Île-de-Bréhat consists of two main islands connected by a bridge and an archipelago of 86 islets and reefs. The Chenal du Ferlas separates the island group from the mainland. This layout is also important to its protected status: on 13 July 1907, Île-de-Bréhat was designated France’s first protected and classified natural site. On 26 March 1980, the classification was extended to the entire archipelago, including the South Island, North Island, outlying islands and islands not recorded in the land register. The two dates mark two steps: the designation of the island and the later extension of protection to the entire archipelago.
Coastline and Notable Landmarks
The Chapelle Saint-Michel stands 33 metres above sea level. The Phare du Paon is 22 metres high, has a range of 11 nautical miles and is not open to visitors. Plage du Guerzido is the main beach on Île-de-Bréhat; it opens southwards between two rocky headlands. The island thus offers a range of landmarks: a chapel, a lighthouse with a clearly stated range, and a south-facing beach.
Mill and Glass Art
Visitors can view the exterior of the Moulin du Birlot, its sluice gates and mill wheel at any time, as long as the tides allow. Check the tide times for your planned visit. The mill is open to visitors free of charge on milling days, as well as during Mill Days in June and Heritage Days in September. As the seasonal programme may change, it is worth checking the dates in advance.
Les Verreries de Bréhat was founded in 1998 and established in a former military citadel in the heart of the Island of Flowers. Visitors can watch glass being made in the workshops and then discover the glassmakers’ creations in the shop. Access to the workshops and visiting hours may vary seasonally. The site combines the history of the building with an insight into glassmaking and the glassmakers’ work.
Beach and Dives
Plage du Guerzido is not only the main beach, but also the starting point for the introductory shore dive offered by Bréhat Plongée. The dive lasts 15 to 20 minutes. The dive school also offers exploration dives at sea around the island, including at Quistillic, Les blés Noirs, Raguenez-Meur, Men Gam, Men Garo and Rock Hir. Local flora and fauna that may be observed include sea bass, conger eels, lobsters, gorgonians and kelp. The activities offer different options: a specific dive duration from the beach or exploration dives at named sites around the island.
Getting to the Island and Getting Around
The main route in is from Pointe de l’Arcouest, with its embarkation harbour, to Port-Clos, the island’s main landing point. The crossing takes 10 minutes. Check the departure times for your travel date, as operations and schedules may change. Île-de-Bréhat is car-free; however, tractors and service vehicles operate daily, including vehicles for the fire service, passenger transport and freight. Pedestrians and cyclists share the paths with the few vehicles on the island. Bear in mind that the paths are shared when planning your visit.
Discover more destinations: Langueux, Plouvara, Runan, Saint-Nicodème, Kerien, Plaine-Haute, La Motte, Troguéry
For the broader travel overview: Côtes-d’Armor.
