A trip around the island
Discover the island of flowers and pink rocks in a different way, away from the summer crowds and more like a local. A tour of the island aboard one of the Vedettes de Bréhat boats introduces you to a unique maritime environment, with a scattering of small islands and islets bathed by the tide and the light, unique to this time of year.
Boarding at l’Arcouest
It’s a fresh early morning at low tide when we climb aboard for a 45-minute guided tour. Bathed by permanent currents and scattered with numerous reefs, this is a place for experienced sailors only. It’s said that if you can sail this archipelago you can sail anywhere! Approaching from the Trieux estuary, the boat heads north. In the distance is the Héaux lighthouse. Looking to the east, there’s a glimpse of the entrance to la Corderie harbour and the chapelle Saint-Michel, to be discovered later, on a walking tour of the island.
The island of two faces
The boat heads up the north part of the island, which is steeper than the south, swept by the prevailing north and northwesterly winds, which accounts for the sparse vegetation and the more austere appearance. It’s from here that the Rosédo lighthouse watches over the passing ships. At the far northerly point, the Paon lighthouse dominates its rocky promontory. Now automated, before the war it was home to France’s first female lighthouse keeper, who worked there until her death at the age of 87. Approaching Port Clos, the vegetation becomes lush once again.
The southern part of the island enjoys an almost Mediterranean climate, which nurtures a huge diversity of exotic plants, giving rise to the name the ‘Island of Flowers’. Mimosas, fig trees, eucalyptus, agapanthus and hydrangeas bloom here in summer.
A string of 96 islands and islets
The string of 96 islands and islets are prettily named: le Bouc, la Chèvre, les Agneaux, Béniguet, l'Île verte, Lavrec, Logodec. You’ll experience a true voyage of discovery before setting foot on land for a visit to the jewel of the archipelago, Bréhat, the car-free island of almost deserted paths and tracks...
(© Text by Publihebdos)
