Ponant islands 2

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'.

Groix island  Cheerful but wild, Groix island has definitely a lot of character. People come from round the world to study here geology and mineralogy. About sixty mineral species are listed. You can visit the whole island in two days by hiking on the coastal path. Inside the grounds, by bicycle, you will discover, nestled in luxuriant valleys, fountains and washtubs, tiny villages with narrow lanes where the traditional home style is still well preserved.

Belle-Île  Belle-île, “beautiful island”, a name full of promises, and the island keeps them all. The largest island of the Ponant islands is a land of contrasts: natural harbours and deep rias, deeply embanked coves facing a blue turquoise sea, long fine golden sandy beaches, superb dunes, jagged cliffs and grottos… This little paradise is divided into 4 Communes ( French administrative territory) : Le Palais, “the capital” with its vigil, an imposing Citadel, Sauzon, a cute, pastel-coloured harbour, Bangor and the great lighthouse of Gouphar peering over the wild coast, and finally, Locmaria, where its village huddles around a small church chock-full of legends.

Houat island  The high granite cliffs of this long and narrow island stand out in the horizon of the Quiberon peninsula. They also stand above Saint Gildas harbour, where many brightly painted fishing boats find shelter. Loads of fish pots pile up on busy quays. Here is the heart of the island. Fishing is its main economic resource. After that, nature is everywhere. The coast is utterly breathtaking. A coastal path hugs the coast and the heath land is crossed by sandy trails. This is a paradise of peacefulness.

Île aux moines  500 meters away from the mainland and only 5 min to get there by boat ! Nevertheless, your sure to be disoriented. Explore, by foot or by bicycle, this tiny world and its contrasted landscapes : narrow pathways skirting through mini hills, sinking down mini valleys and crossing mini woods which names come straight out of fairy tales : Love woods, Regret woods, the Sighing woods… Fountains, chapels, windmill ruins and megalithic vestiges are well hidden behind pine trees and fig trees.

Arz island  Peaceful and quiet, Arz Island has preserved its country life landscapes and architectural consistency, evidence of a rich past : 12th century church, old manors, 15th, 16th and 17th century windmills… A well-kept coastal path leads you entirely around the island. It unveils protected coves, marvellous viewpoints of the Gulf and a string of lush green islets … .

Hoëdic island  The island of Hoedic: less than 150 islanders and a dozen of fishing boats. Most of the islanders earn their living on these boats…Everybody knows everybody and welcoming friendliness is a second nature! 3 hours are necessary to completely explore this piece of granite 2.5 km long and 1 km wide. But of course, you will want to linger…The island with its numerous coves invites you to stay.