Opposite our campsite, the Glénan islands form an archipelago of paradisiacal landscapes, home to birds and plants, under the protection of Bretagne Vivante. In summer, departures are from Port-la-Forêt, just 2 km from the campsite.
Consisting of 8 main islands with a total area of 144 hectares of land , the Glénan archipelago experienced varying fortunes. Housing only a few souls at certain times, there were 85 inhabitants at its peak in 1881: all fishermen, seaweed farmers or soda makers.
Today, the archipelago, several of which are private or classified as ornithological reserves, is no longer inhabited except in summer, and almost entirely devoted to water sports. In addition to the most famous sailing school based at Fort Cigogne, it is home to an international scuba diving center.
Visit the Glénan: Saint Nicolas Island
Ideal for a day of idleness and total change of scenery, Saint Nicolas Island is an essential destination in the region, very busy in summer, much less in June and September.
Most companies offer a morning departure, a stopover of around 3 hours to tour the island of Saint Nicolas, eat and enjoy the beaches, and a return in the afternoon. The water is cool, but if you bring a little snorkeling gear, you’ll be able to admire sea urchins and small fish with ease.
Please note: there are no links between the different islands, so most visitors stay on the main island to enjoy one of Fouesnant’s most beautiful beaches. Les Vedettes de l’Odet offers sea kayaks for hire, so you can explore the Glenan archipelago at your leisure.
During the crossing, it is not uncommon to see dolphins and whale sharks offshore.
It is better to avoid very hot days because there are almost no shaded areas, and to provide sunscreen and water to hydrate.
HOW TO GET TO THE GLÉNAN ISLANDS?
In a trip it is not the destination that counts but always the distance traveled, and especially the detours.
Philippe Potet-Villard
Several companies offer the crossing. Depending on your budget and your desires, 3 choices are available to you: cruise ships, the crossing in a semi-rigid boat with commentary or a day trip with a professional skipper.
The stars of the Odet
From mid-April to mid-September, Les Vedette de l’Odet offers departures from Concarneau and Bénodet. We recommend the “discovery of the archipelago” formula: After a free stopover on the main island of Saint Nicolas, you re-embark for an hour of commented cruise to discover the archipelago.
In summer, two departures per day are scheduled from Port la Forêt , 20 minutes on foot or 5 minutes by car from the campsite. The price of the discovery formula is 47€ per adult (price 2022).
Blue cruises
Blue cruises also allows you to embark from mid-May to the end of September for a formula including the crossing, 3 hours of stopovers for lunch on the island and a cruise commented by a passionate guide to discover the history of the islands accompanied by anecdotes. In July and August the departures are from Concarneau and Fouesnant. Price for 1 adult: 34 €
Glénant Discovery
Glénan Découverte offers an interesting alternative to large cruise boats, departing from the port of Trévigon (10 min from the campsite) for €40 per adult on a 12-seater RIB. You can set sail and reach the archipelago in just 20 minutes, then navigate between the different islands with a commented tour of ten minutes before reaching the island of St Nicolas. After a stopover of about 3 hours to walk around, have a picnic and enjoy the scenery, the return is scheduled for the afternoon. With Les Saules campsite, and upon presentation of proof, benefit from a € 2 reduction on each place. To book: 06 70 75 89 79 / contact@glenandecouverte.com
The Popoff
To discover the archipelago and old-fashioned navigation, reserve your place on board the Popoff , an old wooden trawler built in 1946. If you wish, you can take part in maneuvers and have a picnic on board or ashore. Price for an adult: 59 €
KYSS
Another possibility for an “A la carte” Glénans excursion: KYSS offers a personalized one-day cruise around the 7 islands of the Glénans aboard a semi-rigid boat at 400€ for 2 to 6 passengers.
private cruise
Finally, if you want to discover the Glénan off the beaten track, the ideal is to go for the day with a skipper who will show you the archipelago and navigation on a sailing boat. You can eat on board and enjoy this exceptional moment at your own pace.
The site Skippair.com allows you to book online a all-inclusive day cruise in Les Glénan or a sailing day departing from Port-la-forêt. It is an ideal formula with family or friends that allows you to discover the pleasure of sailing on a monohull or on a catamaran in a privileged setting. (count around 100 € / person)
Where to eat in Glénan?
In summer, it’s best to take your picnic with you, as the two food outlets on Ile Saint Nicolas are quickly saturated. There’s no shortage of local produce (canned sardines, tuna or pâté) for an excellent meal on the beach. Please note: there are no garbage cans, so remember to bring your own garbage with you.)
Island restaurants:
- “Les Viviers des Glénan” at Castric (seafood restaurant) 02 98 50 68 90
- “La Boucane” (brasserie, snack) 02 98 50 69 00
