Gulf of Morbihan

Gulf of Morbihan
  • French: golfe du Morbihan
  • Breton: Mor Bihan Gwened
Gulf of Morbihan
LocationBay of Biscay
Coordinates47°36′N 2°48′W / 47.600°N 2.800°W / 47.600; -2.800
Ocean/sea sourcesAtlantic Ocean
Basin countriesFrance
Max. length20 km (12 mi)
Max. width15 km (9.3 mi)
Surface area115 km2 (44 sq mi)
Average depth23 m (75 ft)

The Gulf of Morbihan (French: golfe du Morbihan, French pronunciation: [ɡɔlf dy mɔʁbiɑ̃]; Breton: Mor Bihan Gwened) is a natural harbour on the coast of the department of Morbihan in southern Brittany, France. Its English name is taken from the French version, le golfe du Morbihan, though it would be more precisely called 'the Morbihan' as its Breton name 'Ar Mor Bihan' means 'the little sea'. (Compare the Welsh y môr bychan), as opposed to the Atlantic Ocean outside, (Ar Mor Bras). Legend says that there are as many islands in the Gulf as there are days of the year. In fact the gulf has about 40, depending on the tides. Many islands are private property, except the largest two, Île-aux-Moines and Île-d'Arz.