Ile de Bréhat

Your holiday travel guide to Bréhat Island with accommodation, ferries and attractions

Ile de Bréhat is a "must do" to anyone touring Brittany. It is an ideal destination for a day trip or a week holiday. Described by many as the paradise island, it is situated 2km (1 mile) off the Pink Granite coastline, north of Paimpol in Côtes d'Armor.
Visible from the mainland, Bréhat is renowned for its exceptional natural beauty and mild climate. As you arrive by ferry boat in Port Clos, south of the island, you are welcomed by the colourful pink granite coastline dotted of elegant villas with subtropical gardens, pine woods and coved beaches.

Some Key Facts

Bréhat island is in fact two main islands in a middle of an archipelago of colourful pink granite rocks and islets, 100 in total. The two main islands, which cover a surface of 3 square meter only, are joint by a Vauban bridge (Pont ar Prad).

The northern part, more exposed to the element, is quieter, wilder and less inhabited with its Paon lighthouse renowned for offering some stunning views of the coastline.

Beware that that it can get quite busy in summer times when the very few hundred inhabitants multiply ten fold in July and August.

No cars are allowed but it is very easy to explore the island on foot along the 30km of pathways, or if you prefer, you can hire bicycles on arrival. The main village, namely Le Bourg, is found on the eastern part where the island's tourist office is also based. It is a pretty little place designed around a square of houses, where you find shops, bars and restaurants.

Back to top

Main Tourist Attractions

The main attraction of the island is by far its natural beauty and walking along the many coastal paths will provide plenty of beautiful sceneries for everyone. Thanks to its gentle climate, gardens enthusiasts will delight at some of the subtropical flora growing here including palm trees, tree echiums, mimosa and more common species like blue & pink hydrangeas. Some of our recommended places to visit include:

• Chapelle Saint-Michel
  Located 33m above sea level, the highest site on the island, the Saint-Michel Chapel offers some of the best views across the archipelago.


• The beach of Guerzido
  
  

  Sunset on Ile de Bréhat © Alain76
  The beach of Guerzido, situated on the southern eastern coast of the south island, is the main sandy beach of the island which is also protected from sea currents.


• The Birlot Windmill
  Located on the western side of the southern island, this working flour windmill was in operation until 1920, date when the flour was first imported from the mainland. Falling into ruins, the city council acquired the site which has since been restored to its former glory.


• The Verreries of Bréhat
  
  

  Paon Lighthouse © fdecomite
  This local glass art craft factory was created in 1990 in the old Vauban fort and is renowned for its hand made glass door handles and staircase balls.


• The Phare du Paon
  First built in 1860, the Paon lighthouse, situated at the northest point of the northern island, by destroyed by German troops. Rebuilt in 1952 in pink granite, the lighthouse is now fully automatised. The area offers some splendid views across the channel.

Back to top

How to travel to the island

Ferries to Bréhat Island

The island is a no car zone and you can only reach Bréhat by boat.

Les Vedettes de Bréhat is the sole ferry company transiting all year round leaving from the Pointe de l'Arcouest, north of Paimpol. The journey takes only 10 mins with departures every 30 mins in average. The ticket costs around Euro 10 in peak season.
They also offer day trips departing from the nearby seaside resorts of Erquy, Saint Quay Portieux and Binic. You can also opt for a 45 mins guided boat trip around the archipelago. For more information call +33 (0) 2 96 55 79 50 or visit the website.

How to travel to Paimpol, Bréhat's nearest mainland travelling point:

By Road: 5 hours drive from Paris (492km) by motorway A11 and N12 from Rennes
Get a cheap car hire now.
Check our "Driving in France" comprehensive guide before setting off.

By Sea: nearest ferry port is Saint-Malo (132km by N176 & N12 or 1h46mins drive) and Roscoff (116km by N12 or 1h40mins drive)
Check cross channel ferries to Saint-Malo and Roscoff now.

By Train: 4h20 from Paris to Paimpol by high speed train (TGV) with one change at Guingamp for the regional railway network service (TER)
Book your train ticket with RailEurope now.

By Plane: Dinard airport (118km, 1h34mins drive), Rennes airport (145km, 1h49 mins drive)
Check direct flights to Dinard and Rennes now.
Get a cheap car hire now.

Back to top

Accommodation on Bréhat Island

Accommodation on the island is limited so you are advised to book early. Expect also to pay a premium compared to prices on the mainland.

Back to top