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Ouessant and SeinUpdated 04.14.2006
Ouessant is a rough and magnificent Brittany island in the north-west Atlantic coast of France, is named the sentinel island because of its strategic location in one of the most dangerous sea zone of the European Atlantic coast "le Mer D'Iroise" that means "the enraged sea". Here you have the greatest tide excursions in Europe, until 15 mt 49,2 ft, and the fastest streams, the Jument and the Fromeur. When the wind blows against the flow of tide can raise enormous waves and the sea becomes really enraged. A lot of shipwrecks have taken place in this area, famous that of Drummond Castle in 1896 and also the environmental disasters of Olympic Bravery in 1976 and Amoco Cadiz in 1978. As the matter of fact an important source of support for the islanders was in the past the exploitation of the wrecks the waves throw to the shores, and their heroism in saving the survivors lives was famous all around the world. Here was built the most powerful lighthouse of the world, the Chreac'h light you can see it 61 km 33 ml away, in the frequent foggy days you can hear its foghorn 18 km away. It' really a wild sea environment with magnificent cliffs and a lot of sea birds. Also to arrive here is a little bit an adventure, the ferry trip from Le Conquet lasts about 1 hour and from Brest 2,15 hrs, and may be quite agitated, but it's wonderful. An old fisherman saying goes " if you see Ouessant you see your blood, if you see Sein you see you death" and is quite indicative of the bad reputation this arm of sea had in the past. Of course, if you prefer, you can reach the island by a little plane, but i think is not so fascinating like the boat trip. The hardness of the environment creates quite a good selection among the voyagers, and so there is no danger of mass tourism here. Almost no cars on the island, only a few taxis and a bus, the best is to hire a mountain-bike. It rains very frequently and there is a lot of wind, so check your dresses and wind jackets. The only way to explore the magnificent wild west coast is to walk along the trails that follow the coastline at the top of the cliffs, it's a little exhausting but I can assure you that's really superb. Only few little hotels (3 or 4) and restaurants on the Island, so reserve in advance. Try the Océan, Lampaul phone/fax 0298488003 Have a good and safe trip and a refreshing stay.
Sein Island is another rough little Brittany island not far from Ouessant, where the life is, if possible, also more rude, it is entirely plate, a few meters above the level of the high tide. It was almost entirely submerged two times in the past, during a fierce storm, with the people searching escape from the sea on the top of the church bell tower. Also the arm of sea around Sein "le Mer d'Iroise" is famous for its danger. Now only a little community of about 100 persons live here. Famous is the Lighthouse of Ar Men isolated in the sea at the end of the shallows on the west of the island, that was a real hell for its guardians, often isolated for months because of the bad weather. Now it's automatic and deserted. You can walk all around the island in a few hours and may be a one day trip. No bikes on the island, is too small. It is also possible to stay at night and to have a good meal (fish and shellfish of course), a very good address is "Chez Annick" quai des Françaises Libres, phone 0298709079. It is largely worth the trip. Have a good and safe trip and a refreshing stay. If you want to share your impressions and addresses E-Mail me. E-Mail address
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Have a good trip. I'll be glade if you want to share with me your experiences about islands you visited and addresses you think worthy to be added. E-Mail address
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