From Conquet to Ouessant, in the far west of Finistère, in Brittany, find the Molène archipelago, a paradise on earth made up of nearly 19 islands and islets bathed by the Iroise Sea, 15 km from the Breton coast!
The island of Molène, which is 12 km west of the tip of Corsen and 1 hour 40 minutes from the Nature & Résidence Loisirs Le Kervastard campsite, our 3-star campsite in Finistère, is a very beautiful family destination. Do not hesitate to visit it as soon as you come to spend a stay in Brittany. Tourism in the heart of the island results in the discovery of its historical and natural heritage.
Île-Molène: what you need to know
With its 72 hectares, the island of Molène, Molenez in Breton, is the main island of the archipelago which bears the same name. It is inhabited by approximately 210 Molénais. At low tide, it allows us to observe the birth of new islands on the archipelago, while at high tide, their disappearance is obvious. Given its beaches with fine sand and clear water, the island gives the impression of a trip to the heart of the Pacific or the Caribbean.
On the island of Molène, travel is done exclusively on foot. Cars, bicycles and other means of transport are prohibited there for the convenience of hikers. Leave the car, get ready for an authentic stay in Brittany on this island located between Conquêt and Ouessant. To stay on site, a municipal campsite is at your disposal as are 2 gîtes.
Île-Molène: What to visit?
Although it is small, the island of Molène contains plenty of places of tourist interest which are worth the detour to learn more about its history and its inhabitants. You can visit them as part of a 4km island tour or separately during your holiday in Finistère.
The semaphore
Built in 1877 and completed in 1908, the Molène semaphore has always had the mission of monitoring the Breton coasts. In 1983, it was decommissioned. Today, restored, it is an interpretation center dedicated to the history of semaphores and which you can discover during your exploration of the island of Molène.
Saint Ronan church
The Saint Ronan church, rebuilt between 1878 and 1881 based on plans by Ernest Le Guerranic, is an imposing religious building which replaced an old chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It was consecrated in 1881 on the island of Molène. Today it has magnificent relics displayed in a display case.
Near the church, do not hesitate to also see the cistern which was built in 1897 and the impluvium built in 1976 by the English, as well as the monument to the Dead for the Fatherland made up of 2 statues. This visit to Brittany promises you a real leap in time.
The Drummond Castle Museum
Behind the town hall, find the Museum dedicated to the sinking of the Drummond Castle which occurred on June 16, 1896 and which claimed nearly 242 English lives. Part of the cemetery on the island of Molène still includes the graves of the shipwrecked people. The island’s sailors were able to find 29 bodies out of the 242 victims recorded during this disaster. To learn more and retrace the history of Drummond Castle, don’t hesitate to visit the museum on this island in Finistère!
The Beg Ar Loued website
The Beg Ar Loued site is the site of archaeological excavations which made it possible to find a dwelling dating from 1800 BC. The island has therefore been inhabited since the Bronze Age. And thanks to these discoveries, it is possible to know more about the inhabitants of the time and the lifestyle of the population.
The Roussin shelter and the frescoes
An important monument forming an integral part of the port and the history of the island of Molène, the shelter of the old rowing lifeboat named Amiral Roussin is a must-see during your stay in Finistère. If this shelter served as a storage space for seaweed collected by the inhabitants, it is today a true testimony to the past that the Amicale Molénaise covers with frescoes retracing the life of the population and the history of the ‘island.
The sheltered port
The island of Molène is the only one in the archipelago of the same name to have a sheltered natural port. This port formerly served the population for fishing, the main activity of the town. An impressive sea wall was then built and this project was made possible thanks to the participation of all the inhabitants of the island, who each had a role to play in this large-scale project. Whether you are spending your vacation on the island or nearby in Brest, don’t miss this exceptional port.
The Wells of Saint-Ronan
The wells of Saint-Ronan bear witness to the legends of the past of the island of Molène. Legend according to which Saint Ronan saved the island of Molène by making water gush out with a stick. It was at the place where he planted his staff that wells were built. The inhabitants used this water for drinking. Today, these wells can no longer be used by the population of the island of Molène and have even been condemned because the water there is unfit for consumption.
Our Lady of Good Return Statue
Among all the islands of the archipelago, the island of Molène contains many treasures to discover during an exceptional week in Brittany. If among these sites you can explore the semaphore or the sheltered port used for fishing by the inhabitants of another century, you can also find the statue of Notre-Dame du Bon Retour, found by a fisherman then placed in a church before to end up at its current location. Take a few minutes to greet her before resuming your crossing of Finistère and its islands.
The walk between Île-Molène and Île Trielen
At low tide, it is possible to walk 3.5 km between algae and rocks of Ile-Molène to reach Trielen Island. You just have to pay attention to the tide times so as not to find yourself submerged by the sea. A must-do visit during your visit to the island of Molène.
L’île-Molène: Practical information
Molène Island is accessible all year round from Brest (1h30), Conquet (30 minutes) and Ouessant (35 minutes) and in season, from Camaret (30 minutes). Several shipping companies serve the island.
To cross the islands of the Molène archipelago, go to our campsite with swimming pool in South Finistère, Kervastard. Our staff warmly welcomes you to this comfortable establishment for an authentic experience in the west of France. Ready to explore Brittany and its mysteries?
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