The Molène archipelago may not appear on many maps but it’s worth the trip. This string of tiny lush green islands, made of white sandy beaches and surrounded by reefs, is a paradise of virgin wilderness. The islands of Balanec, bannec, béniguet, Lédénes, Litiry, Trielen used to be inhabited by farmers and seaweed harvesters. These tiny islands now shelter birds and rabbits… The proof, if one needs, that the environment is unspoiled. Molène island is part of the biosphere reserves of the Iroise sea.
Getting There
All year round
Compagnie Maritime "Penn ar Bed" - 1er Eperon - Port de Commerce - CS 92928 - 29229 Brest cedex 2
Tel. + 33 (0)2 98 80 80 80 - Fax. + 33 (0)2 98 33 10 08
Website : www.pennarbed.fr
1h30 crossing from Brest. One call at Conquet.
You can save time by crossing directly from Conquet.
Reservation mandatory.
What to see
Musée du Drummond
Castle - Drummond Castle museum
29259 Ile Molène - Tel.
+ 33 (0)2 98 07 38 41
Dedicated to a famous shipwreck of an English ship. In 1996, during the centenary commemoration of the shipwreck, the Queen Of England offered the flag of England to the islanders as a sign of friendship.
Open every afternoon from May to October. Otherwise on request for groups. Entree fee: 5 to 10 F
La Maison de l'environnement
insulaire - Island Environment centre
Tel. /Fax. + 33 (0)2 98 07 38 92
Centre on the natural heritage of the archipelago : models, films, videos, panels, sculptures...
Open weekends of May and June ; daily 3 pm to 5 pm in July and August. Otherwise on request for groups.
Municipal camp site : Camping Municipal "Penn ar Bed" **
Information at the Tourist office : Tel. + 33 (0)2 98 07 39
05 - Fax. + 33 (0)2 98 07 38 28
Restaurant
Restaurant "L'Archipel"
- Le Quai -29259 Ile Molène.
Tel. / Fax. + 33 (0)2 98 07 38 56
Nature
As Ouessant Island and Sein Island, Molène is part of the Regional Nature park and is in the heart of the biosphere reserves of the Iroise sea (MAB UNESCO).
To protect a quite remarkable bird life (storm-petrels, seagulls…), these islets were established as nature reserves. The presence of sea mammals such as dolphins and seals proves once again the diversity and integrity of the sea.
For more information, visit the centre “Maison de l'Environnement Insulaire” ; it organises guided visits during the summer or at sea with local fishermen.
Practical addresses
City Hall : Mairie - 29259 ILE DE MOLENE
Tel. + 33 (0)2 98 07 39 05 - Fax : + 33 (0)2 98 07 38
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Getting There
