Gulf of Morbihan


The Gulf of Morbihan is a natural harbour on the coast of the department of Morbihan in southern Brittany, France. Its English name is taken from the French version, le golfe du Morbihan, though it would be more precisely called 'the Morbihan' as its Breton name 'Ar Mor Bihan' means 'the little sea'. Legend says that there are as many islands in the Gulf as there are days of the year. In fact the gulf has about 40, depending on the tides. Many islands are private property, except the largest two, Île-aux-Moines and Île-d'Arz.

Geography

Tides and currents

The gulf is sheltered from the Atlantic Ocean by the peninsula of Rhuys, a small gap between Port-Navalo and Kerpenhir lets the water in and out. Because this gap is only approximately wide, the tidal currents are strong and water speeds can reach up to.
The deepest part of the gulf is approximately deep, in the tidal creeks near the Port Navalo outlet on the southwestern edge of the gulf. The depth generally decreases toward the east, with the area east of Île-d'Arz having depths between. The gulf is largely ringed by short cliffs no higher than.

Archaeology

The area around the gulf features an extraordinary range of megalithic monuments, including on the islands of the gulf. There are passage dolmens, stepped pyramids with underground dolmen chambers, stone circles, and giant menhirs, among others. The site best known to outsiders is Carnac, where remains of a dozen rows of huge standing stones run for over ten kilometers. The passage grave of Gavrinis, on a small island in the Gulf, is one of the most important such sites in Europe. Some of the ruins have been dated to at least 3300 BC — 200 years older than England's Stonehenge.

Festivals

Every alternate year a yachting festival is held, it is known as 'La Semaine du Golfe Du Morbihan' celebrating the Brittany's culture, music and boating and marine traditions. In 2017, 1,450 boats entered the regatta in addition to the hundreds of spectator craft. The highlight of the festival is a 'Big Parade of Sail' in which all the boats are displayed en route from Port Navalo to Vannes.

Communes