River of Etel

The mouth of the estuary is marked by a formidable underwater sandbar moving according to the winds and currents: it is the famous bar of Etel. A unique site, in perpetual motion, making it difficult to navigate the entrance to the Etel river but offering magnificent views.

Legend says that Brigitte, a woman of great kindness to the inhabitants of Etel, was abducted by pirates. Taking the sea with her captors, she would throw a handful of sand that would have formed Etel's bar, thus protecting the Etellois from other invasions.

Etel and the tuna boat museum

On one of the banks of the estuary is Etel which was one of the largest tuna fishing ports on the Atlantic coast between 1930 and 1960. Every summer, in memory of his past, Etel celebrates the "tuna festival" to the rhythm of bombardes and bagpipes. A visit is required at the tuna boat museum. Through models and collections, this maritime museum traces the history of Etel and its sailors. "Tuna Festival" 2024 : 28th July.

Unmissable step of your visit: the village of Saint Cado. Built on an island in the heart of the river, it is connected to the land by a legendary bridge. Enchanting place with its alleys and fishermen's houses, it was the place of many pilgrimages and is still famous for its pilgrimage in September. Witnesses of this rich historical and religious past, a beautiful Romanesque chapel of the 12th century dedicated to St. Cado, an imposing calvary and a fountain below the chapel, on the banks of the estuary.

This is one of the most beautiful sites in the region to discover especially late afternoon or sunset! The house built on the island Nichtarguer facing Saint Cado has been immortalised by many photographers such as Philip Plisson and has become one of the most famous clichés in Britain.

Legend has it that the bridge that connects the hamlet of Saint Cado to the mainland is the work of the devil: Saint Cado undertakes the construction of the bridge but this one is constantly demolished by the sea, the devil proposes to the Saint to build the bridge, in exchange it demands the soul of the first creature who will cross it. Saint-Cado accepts the agreement but cunning, sends a cat!

Between ocean and land, the Ria of Etel invaded by the sea with the tides, offers changing landscapes. Made up of small islands and peninsulas, this inland sea can be explored as you stroll along these numerous hiking trails. All around the river of Etel, the villages of Etel, Erdeven, Belz, Plouhinec and Locoal Mendon offer beautiful walks along marked trails.

3 hiking trails in Belz

• La boucle du Ouerc'h : 4,2kms / 1 hour / easy
• Le circuit Etré Douar ha Mor : 12kms / 3 and 1/2 hours / easy
• Le Tro Belz : 21kms / 4 and 1/2 hours / easy

From the port of Etel, you can also choose to embark on a commented cruise of 1 hour 30 minutes, a nice way to discover this small inland sea.