Breizh

The islands of Finistère

Written by Charlotte
18 nov. 2024
The islands of Finistère

Batz, Ouessant, Molène, Ile de Sein or Glénan, the islands of Finistère evoke distant paradises and fine sandy beaches. A must-see during your vacation in an open-air hotel at Breizh Légendes in Finistère, they are linked to the mainland by sea shuttles in season.

Ouessant, the largest

Its 8 x 4 km territory is the largest of the Finistère islands, but also one of the wildest in the Iroise Sea. Recognizable by its steep cliffs, it's ideal for exploring by bike, from the port of arrival to the spectacular Pointe de Pern, the most westerly point in mainland France. The island is reputed to be the last in Brittany before America. Don't miss Ouessant's museum of lighthouses and beacons, or the Niou ecomuseum, dedicated to island life of yesteryear.

The island of Sein, the lowest

Just 6 meters above sea level, this small island threatened by rising sea levels emerges off the Pointe du Raz, in the Bay of Douarnenez in the Bigouden region, near the Crozon peninsula in South Finistère. Its unique charm lies in its small fishing port with narrow streets and colorful boats, low granite walls and thistle-filled meadows. The island of Sein particularly distinguished itself during the Second World War, with its fishermen representing a quarter of the French who joined General de Gaulle in London to organize the Resistance. The most decorated commune in France for this war, it is also the only one to have suffered even more casualties during this dark period than during the First World War.

Molène, the richest fauna

The Molène archipelago lies between Brest and Ouessant in the Celtic Sea. It comprises themain island of Molène and a dozen islets. The island is renowned for its particularly diverse fauna, including sea otters, dolphins, gray seals and numerous species of seabirds. The island's culinary specialty is Molène sausage, a charcuterie smoked with seaweed.

Batz, the closest to land

Opposite Roscoff, Batz Island can be reached in 15 minutes by boat. And yet it's one of the most exotic islands in the world: its mild microclimate is home to a number of exotic plants rarely seen in Finistère. The Pointe Pen ar Cleguer is home to the Georges Delaselle exotic garden, where you can admire over 2,500 plants from all over the world. The 12 km tour of the island is easily done by bike. Batz is also renowned for its market gardening and the quality of its goëmon-enriched vegetables.

 

Les Glénan, the wildest

To the south of Fouesnant, the Glénan archipelago is known for its picture-postcard landscapes, earning it the nickname of the "Breton Caribbean". The island of Saint-Nicolas is the largest in the archipelago, off the coast of Tregunc and Pont Aven. It is linked to the island of Bananec by a sandy tombolo, considered one of the most beautiful beaches in France for its end-of-the-world setting, white sand and turquoise waters. The archipelago is home to the famous Glénans sailing school. At the heart of the archipelago, the crystal-clear waters of La Chambre are hailed as one of the most beautiful anchorages on the Atlantic coast. A must-see if you're on vacation in Brittany's Glénan islands!

Places and activities near Iles du Finistère

Breizh

Barnenez Cairn

Monumental witness to an ancient past The Grand Cairn de Barnenez is a remarkable megalithic site located in Plouézoc'h, on the Kerneléhen peninsula. A funerary monument erected in the Neolithic period, it is situated on a high point: a recurrent choice of location for structures of this type, such as prehistoric burials.

Charlotte
Breizh

Detailed map of North Finistère

Often referred to as "the end of the world", Finistère (29) is one of the 4 departments of Brittany. It is the most westerly department in France. Bordered by the English Channel, North Finistère encompasses several historic Breton regions, Léon to the northwest (between Lannion and Châteaulin) and Trégor to the northeast.

Charlotte
Breizh

GR34, the Douaniers trail

More than fifty years old, the famous GR 34 long-distance coastal footpath circumnavigates Brittany over 2,000 km, including almost 900 km in Finistère. Like the Côte de Granit Rose, it attracts hikers for the breathtaking landscapes it invites them to cross and the remarkable sites it links along the coast. Here are some ideas for walks on the GR 34 for your camping vacation in North Finistère!

Charlotte
Breizh

Île Vierge and its lighthouse

Do you love wide open spaces and the feeling of being alone in the world? Then set course for Ile Vierge in Plouguerneau in North Finistère, a charming islet that will brighten up your stay at the Slow Village Breizh Légendes campsite.

Charlotte
Breizh

The Coast of Legends

Discover the Côte des Légendes, a wild coastline in North Finistère where raw nature blends with Celtic myths. Between secret beaches, wind-sculpted rocks and centuries-old traditions, let yourself be carried away by the magic of Brittany. From the Slow Village Breizh Légendes, explore an authentic, timeless destination, ideal for reconnecting with the essentials and living the slow experience to the full.

Charlotte
Breizh

Fishing spots in North Finistère

Looking for a fishing spot in Finistère Nord? There's no shortage of them in this beautiful part of Brittany. Foot fishing, one of the region's most famous ancestral practices, can be enjoyed by the whole family during a stay in the department. During your stay at our Finistère Nord seaside campsite, try your hand at this outdoor pastime, which combines walks along the coast at low tide with family fun!

Charlotte
Breizh

Menhirs and dolmens in North Finistère

Famous for its menhirs, Brittany, and more specifically North Finistère, is brimming with emblematic sites. Between legends and myths, the Slow Village campsite invites you to discover the megaliths. You'll find menhirs and dolmens along the way, much to the delight of travellers.

Charlotte
Breizh

Océanopolis

Brest's Océanopolis is one of France's largest aquariums. It houses over 10,000 animals in tanks that recreate their respective natural environments. The biodiversity of temperate, tropical and polar marine habitats is reconstituted at Océanopolis, allowing visitors to encounter a wide variety of species, from anemones to otters and a multitude of colorful fish. Each tank is unique (freshwater, saltwater) to match the seabed and the natural environment of the various fish species and mammals.

Charlotte
Breizh

Pontusval lighthouse at Brignognan-Plage

The Pontusval lighthouse in Brittany is a symbol of hope and safety for sailors and ships navigating the waters off the west coast of France. Located at the tip of Beg-Pol, in the commune of Plounéour-Brignogan-Plages, this majestic lighthouse stands as a symbol of maritime tradition and navigation. Founded in 1868, the lighthouse has been guiding sailors to port for over 150 years, and remains one of the most beautiful lighthouses in Brittany.

Charlotte
Breizh

Naturist beaches in Brittany

Are you looking for a naturist beach in Brittany among the beautiful sandy beaches? Would you like to enjoy an unusual experience and be in direct contact with nature during your stay at the Finistère Nord campsite?

Charlotte
Breizh

Top 10 beaches in Finistère

Looking for white sand, turquoise water and wild horizons? Head for Finistère to discover the most beautiful beaches in Brittany. From north to south, secret coves, surf spots and spectacular landscapes await you just a stone's throw from our Slow Village Breizh Légendes. Follow our top 10 for a summer with your feet in the water, between unspoilt nature and an iodine-filled escape.

Charlotte
Breizh

Visit the Meneham website

Immerse yourself in the fascinating history of Meneham, a charming village nestled between the rocks of North Finistère. On the wild coast of Kerlouan, this typical Breton hamlet invites you on a journey back in time, between traditions, legends and raw nature. Discover its fishermen's cottages and ancestral customs, and enjoy the unique experience of a slow-motion holiday just a stone's throw away from one of Brittany's must-see sites.

Charlotte