Surzur brings together nature, local history and various ways to explore the surrounding area. The commune is the gateway to the Presqu’île de Rhuys. When planning your stay, you can focus on your interests: birdlife, historic places or cycling routes each give your visit a different focus.

Nature around the Rivière de Pénerf

Surzur is one of the communes included in the Natura 2000 special protection area “Rivière de Penerf, marais de Suscinio”. The area is particularly favourable for breeding and overwintering birds. This brings two phases of bird life into focus: breeding and overwintering. The Rivière de Pénerf is a ria between sea and land, not a freshwater river.

Oyster farming has also shaped the history of the Rivière de Pénerf: since the end of the 19th century, it has been an important oyster-producing area. Today, farming there focuses mainly on Pacific oysters. Several oyster farmers currently operate cultivation parks at Pentès and Port Groix, along the river’s catchment area. The region’s appeal therefore encompasses not only its landscape, but also a long-established food-producing tradition.

Historic places in Surzur

The oldest houses in Surzur form a historic district between the church and the Chapelle Notre-Dame de Recouvrance. The oldest house is dated to 1602. The Église Saint-Symphorien contains a 1751 altarpiece and the painting Notre Dame des Moissons by Xavier de Langlais, created in 1938. Both works offer different perspectives on the church’s history: the altarpiece from the 18th century and a painting from the 20th century.

From March to October, the Chapelle Notre-Dame de Recouvrance hosts exhibitions and concerts. If you are planning your visit around a particular event, check the dates and opening arrangements in advance. Another trace of the past is the Neolithic Menhirs de Bergard: they stand about 40 metres apart, and the larger stone is more than two metres high. Their spacing and height give two tangible measures of the site.

Cycling routes and trails

The Côté Terre cycling route is 15 kilometres long. It starts on Rue des Sports, passes through the town centre and continues towards Beaujour, Pembulzo, Caudrec and Monteno. The Côté Mer also starts on Rue des Sports, is 19 kilometres long and passes through several hamlets south of the town centre. At four kilometres longer and with a different described route, it offers a distinct focus; this does not mean that it is a loop.

Three R-Bike routes start in Surzur and run mainly along tracks and trails. They can be ridden by mountain bike or e-mountain bike. The routes are described as open; check their availability and condition before setting off. The information about the two Côté routes and the R-Bike routes therefore distinguishes specific distances and itineraries from the R-Bike routes’ predominantly track-and-trail character.

Another option is the Rando du Pont Bugat. It follows the embankment of the former railway line and takes you along wooded paths with safety footbridges. The route also passes through Theix-Noyalo. Its itinerary therefore differs both from the cycling routes through the town centre and southern hamlets and from the R-Bike routes, whose surfaces are described as tracks and trails.

Getting there and finding accommodation

Regular services make it possible to travel to Surzur from the train or bus stations in Vannes. Check current routes and connections before travelling. The different locations and routes can help you tailor your plans to your interests.

Discover more destinations: Pleucadeuc, Elven, Le Moustoir, Guégon, Île D'houat, Plumelec, Guidel-Plages, Le Palais.

For the broader travel overview: Morbihan.