Civil Airfield Belle Ile (LFEA)

A lovely, friendly Brittany field – just 10 minutes flying from the mainland – with a 660 hard metre runway + unusual for an island Avgas (although only in the summer and not on Wednesday). There is a welcoming clubhouse with pression on tap: an ideal way to get in to the French holiday mood! The field is only 177’ above sea level, so it can often get fog bound and there are no procedures. There is a Webcam based on the airfield called 'Bangor'. Although the plate states “français seulement” the instructor/Bar man/Pump attendant, Maurice Portugal, – who worked in England – is often in the tower and speaks good English. He is also training a new lady ATC, Emmanuelle, whose English R/T is getting quite good. In July/August it is very rare for the Military Zones around the Island to be active and, even at other times, contact with Nantes Info 122.8 will suffice. If, though you are particularly concerned about activity, phone Maurice +33 (0)2 97 31 83 09 who is usually informed a day in advance. Above all, the field is remarkably cheap: I paid €8 for my PA28 Turbo Arrow for landing + three days parking. Avgas was €2.2 a litre: Credit cards accepted. Getting to/from the airport: Taxis are quite limited on the island and there are NO taxis on Mondays! There is a local bus service #2 from Le Palais to the airport; which returns from a stop by a nearby campsite, Trion-Guen, down the road from the airport. Likewise Bus #3 also calls there. Do check the website for the current Bus timetable for it changes 2/3 times a year.

Accommodation: If you are going to the island when the French want to go there, do remember the number of beds is limited and you should book in advance. For that special occasion – or just because you want to spoil yourself – La Désirade**** https://www.hotel-la-desirade.com/ - just 1 km from the airport is a perfect place to relax. It consists of Individual chalets around the swimming pool with a wonderful restaurant and facilities. They will collect from the airport and have all the contacts for bicycle hire, excursions etc. Likewise, for a hotel with a terrific view and wonderful swimming pool, Le Cardinal*** http://www.hotel-cardinal.fr/ Port Bellec, Sauzon. If you are happy to sleep more simply, I have stayed many times at Hotel Le Bretange** http://www.hotel-de-bretagne.fr/ and at Hotel Atlantique** http://hotel-atlantique.com/ next door, both right on the harbour front in Le Palais (the main town). Try for a ‘chambre vue sur mer’ if, like me, you find it relaxing and romantic to sit drinking a Kir Breton (a kir royale but with cider – sweet, cold and delicious) as the sun goes down watching the coming and going of the ferries with all those adieux and au revoir’s: It nostalgically reminds me that one is on . . . an island.

Restaurants: Le Palais is littered with many restaurants – especially sea food one’s – of all grades. For a wonderful French meal, and to visit one of the most picturesque places in the island, Sauzon https://www.belleileenmer.co.uk/discover/the-largest-breton-island/sauzon-and-its-picturesque-port/, try Roz Avel https://restaurant-roz-avel.fr/#lagalerie just behind the church in Rue du Lieutenant Riou. This most photogenic of places on the island also has another very good restaurant (Michelen*) with beautiful views: Café de la Cale https://cafedelacale-sauzon.jimdofree.com/ I have been given very good reports of Bistrot du Port https://www.belleileenmer.co.uk/offers/le-bistrot-du-port-sauzon-en-3220073/ and Restaurant St Louis https://le-saint-louis-sauzon.edan.io/. There are two cheaper, simpler establishments in Le Palais – but consistently good – which I recommend: Crêperie L’Annexe https://www.belle-ile.com/offres/lannexe-le-palais-fr-136215/ – the best galettes and crêpes on the island; and Le Verre à Pied 3 Place de la République, https://www.belle-ile.com/offres/le-verre-a-pied-le-palais-fr-136000/ a lively Bar/Brasserie run by young people. 2025: Our group reported that they had a good meal at Le Goeland https://www.belleileenmer.co.uk/offers/le-goeland-le-palais-en-136222/ . Souvenirs: If you want to bring back something ‘fishy’ to recall your visit do buy some of the wonderful tinned produce from Conserverie La Belle-Iloise http://www.labelleiloise.fr/fr/ in 6 place de le République - Le Palais. [If you want to cheat, you can always go to their shop in 40, Rue Saint-Jean, Le Touquet!]