Saint-Gildas-de-Rhuys suits larger families who want south-facing sandy beaches on the Rhuys Peninsula and room for eight. It is a small village around an old abbey, about 30 minutes' drive from Vannes. For marinas, restaurants and nightlife, though, you will be heading to Le Crouesty or Vannes.
Saint-Gildas-de-Rhuys is a commune of around 2,000 people on the Rhuys Peninsula, the tongue of land and sand that closes off the Gulf of Morbihan. Its abbey was founded by Saint Gildas in the 6th century, and it still keeps a treasure of high quality. The peninsula's southern coast faces due south onto the ocean, and Goh Velin, the large beach close to the village centre, lies behind dunes of fine sand, with supervised bathing, three shaded car parks, a sailing school and restaurants close by. The homes are clustered in and around the village rather than spread out along the coast. Evenings are quiet; for more choice, drive to Vannes. Most homes sleep around eight with four bedrooms, and many have a garden.
A moated castle with six towers that was a favourite residence of the Dukes of Brittany and of Anne of Brittany, with its great hall and wall walk open to visitors.
On the peninsula, with wide views over the currents where the waters of the gulf meet the open ocean.
One of the largest marinas on the Atlantic coast, with around 1,400 moorings, and the setting for a second-hand boat show.
Around 30 minutes' drive away, or about 50 minutes on Kicéo's line 24 bus, handy for a day in town.
Nantes is around an hour and a half's drive away, and Vannes about 30 minutes. From Nantes, a train and Kicéo's line 24 bus take about 2 hours 45 minutes, but a car is far easier for the beaches and the rest of the peninsula.
July and August are the busiest weeks on the peninsula, and the sun here is often generous. June and September are quieter for beach days and visits to Suscinio. Out of season the village is very calm.
Yes. Goh Velin lies behind dunes of fine sand and faces south, with supervised bathing, three shaded car parks, picnic tables, play areas, a sailing school and restaurants nearby.
Yes, if you book one of the bigger homes. Most here sleep about eight across four bedrooms, and many have a garden. Check each listing for the outdoor space you need.
Around 30 minutes by car. Kicéo's line 24 bus takes just under an hour, handy for a day in Vannes without worrying about parking.
Saint-Gildas is the smaller commune, with Goh Velin's south-facing sand close by. Sarzeau is the largest commune on the Rhuys Peninsula, covering about half its area, and suits people who want a bigger place as their base.
Written by the TrustedVillas team. Last reviewed November 2026.
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