Saint-Cado islet in Morbihan lies a handful of kilometres from Lorient. In the coronary heart of the Etel river, connected to the land by using a legendary stone bridge, the village is a hidden treasure of Brittany. It only normally takes about 15 minutes to wander close to the Saint-Cado islet. The landscape has its magical environment, which has captivated us so substantially for the duration of our autumn trip to Brittany.
The stone bridge
The secret of the very small islet started off from its legend. Legendary, it is reported Saint Cado required a bridge to hook up the inlet separated from the land by the Etel river but lacked the implies. Soon after negotiation in between Saint Cado and the satan, the satan agreed to develop a bridge in trade for the soul of the just one who would cross the bridge for the very first time. But, the initial passer-by was a cat!
Going for walks from the quay, the stone bridge appears to be like massive in contrast to the inlet. From the stone bridge, you can see most properties of the Saint-Cado inlet. The wetland spot at both sides of the bridge attracts quite a few birds.
Little cottage with blue shutters (Nichtarguer)
Prior to entering the Saint-Cado, you won’t miss out on that tiny dwelling with blue shutters. The former oyster farmer’s cottage on the rocky islet is photograph fantastic and on lots of postcards. There utilized to have a lot of oysters previous together the Étel river considering the fact that the 1890s. But now, only fewer than 100 farmers are still manufacturing close to 3000 tonnes of oysters for every yr.
Heritage of Saint-Cado islet
The intimate walk on the islet starts off in the centre of the islet, exactly where visitors can admire some genuine fisherman’s stone houses and spiritual monuments.
Romanesque chapel
The small island has a Romanesque chapel from the twelfth century. The chapel has a western portal of the sixteenth century, a nave, aisles, and a choir of the Romanesque era. Several houses on the islet are about this small Romanesque chapel.
Calvary of Saint Cado
Calvary decorated with sculptures stands on a superior porch accessed by stairs bordered by lower walls. The platform is confined by 4 sq. piles with projecting cornices topped with balls. The foundation of the cross is in the variety of a curved altar.
Fountain
The fountain under the chapel is obtainable by the stone route. It is safeguarded from the sea by a thick wall. The square-shaped basin is under a semicircular arch fashioned in the coronary heart of a paired massif. On best of the arch, the developing is surmounted by a additional new sculpted cross, depicting a crucifixion.
Strolling route close to the islet
We took the path below the chapel and walked around the island. The walkway offers a beautiful viewpoint on to the Etel River in between oyster farms, forests, and little coves where vibrant boats sail. It was worthy of paying time to get pleasure from the preserved normal landscapes and authenticity. The maximum position of the islet would be two meters tall at superior tide. I could visualize a amazing sunset watch with the previous golden rays trimming the sea. Les Algues Marines at the quay presents well known local food stuff and is the ideal spot to take pleasure in sunset sights.
Travel guidelines for Saint-Cado Islet
Exactly where to remain
Saint-Cado is a perfect foundation to check out Lorient, Vannes, and Quiberon. There is only a person accommodation on the small islet. On the land side, there are a few hotels and a person tenting position. The subsequent 3 motels are all shut to the stone bridge:
How to get there
The most effective way to get there is by car or truck. Just take the N165(E60), then D16 to Belz. From Belz, you push on the regional roads towards the Saint-Cado islet. There is a parking put just upcoming to the waterfront. Website visitors can wander to the stone bridge by using the waterfront from the parking location.
