ENVIRONMENT
The Molène archipelago, a preserved area in need of protection
Protecting fragile environments, ensuring the survival of species and maintaining the year-round population while ensuring the sustainability of economic activities are crucial issues on the Molène archipelago.
As a result, the insular and maritime parts are under the protection of different players.
- The Parc naturel Marin d'Iroise, France's first natural marine park, was created in 2007. It covers a total area of 3,500 km². Its role is to protect the environment and preserve species in areas of high activity (yachting, fishing, scientific research).
- The Natura 2000 program to protect flora, birds and their habitats. Its means of action: raising public awareness and managing visitor flows.
- The Iroise Islands and Sea Biosphere Reserve, which not only preserves natural environments, but also protects the natural, cultural and human heritage. As part of the international "Man and Biosphere" program, the Iroise Islands and Sea, like other reserves around the world, serve as a model for the exchange of knowledge and practices on the relationship between Man and his environment.
environment
The Molène archipelago: a protected area
Want to set sail for Ouessant and the islands of the Mer d'Iroise? The Molènearchipelago invites you to escape with its many islands and islets, off Le Conquet, your port of departure. At the tip of Finistère, it's an area with a rare wealth of flora and fauna. That's why the archipelago is protected to ensure the preservation of species and the beauty and purity of the area.
Discover
Molène, an island out of time
The island of Molène is the largest in the archipelago, though not the largest. There are almost no cars here. You'll appreciate the calm and charm of its narrow streets, which can be explored on foot. Only a hundred or so inhabitants live here year-round. We also meet visitors who come to Molène for the day to enjoy the peace and quiet of the island.
Testimonial
Here, the serenity and tranquility of life reign. Few stores, little noise, only that of the sea, but I never get bored, savoring every day my chance to live here. For example, I like to settle down by the flat stones to enjoy the calm of the open sea and recharge my batteries.
explore
The other islands of the archipelago and Quéménès: 3 inhabitants!
The archipelago's other main islands are :
- Balanec
- Bannec
- Béniguet
- Litiry
- Triélen
- Quéménès.
Along with Molène, theisland of Quéménès is one of the few inhabited islands. In 2007, a young couple set out to create a 100% self-sufficient island farm. The project has given rise to a veritable model of sustainable development. Today, the site boasts a guest house that welcomes visitors looking to disconnect from everyday life and reconnect with nature. A change of scenery guaranteed for an extraordinary journey! Interested?
Navigation
6 lighthouses and a multitude of islets
A land of lighthouses, Iroise boasts no fewer than 6 between the Molène archipelago and the island of Ouessant, some of which you can get up close and personal with during your marine escapade. These sentinels of the sea, solid and impassive in the face of the elements, impress as much as they fascinate. Lighthouses are intimately linked to themaritime history inherent to the territory and to Brittany as a whole.
The Molène archipelago is also home to a dozen islets, some of which are linked together at low tide, when the tide is high. In fact, from Molène, you can reach the islet of Trielen on foot, when the tide coefficient is at least 107. The visit is guided and supervised, but be quick so you don't end up with your feet in the water!
ENVIRONMENT
Exceptional flora and fauna
Taking a boat to visit the Molène archipelago also means having extraordinary, and sometimes unexpected, encounters. The Iroise Sea is home to a large number of dolphins, who don't hesitate to play with boats visiting the islands. And on the islets, it's not unusual to come across sunbathing grey seals! In fact, France's largest seal colony can be found here.
And don't forget your binoculars for birdwatching: gulls, terns, cormorants, gannets, storm-petrels, gravelots... The tranquillity of the uninhabited islands and their unspoilt setting make them ideal for nesting and breeding, much to the delight of amateur and professional ornithologists alike. Want to find out more? Discover 5 species to see in the Molène archipelago!
EXPLORE
Europe's largest seaweed field
Molène is home to Europe's largestseaweed field, which represents a significant economic activity for the Pays d'Iroise, most of which is unloaded in the port of Lanildut. During the crossing, you may come across the seaweed harvesters and their "scoubidous", instruments used to harvest the kelp without damaging the neighboring seaweed.
In spring, the islands are bursting with the colors of the local flora: the pink of thearmeria maritima, the yellow of the birdsfoot trefoil, the white of the silene maritima... Take advantage of the peace and quiet before summer to discover them, as well as the mild climate, typical of the islands at this time of year.
The House of the Environment
The Maison de l'environnement, located on the island of Molène, offers a fun and educational approach to these eco-environmental and social issues, to raise awareness among visitors.