an opportunity to recharge your batteries in a warm setting, to enjoy green and flowery landscapes and to meet locals at a time when they are most available. But whatever the season, we appreciate the small island of Groix for its true value: a rich and inspiring place. To learn more about Groix, you can read our article on the History of Groix.