Brittany's Atlantic Islands

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Brittany's Atlantic Islands

The Iles du Ponant are the fifteen islands dotted along Brittany's Atlantic and Channel coastline. They can all be visited and some allow for overnight stays. For detailed information on each island, contact the local Syndicat d'Initiative, Tourist Office or Mairie.

• More information from the Web site for the Iles du Ponant
• For boat companies serving these islands see Ferries.

Chausey 

Europe's largest archipelago counts 52 little islands at high tide. There are a dozen or so inhabitants in winter, fifty in summer, on this island that is 2km long and 200 to 700 metres wide. Overnight stays are possible: there are five gîtes, and a farm which has been converted into studios and apartments for rent. Camping is not authorised. Further information from:

• Tourist Office at 4, cours Jonville, Granville. 
  Tel: 02 33 91 30 03
  Fax: 02 33 91 30 19
  e-mail
  Website

Bréhat

An archipelago with a population of 424. You can visit the ultra modern glass works, or rent a bike to explore the island. No cars are allowed. Overnight accommodation available: three hotels and a campsite. Further information from:

• Syndicat d'Initiative
  Tel: 02 96 20 04 15
  Fax: 02 96 20 42 49.

Batz 

This island has an exotic garden and a magnificent lighthouse to view the coastline. This island of 596 inhabitants is visited less than the others and is renowned for it's white sandy beaches and dunes. Bicycles can be rented. Accommodation: two hotels and guest rooms on this island of 596 inhabitants. Further information from: 

• Syndicat d'Initiative 
  Tel: 02 98 61 75 70
  Fax: 02 98 61 75 85

d'Ouessant

The island is 8km long and 4km at its widest point, with 951 inhabitants. Activities include pony rides, tennis, and museum and lighthouse visits. The island is full of history and legend. For information on accommodation and other activities:

• Syndicat d'Initiative
  Tel: 02 98 48 85 83
  Fax: 02 98 48 87 09

Molène 

Sometimes not even seen on maps, this little island is a nature reserve, with a camp site, hotel, and a museum dedicated to the Drummond Castle shipwreck for which it is famous. Further information from: 

• The Mairie 
  Tel: 02 98 07 39 05 
  Fax: 02 98 07 38 28

Sein

This little island has 246 inhabitants and measures 58 hectares. Known for its fishing industry and lifeboat rescues, Sein has two restaurants and camping is tolerated with permission from the Mairie. Further information: 

• The Mairie 
  Tel: 02 98 70 90 35
  Fax: 02 98 70 91 98

Glénan

The island is open for day visits only. It is well known for it's sailing schools and nature walks. Further information from:

• Tourist Office at Fouesnant-Les-Glénan
  Tel: 02 98 56 00 93
  Fax: 02 98 56 64 02
  Website

Ile de Groix

One of the larger islands at 8km long and 3 to 4km wide, this very pretty island has a population of 2,323, numerous hotels, and a V.V.F (Village des Vacances) and offers marine activities, natural reserves, fishing expeditions and products for sale. Further information from:

• Tourist Office
  Tel: 02 97 86 53 08
  Fax: 02 97 86 81 98.

Belle-Ile-en-mer

The biggest island at 84 sq km, it has always attracted artists, including Courbet, Matisse, Derain, Vasarely and Russel, and most particularly, Monet, who painted many of his works here. Sarah Bernhardt also loved this island and lived at the Pointe des Poulains. There are many hotels and restaurants, museums and activities. Further information from:

• Tourist Office
  Tel: 02 97 31 81 93
  Fax: 02 97 31 56 17
  Website

Oëdic

With fewer than 150 inhabitants, this island has a tiny school and a dozen fishing boats, but there is a hotel, gîtes and a camping site. Get around by walking only - there are no bikes for hire. For further information and reservations:

• The Mairie 
  Tel: 02 97 30 68 32
  Fax: 02 97 52 33 27

Houat

This is a long and narrow island with an active professional fishing industry. Accommodation is available in hotels or at the municipal campsite. Hire of bikes, open from April to September. Further information from:

• The Mairie 
  Tel: 02 97 30 68 04
  Fax: 02 97 30 66 28

Arz

This very attractive island of 238 inhabitants has a rich history with it old manors and mills dating back to the 15th century. The sea is never more than 400 metres from anywhere and there are many beaches and sailing activities. Bicycles can be hired; accommodation in hotels or the municipal campsite (70 places). To reserve: 

• Tel: 02 97 44 33 97 
  

Ile aux Moines

Formed in the shape of a cross, 6km long and 3km wide, this island has 619 inhabitants. It has fountains and little chapels, ruins and tiny forests, is just 500m from the mainland. Bicycles can be hired and there are hotels, gîtes and a campsite. Further information from:

• Tourist Office in Vannes
  Tel: 02 97 47 24 34
  Fax: 02 97 26 32 61

Ile d'Yeu

This island is the furthest away from the mainland and also has the most inhabitants at 4,868. There are 66 fishing boats and you can watch the fishermen offload their catches as you sit in one of the many port side cafés. There are hotels, guesthouses and campsite with bicycles for hire and many activities. Further information from:

• Tel: 02 51 58 32 58
  Fax: 02 51 58 40 48

Ile d'Aix

You can walk around this island in two hours, or you can a bicycle or a calèche if you prefer. The island is rich in military history and was where Napoléon 1st chose to stay before he was exiled to St-Helena Island in 1815. There are museums to visit and accommodation in hotels and guesthouses. Further information from:

• The Mairie
  Tel: 05 46 84 66 09
  Fax: 05 46 84 65 79