A question that often comes up is: How do you make the crossing to the island of Groix? Well, simply by boat. And most often from Lorient or Lomener/Ploemeur. Indeed, to go to Groix, you can take the Compagnie Océane or Escal'Ouest boats. You can also visit the island of Gro ix by your own means: by sailboat or with your own motorboat.
In most cases, you will come to Groix via one of the Lorient landing stages. Here are the means of transportation to get to the Gare Maritime de Lorient.
How to get to the Lorient ferry terminal to go to Groix
The SNCF train station of Lorient is located at 30 minutes walk from the pier to take the boat to Groix. Otherwise, the footbridge at the end of the station's platforms will allow you to access the bus lines in front of the station. Line 112 will take you directly to the Lorient ferry terminal.
Once you arrive in Lorient by car, follow the road signs to the Maritime Station with the indication "Embarcadère - Île de Groix". You can leave your car in the free parking lot with 250 spaces (not supervised). This parking lot is quickly overloaded during the season, so you will have to use the paid parking lots in Lorient, located 10-15 minutes away on foot.
The airport of Lorient (Lann-Bihoué) is located in the town of Ploemeur, 15 min from Lorient and 30 min from the boat to Groix. At this time there is no bus link between the airport and the Lorient ferry terminal from where the Océane boat leaves. You can get there by cab or by renting a car in one of the airport agencies.
Companies that operate the crossing by boat to Groix
With the above means, you will be able to reach the Gare Maritime and take a boat to Groix Island with the Compagnie Océane. This is the main shipping company that runs crossings every day of the year. Or you can go to Lorient La Base to board the Escal'ouest shuttle. This Lorient-based company operates crossings between Lorient and Groix all year round.
The Oceane Company
The Compagnie Océane offers crossings every day of the year from the Lorient Maritime Station. You can also embark with your vehicle.
The boat trip to Groix takes 45 minutes. As far as fares are concerned, you should generally count 15 € for a single adult trip during the week and 17.5 € on weekends and in high season. Meet at least 15 minutes before the departure of the shuttles at the Gare Maritime. You can buy your tickets from the ticket office or online.
Numerous Lorient Groix ferries are scheduled every day. The companies Traversée Cadou or Laïta Croisières can also help you to cross.
The Escal'Ouest Boat
Escal'Ouest offers a boat trip to the island of Groix from Lorient La Base during the season: from April to September, every weekend and every day in July and August.
The crossing also takes 40 minutes. You can also take advantage of additional connections on Saturdays in July and August as well as additional boats throughout the summer. The round trip per adult costs €30. There is a promotional rate of €22 for a round trip as well as family rates. You can buy your tickets online or at local sales points. Free parking is available.
Note that the Escal'Ouest boat stops in Port-Louis before heading to the island of Groix.
- Departure times from Lorient-La Base : 09:00 and 16:30
- Departure from Port Louis : 09:20 and 16:45
- Departure times from Port-Tudy de Groix : 10:15 and 17:45
Details on schedules and fares : Site Escal'Ouest
Details on the schedules and stops of the T2 bus serving the Lorient - La base stop: Moovitapp
Before taking the boat to the island of Groix, we recommend you check the timetable and weather conditions. In the event of bad weather, some crossings may be cancelled or postponed. Check with your shipping company for the latest information on sailing conditions.
A few tips for your crossing
Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your crossing:
- Remember to arrive early at the ferry terminal, at least 30 minutes before the boat departs.
- In high season, book your tickets in advance to avoid disappointment.
- Bring warm, windproof clothing, even in summer, as the crossing can be cool.
- Take along a plastic bag for your garbage, to preserve the environment and the cleanliness of the island.
Going to Groix by sailboat or motorboat
You can of course come to Groix by your own means, either by motorboat or sailboat. The Port Tudy on the island of Groix has places for boats on the pontoon and at the buoys. In addition, do not hesitate to contact the harbor master's office of Groix before your arrival by sea: 02 97 86 54 62.
Now you have all the information you need to make the crossing to the island of Groix! All you have to do now is to check out the accommodations for your stay.
Finally, you want to know more about our little Ponant island? Go to the home page of the site.