Ilôt Saint-Michel
The islet of Saint-Michel is linked to the beach by a narrow strip of sand and rocks, and is only accessible at low tide.
It has inspired many legends. The most famous is that a treasure trove of ingots was hidden there and was swept away by a storm of rare violence. The gold swallowed up and worn away by the waves turned to sand, giving Erquy?s beaches their exceptional colors.
Perched atop the islet, Chapelle Saint-Michel, built in 1880 on the foundations of another 13th-century chapel, has been lovingly maintained for over 20 years by the association 'Les Amis de la Chapelle Saint-Michel'.
Not to be missed on August 3, the pardon de Saint-Michel procession, which departs from the Port des Hôpitaux. A mass is celebrated there, facing the sea, before the procession and the Saint-Cast bagad head for the islet.
The association also organizes guided tours of the site?s history and environment.
How to get there?
The Saint-Michel islet is accessible on foot from the Saint-Michel beach, according to tide times.
Timetables are posted in the parking lot on rue Saint-Michel.
You can also consult them by copying this link (schedules from March to June 2026):
https://cdt22.media.tourinsoft.eu/upload/horaires-passage-ilot-mars-juin.pdf?t=1775567224371
It takes about twenty minutes to walk to the islet.
Practical information
Toilets: located at the entrance to the parking lot
Equipment: the rocks are a little slippery, so bring good shoes!
Visiting the chapel: volunteers open the building according to tide times, during school vacations.
Dancing, eating and drinking: since May 1, 2025, you can enjoy the "Chez LuLu" guinguette on the grounds of the Saint-Michel campsite. Opening hours: Thursday to Friday, 3.30pm to 10pm and Saturday to Sunday, 9am to 10pm.
Advice to visitors
In exchange for even a modest donation, place an ex-voto on the souvenir bar outside the little chapel. On an empty shell, write a tribute or a prayer to a loved one. Your donation will help the Association des Amis de la Chapelle to preserve this exceptional site.
Please note
From May 14 to September 16, dogs are not allowed on the beach or on the islet of Saint-Michel.