Anchorage

Gavrinis

Shelter: SW, W
Seabed: sand
Anchoring: Allowed

Anchorage off the island of Gavrinis in the Golfe du Morbihan, sand bottom, sheltered from W and SW.

Mooring buoys
Visitor buoys
Beach

Guide

Approach and anchoring

Approach from the pass of Port-Navalo through the strong tidal streams of the Golfe du Morbihan. Currents can exceed 8 knots near the Pointe de Berder on springs, so time entry around slack water. Drop anchor on the sandy patch north of the islet, outside the archaeological perimeter marked on SHOM chart 7034.

Practical

No services on the islet itself. Larmor-Baden harbour lies 0.3 NM north with water, fuel and a slipway. Landings on Gavrinis are only allowed with guided tours booked through the Centre des monuments nationaux.

Ashore

The Cairn de Gavrinis, a Neolithic passage tomb dated around 3500 BC, sits on the island and is reached by a 15 minute shuttle from Larmor-Baden. Coastal path around the Pointe de Penn Lannic in Larmor-Baden, 800 m from the harbour. Oyster beds of the Golfe du Morbihan visible at low water.

History

Gavrinis holds one of the most decorated megalithic monuments in Europe. Its chamber stones bear engraved spirals, axes and serpentine motifs carved more than five thousand years ago.