Anchorage

Stêr-Vraz

Shelter: NE, E, SW, S, SE
Seabed: sand, rock
Anchoring: Allowed

Deep inlet cutting into the north-west coast of Belle-Île-en-Mer, just west of Sauzon. The name means "big estuary" in Breton.

Beach

Guide

Approach and anchoring

Approach from the NW between Pointe du Cardinal and Pointe du Vieux-Château. The inlet is narrow and winding with rocky sides, and a rock lies just below the surface on the north side of the inner cove, so keep to the central part. Sheltered from NE, E, SE, S and SW, exposed W to NW where the swell builds fast and can make leaving awkward until it drops. Room for about ten boats in 3 to 6 m on sand and rock; latecomers take deeper water of 10 m or more, or anchor outside in up to 17 m. The cliffs funnel the wind and a boat can sheer about even in an easterly.

Practical

No facilities. Sauzon harbour is only 1.2 nm E and offers visitor moorings, water, showers and shops. Le Palais is 4.2 nm E.

Ashore

The GR 340 coastal path runs along the cliffs above the inlet and reaches Sauzon in about 40 minutes on foot. Sauzon has bakeries, a grocer, restaurants and a seasonal market.

Story

Stêr Vraz and its neighbour Stêr Ouen are the only true ria-shaped inlets on Belle-Île, carved by small coastal streams into the schist of the north-west coast.

Key facts

Type: Anchorage
Coordinates: 47.37226, -3.24885 (47°22.34'N 3°14.93'W)
Country: France
Shelter: Sheltered from north-east, east, south-west, south, south-east winds
Seabed: sand, rock
Anchoring: Allowed
Services: Beach
Boaters' rating: 3.9/5
Updated: October 15, 2026