What to do in Brittany: The Iles Du Ponant in Brittany
The Iles Du Ponant are 15 islands which are sporadically dotted around Brittany’s Atlantic and English Channel coastlines. All 15 of the islands can be visited on a daytrip and some have facilities for overnight stays.
Take a look at the following selection of mesmerising Iles Du Ponant.
Ile de Brehat
Ile de Brehat is an extremely beautiful island that is blessed with striking scenery and pretty stone cottages, most of which are said to be owned by well-to-do Parisians. The island is situated not far from Paimpol, a mile off the northern coast of Brittany.
Approximately 400 people live on the island, many of whom are employed in a glass works. One of the best ways to explore and discover this fascinating Ile du Ponant is by hiring a bicycle and head off on an unforgettable exploration of a tremendously scenic Breton island.
Ile de Batz
Ile de Batz is situated just off the coast from Roscoff and in a low tide it looks like you could almost walk to the island. Although this would be a foolhardy act because the tide comes inward at this part of the Breton coast at a rapid rate of 600 knots.
Ile de Batz is famed for its exotic gardens, splendid lighthouse, beautiful white sandy beaches and wonderful sand dunes and really does warrant a great day out for all the family.
Ile de Quessant
Despite its minute size of eight kilometres by four kilometres, Quessant is an island steeped in history and legend. It measures 8 kilometres by 4 kilometres.
Visitors can take the Pen Ar Bed Ferry from the town of La Conquet where you make sail to join the 950 inhabitants of Quessant.
Pony riding is high up on the agenda at this picturesque island, as is lazing about on the beach and exploring the island by foot.
Ile de Groix
With an emerald interior surrounded by soft sand being lapped by translucent water, Ile de Groix is a beautiful island that is perfect for a romantic trip. Despite having similar dimensions to Quessant , Ile de Groix has nearly three times the population.
To reach this quixotic island, visitors embark on a short ferry journey from Lorient.
Ile d’ Arz
Situated in the Golfe de Morbihan, the Ile D’Arz has many fantastic beaches for the discerning sunbather to try out! In fact being so small in size, you’ll never find yourself more than 400 metres away from the sea on Ile d’Arz. For history enthusiasts there are several old manor houses and mills on the island, which date back to the 15th century – A great day out to cater for the holiday whims of all the family!