Bréhat is a small island town located on Île-de-Bréhat in Brittany, France. It is a popular destination in many travel guides due to its stunning natural landscapes, historic sites, and unique island quirks. One of the most notable features is the ban on motorized vehicles, making the island (almost) exclusively pedestrian and cyclist-friendly. Most points of interest are within easy walking distance, making Bréhat an ideal spot for a day trip.
Understand
[edit]Brehat Island (Île de Bréhat) actually consists of two smaller islands connected by a bridge.
Upon arrival, you’ll find yourself on the southern island of Bréhat, known for its charming, narrow streets, quaint houses, and well-kept gardens. The majority of sights and attractions are located here. In contrast, the northern island is much less populated and wilder, featuring rugged landscapes and some beautiful, untouched beaches.
The commune of Bréhat is home to around 300 permanent residents, most of whom are either farmers or work in tourism-related services. However, during the peak season, the population can swell to thousands. Despite the influx of visitors, the island maintains a harmonious balance between tourism and local life, retaining a strong sense of character and authenticity.
Get in
[edit]The only way to reach Bréhat is by boat from l'Arcouest, the village on the mainland directly opposite the island. Two companies operate ferry services, both offering round-trip tickets or a combination of a round trip with a guided tour around the island.
Prices for both companies are similar, with round trips at around €10 and the round-trip plus tour at €17 (2024).
Ticket booths for both companies are located at the very end of the road in l'Arcouest. A parking lot is available nearby, costing €8 for a day (2024).
There are three different boarding points for the ferry, used depending on the tide and sea level. The low tide boarding spot can be up to a 20-minute walk from the high tide location.
Get around
[edit]
Bréhat restricts the use of motorized vehicles, promising a peaceful walk around the island. However, this restriction does not apply to vehicles used for professional work, so you may encounter tractors and other agricultural machinery on the streets in wild positions.
- Walking is perfectly fine on the island, with some areas accessible only on foot. There are signposts indicating the attractions at nearly every intersection. A direct walk from the southern to the northern part of the island is about 3.5 km, so visiting all of Bréhat’s sights can be quite a challenge for some.
- Cycling is also a great option, rental shops located near the port are hard to miss. E-bikes are available as well. Another popular mode of transport is the tourist train, which, on Bréhat, is pulled by a tractor.
- The most popular way to get around the island must be the good old tourist train, on Bréhat though towed by a tractor.
See
[edit]- 1 Port Clos. While it's hard to miss the port where you'll likely arrive, don't rush into town and take a moment to appreciate the beauty of its enclosed bay.
- 2 Goareva Fort. A square shaped stone fortification on the southern hill of the island. It hosts the glassworks 'Verreries de Bréhat' free.
- Verreries de Bréhat. Local glassworks, you can come in to see the process of glass blowing
- 3 Birlot Tidal Mill. An old mill that uniquely harnesses the power of the tide to grind grain. The reservoir behind the dam fills at high tide, and when the tide recedes, the released water powers the mill.
- 4 Chapel of Saint-Michel. A chapel on a hill overlooking the northern parts of the southern island. It is the island's highest point at 33 m, and the views are stunning, especially at low tide when many of the smaller isles emerge from the water.
- 5 Chapel of Notre-Dame de Keranroux. A rather large chapel with some typical decorations: fishnets, lifebuoys, newsleter clips on local sea lifeguards.
- 6 Church Notre-Dame de Bonne-Nouvelle. Literally Our Lady the Good News, it is the main church of Bréhat, by the main square, with an adjacent cemetery.
- 7 Sémaphore. Weather and marine traffic observation and control post. Military object, taking photos is not allowed.
- 8 Rosédo lighthouse.
- 9 Paon lighthouse (at the northernmost tip of the island). The lighthouse was home to Marie-Perrine Durand, supposedly the first female lightkouse keeper, who died in 1933 after 45 years of service. You will notice the rose-tinted rocks upon which the lighthouse is built.
Do
[edit]- Boat trip around the island. As mentioned in 'Get in', you can combine your ferry ride to the island with a nice commentated tour which goes around the entire island. 40 min. Only offered with the trip to the island, not the other direction.
Buy
[edit]- 1 Carrefour express (south from the bourg - the main square). Open until 20:00.
- 2 Pain de sucre (at the bourg). A local bakery.
Eat
[edit]- 1 Le paradis rose. A simple café in a cozy garden located at the northern tip of the island.
- 2 Ferme de Kervilon. Artisanal bakery and farm products for sale by the roadside.
Drink
[edit]Sleep
[edit]- 1 Municipal camping (at the area in front of the Goareva Fort).