How is boating around Belle Ile?

[ScottF]

We are from the USA and keep a Prestige 550 Fly on Lake Powell, Utah. We've never boated on anything but this lake.

Our daughter will be at a music camp at Belle Isle, France from mid-July through mid-August and we're considering visiting her, possibly renting a motorized catamaran which I've seen online. It's available with, or without, crew. I'd appreciate your thoughts.

Would motoring around this neighborhood for 3-6 days be interesting? Challenging for someone not familiar with the area? Would I want a local captain/pilot?

 

[Pete7]

Superb cruising area which you could spend a month and still see only a fraction. However, a good understanding of navigation and tides will be required.

 

[rwoofer]

+1...

 

[TSB240]

We are from the USA and keep a Prestige 550 Fly on Lake Powell, Utah. We've never boated on anything but this lake.

Our daughter will be at a music camp at Belle Isle, France from mid-July through mid-August and we're considering visiting her, possibly renting a motorized catamaran which I've seen online. It's available with, or without, crew. I'd appreciate your thoughts.

Would motoring around this neighborhood for 3-6 days be interesting? Challenging for someone not familiar with the area? Would I want a local captain/pilot?

Superb area, I personally did not like the very crowded Le Palais and fuel was horrendously expensive there! I am sure you will get a bigger shock if you compare with USA Gas prices!

However the small harbour of Sauzon is a complete contrast and must not be missed.

Lots of fair weather anchorages to explore Ster Wenn etc.

Houat and Hoedic are not far away.

Navigation around this area is a little trickier than lake boating!

You will not be able to personal solo charter unless you have an ICC qualification.(required for any MOBO over 6hp now!)

The French take their holidays during that period so it can be busy.
We never found it so crowded that it was a problem.
The best nights had were when we joined in impromptu socials with French neighbours.

They all found our dreadfull grasp of their language hilarious and soon found that our French was way worse than their English!

After a shared bottle of scotch I think most conversation was pretty well in double dutch!

Enjoy yourself.

Steve