The Gulf of Morbihan is one of France’s best-kept secrets, a unique marine environment with 40+ little islands and a sophisticated ambiance. La Villa du Guern complements it perfectly. There's a sleek minimalism throughout the hotel; swathes of glass and stylish touches of grey and soft green perfectly mirror the surrounding seascape. Owners Arnaud and Martine spent 3 years renovating the property after falling in love with this amazing region, and it was worth every bit of effort. Whether you're after a restorative holiday or romantic minibreak, this is a slice of pure French paradise.
Highs
- The breathtaking Gulf of Morbihan. Borrow a canoe to paddle around the islands and find deserted little sandy coves
- Just 5 beautiful suites, all with a terrace
- Arnaud and Martine are natural hosts; we couldn’t have felt more at home
- Breakfast, full of local produce, is bliss, and delicious dinners on Mondays
- A heated infinity pool with panoramic views out to sea
Lows
- The Gulf of Morbihan has its own microclimate, which means the weather can be a little changeable
- Dinner only available one night a week (Monday), but the region is a foodie’s paradise, with amazing restaurants all around
- You’ll want a car here
- There's a 7 night minimum at all times (Saturday-Saturday) and the hotel is closed October-May
Best time to go
Our top tips
- Boutique Hotel
- 5 rooms
- Breakfast (restaurants nearby)
- 4+ year olds welcome
- Closed: October - May
- Heated Pool
- Spa Treatments
- Beach Nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car recommended
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
- Bicycles Available
Rooms
There are 5 suites, named after local sailboats. They are all individually styled, featuring trinkets from Arnaud and Martine’s time in Japan, paintings by Martine’s sister-in-law, and modern French design pieces. Some have splashes of olive green, others light grey accents, and all have floor-to-ceiling windows, framing the stunning landscape beyond the glass.
We stayed in first-floor Le Thonier Dundee, and upon arrival ran straight onto its huge terrace to marvel at the sunset reflections in the Gulf. We also loved its rainfall shower, which gazed out to sea. Our favourite room was airy Suite Le Langoustier; with its wall of glass behind the bed and a deep bathtub, it’s perfect for a romantic retreat.
Ground-floor rooms Le Chaland and Le Sinagot are a little bit smaller. We really liked their pendant lightshades and suspended patterned 'headboards'. Finally, Le Forban: another beauty with a petrol-blue feature wall and panoramic views from the terrace.
Features include:
- Bathrobes
- Hairdryer
- In room treatments available
- Safe box
- WiFi
Eating
Brittany is a foodie’s paradise, most famous for its buckwheat crepes, oysters and plump strawberries. And at La Villa du Guern, regional produce is king.
Breakfast is bliss. We lingered over the steaming coffee, freshly pressed juice, crisp croissants, homemade plum cake, cheeses, charcuterie, and – of course – crepes coated in caramel butter.
Dinners are available Monday nights only and the menu changes regularly showcasing high quality fresh seasonal and local ingredients.
If you want to head out to eat, ask Arnaud and Martine for restaurant recommendations; there's a good bakery nearby with lots of options for picnic lunches for example. Just next door you’ll find a small, family-run oyster farm, from which you can sup on the freshest plate of oysters you’ll have ever had. Or, if you're feeling flush, there are 9 Michelin-starred eateries close to La Villa du Guern.
Features include:
- Breakfast
- Coffee / tea making
- Dinner by arrangement
- Restaurants nearby
Activities
- Borrow a bicycle and cycle to the Quiberon Peninsula's superb beaches
- Or walk the coastal hiking trail, 'til you find your perfect stretch of sand
- Taxi boats from Baden zip all over the Gulf of Morbihan. Visit the charming port of Saint-Goustan; Belle-Île-en-Mer's beautiful wild coastline and Er Lannic's megalithic remains, revealed at low tide
- Or explore the gulf independently: the hotel has kayaks to borrow, and you can hire SUPs in Baden
- There's plenty of historical interest in the region, including the neolithic Carnac menhirs, prehistoric Cairn de Gavrinis, the fortified medieval city of Vannes and the magnificent Suscinio Castle
- Popular Atlantic surf spots include Ste Barbe in Plouharnel and Kerhillio in Erdeven
- An 18-hole golf course in Baden with spectacular views on the water, plus five others within less than one hour drive
- Back at the hotel, do lazy laps in the heated infinity pool, or relax in the garden with a book
- The small spa (jacuzzi, sauna) can be hired exclusively
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Cycling
Kids
Children aged 4+ are welcome.
Best for:
Children (4-12 years), Teens (over 12)
Family friendly accommodation:
Le Langoustier is a family suite with a master bedroom and a children's bedroom with 2 single beds. Le Forban and Le Sinagot can be connected, sleeping 4 guests in total (Le Forban can be twinned).
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
La Villa du Guern is in the village of Baden, at the entrance to the Gulf of Morbihan, a unique marine environment of 40+ islands in southern Brittany.
By Air:
Most people fly into Nantes (130km) and then hire a car. You could also fly to Rennes (131km) or Lorient (domestic flights only, 56km).
By Train:
If you'd prefer to travel overland, take the Eurostar to Paris, then the TGV to Vannes.
By Sea:
Or drive from England. Get the ferry from Plymouth to Roscoff (5 hrs 30) and drive the final 200km.
The hotel has a charging station for electrical cars.
Detailed directions will be sent when you book through i-escape.
Airports:
- Nantes 130.0 km
- Lorient Bretagne Sud 56.0 km LRT
Other:
- Beach 0.1 km
- Shops 3.0 km
- Restaurant 3.0 km