Iles du ponant 1
On the sunset side, the french soil breaks in a myriad of islands washed by the english channel and the atlantic ocean. fifteen among them are permanently inhabited: they are the 'iles du ponant'.
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 With its 52 islets, it is the biggest European archipelago and the most nothern of the "Iles du Ponant". There, no cars, nor bicycles. The sandy tracks of the "Great Island", (2 km long and 200 to 700 m wide), the only inhabited island of the archipelago, can solely be discovered on foot .
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Bréhat island
You’ll discover, in peace, this island surrounded by a dozen of pink orange rocky islets. Do not miss the sight at sundown when the islets are ablaze…Pleasant and cheerful, the south end of the island is made of tiny gardens planted with hydrangeas, fig trees, mimosas and eucalyptus. The north side is more tortured with its heath land and wild coves.
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Batz island
At only 10 min away from mainland by boat, the discreet island of Batz is blessed by its beauty and character. Visitors are all awe-struck by its landscapes of jagged rocks, dunes, shingle bar and fine sandy beaches. The inhabitants are all very active and live of inshore fishing as well as of early fruits and vegetables growing, the latter being now a specialty of the island. The microclimate explains the presence of an extraordinary exotic garden: le Jardin Exotique Georges Delaselle.
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Ushant (ouessant) island
Ushant island has a bad reputation in people’s mind. Navigators fear its violent storms and its spectacular reefs. But the sun does shine here too ! The bay of Lampul is thus bathed in an incomparable sunlight illuminating bright heath flowers and sparkling foam around the rocks. Here, the nature is unspoiled, the landscape is virgin, wild and awe-inspiring. Many bird species, especially migratory and nesting species, find the island convenient for nesting. It’s a great place for bird lovers.
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Molène island
The Molène archipelago may not appear on many maps but it’s worth the trip. This string of tiny lush green islands, made of white sandy beaches and surrounded by reefs, is a paradise of virgin wilderness. The islands of Balanec, bannec, béniguet, Lédénes, Litiry, Trielen used to be inhabited by farmers and seaweed harvesters. These tiny islands now shelter birds and rabbits… The proof, if one needs, that the environment is unspoiled. Molène island is part of the biosphere reserves of the Iroise sea.
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Sein island
"Qui voit Sein voit sa fin" ("He who sees Sein sees his own end") used to say the seamen who feared those terrifying reefs and violent currents, reason of many shipwrecks. The island is so flat that the sea has, now and then, flooded it ! The unique village was built to resist to this harsh environment : houses safely huddled and narrow lanes fighting against the blustering winds. The islanders, famous fishermen and keen seamen, have distinguished themselves by many rescues at sea, saving lives and boats. These acts of heroism won them a financial gift : tax exemption.
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Glénan archipel
18 km off Fouesnant, discover Glénan archipelago’s white sandy beaches and shallow sea, and let yourself get carried far far away. 8 islands, a dozen of islets, many rocks form a circle around an enclosed sea called “the room”. It’s the seamen’s favourite call. Nowadays, this archipelago is inhabited only during the summer and dedicated mostly to water sport activities. It’s famous for its sailing club and for its international scuba diving centre.
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