If we went on an adventure in France? (part 2)

Heading to Brittany.

The charm of the Breton islands

Among the original and not so distant destinations are islands off the coast of Brittany. Do the names Bréhat, Houat, or Batz ring a bell? Sometimes these islands are accessible only during good weather, and often they harbor empirical species. The settings they offer are exhilarating: cliffs, exotic gardens, lighthouses in the open sea, coastal trails… You will take a ferry, a speedboat, a small plane to get there. Forget your car, it is often banned on location! Welcome to an environment where man has not set himself up as the master of nature, but has integrated himself into it!

Here comes the oceanic climate typical of the coast, the Gulf Stream, this current from the Bahamas that appeared following the disappearance of the Isthmus of Panama 4 million years ago. As it ascends the Atlantic coasts, it bathes the islands of Brittany in its mildness.

Among unique and not so distant destinations include islands off the coast of Brittany.

The Island of Bréhat.

Bréhat. Why has this island produced so many privateers, those pirates in the service of the king? Its island nature alone does not explain it. Probably it is due to its geographical location! Indeed, it faces Paimpol and can be reached in less than 10 minutes. With blue hydrangeas adorning the granite gables, green paths leading to the sea, you are in the presence of a bucolic landscape. The island also boasts exotic varieties such as agapanthus brought back by sailors from South Africa, aloe, or eucalyptus. In Bréhat, buckwheat is ground using a tidal mill. Moreover, the island has preserved a citadel offering a breathtaking view within which you will admire the work of the master glassmaker Yves Neumager. Did you know that his pieces can be found even in the villas of millionaires in the South China Sea?   

Morbihan, meaning little sea, here are protected islands that additionally enjoy a microclimate. Although Belle-Ile-en-mer and Île aux Moines are very popular, let's focus on other less frequented and equally sublime islands.

The Island of Houat.

Houat. Off the coast of Quiberon lies Houat which captivates nature lovers. Both the colors: ochre sand, turquoise sea, and the dune landscapes will enchant you. Houat is best visited on foot or by bike, nevertheless, sailing enthusiasts anchor in its heavenly coves. For the connoisseurs, keep your eyes open, as rare species nestle here: sand carnations, blue thistles, or rock sorrels! Take your precautions as furnished rentals are highly demanded. Its little sister Houédic, a filming location for "Chouans," was once connected like it to the Quiberon peninsula. The latter enjoys a unique status, it is a theocracy led by a rector!

The Island of Groix.

The island of Groix: From Lorient, it takes 45 minutes to reach this island. At the beginning of the 20th century, Groix housed a tuna fishing port, and if you pay attention to the steeple, you will not see a rooster but indeed a tuna. Here you will find the colorful houses of the captains. The view from the coastal path is breathtaking, and you can gaze at a convex beach with crystal-clear waters: Les Grands Sables. To conclude, this ecosystem, rich with 60 species of minerals, is known for its blue glaucophane stone. Make a detour by an institution, the terrace of the café "Le Petit Bedeff" and watch the coming and going of boats. Opt for a guesthouse on the island!

This time you find yourself at the end of the earth and the elements remind you; the air is crisp. Its inhabitants descend not only from the Vikings but also from the Celts.

The Island of Batz.

Ile de Batz (ba). From Roscoff, it’s a 15-minute boat ride to this hiker’s paradise. Coastal paths will take you along coves and you will marvel at the deserted beaches. On that note, here, people get around on foot, by bike, or by tractor! Ile de Batz primarily lives off fishing and early crops. The inhabitants cover their fields with seaweed, which gives the food a salty taste. However, do not miss the botanical garden of Georges Delaselle under any circumstances. This wealthy Parisian insurance broker had it established at the beginning of the 20th century, and it contains 2,500 species. Besides the chapels, you will also spot a lighthouse! To conclude, the best option is to stay in a cottage on the island.

The Isle of Sein.

Île de Sein: From Audierne, you will make a one-hour crossing. This strip of land off the coast of Pointe du Raz is unique as it measures 2 kilometers in length but sometimes only 30 meters wide! The movie Elisa starring Vanessa Paradis was filmed here! What is also striking when landing on the island is the absence of tall trees. The place is exposed to the elements, and you can easily understand why the inhabitants have built low walls to protect their crops. Similarly, the streets do not let the wind through. The islanders are known to be excellent sea rescuers and who knows, perhaps you will enjoy a lobster stew!

Ouessant.

The wind raises the sea there, and the Jument lighthouse in the open sea.

Ouessant. Here it's the women who wear the pants! That's because their men would leave for fishing campaigns in Iceland, they were called the Terre-Neuvas. In the absence of swell, you can reach the island by sea or air from the port of Conchet in Brest. The sentinel island at the crossroads of the English Channel and the Atlantic is the last inhabited land on the route to the Americas. Yann Tiersen, captivated by the spectacle of nature, has settled there. The wind raises the sea and the Jument lighthouse in open sea. Attention naturalists: you will spot the Ouessant sheep and the northern fulmar, a cousin of the albatross!

 NB : For those who love silence, prefer Molène, so dear to Didier Squiban, Les Glénan which offers more than a sailing school, and Cézembre now reopened to walkers…