| In the Côtes d'Armor, just facing the famous pink granite coast*,
lies an archipelago of islands that spreads out over 40 hectares of wilderness.
This kingdom for marine birds was classified as a natural reserve in 1976.
The" 7 îles" is a territory where, this time, MAN is not allowed. The
one exception, is the "ile aux Moines" (Monk's Island) inhabited by two
lighthouse keepers (you can visit the lighthouses) and a huge flock of
seagulls. You can walk around this tiny little "pebble" in about 40 minutes
on a VERY well marked trail. Bring some powerful binoculars, because it's
awfully difficult to get close to the birds of all different species.
On your way to the island (nice view of the pink granite coast)" the boat
will make a stop in the open sea so that you can observe the puffins frolicking
about and other crazy birds. (Seasickness? Yes, it's quite possible. This
isn't the Costa Brava you know.)
Dock at Perros-Guirec,
Tourist Office: (33) 02 96 23 21 15
At the end of the 19th century, the number of Atlantic Puffins was estimated
at 15,000 couples. At the end of the 20th century, hunters organized veritable
massacres of these birds. In 1912, only 400 couples had escaped from the
hunters' rifles. The "Ligue de Protection des Oiseaux" (LPO) was created
at this time. Since then, both hunting and landing are both strictly forbidden. |
France :