Ile-de-Batz travel guide

Visit Ile-de-Batz (Brittany, France)

Ile-de-Batz is found just off the northern coast of Finistere, in western Brittany. It is one of the islands in the group called the Iles du Ponant.

A small, attractive island, Batz is just 4km by 2km, and reached by ferry from Roscoff with a ferry crossing that takes about 15 minutes to complete the three kilometre crossing.

Exploring Ile-de-Batz

Although small, the island has much to offer and is popular with those wishing to enjoy the islands sandy beaches, explore the coastal scenery around the island, and discover some impressive sights and monuments, both natural and man-made.

The main settlement on Ile-de-Batz is based around Port Kernog, which is also an active fishing port, and a smaller port is a little way south around a natural bay at Port an Eog.

Beaches and coast

The two main beaches are along the north-east coast of the island - the main beach is called Grève Blanche, but many smaller ones can also be found. The western coast is more rugged and rocky.

There is a coast path around the island, a lovely way to explore Batz but note this is for pedestrians only, not cyclists.

At the far west of the Ile-de-Batz you can discover the Trou de Serpent - a rock formation marking the spot where, according to legend, Saint Pol-de-Léon cast a dragon into the sea that had been terrorising the inhabitants of the island. True or not it's a very picturesque place!

Gardens and plants

There are various places on the island where you suddenly come across unexpected 'semi-tropical' plants and trees but a particular highlight for gardening enthusiasts is the Garden of George-Delaselle, at the eastern end of the island and where thousands of Mediterranean and sub-tropical plants thrive in the warm climate.

Now established for over 100 years, this little piece of sub-tropical paradise brings together plants from Africa, Asia and the Americas. The collection of palm trees particularly is held in high esteem.

Other monuments

The ruins of the Sainte-Anne chapel, also on the east side of the island, are another popular attraction. The chapel dates from the 11th century, and was built on the site of a monastery that stood here in the 9th century. There is a newer church, built in the 19th century, just east of Port Kernog (between your ferry arrival point and the main port).

Towards the center-west of the Ile-de-Batz in a slightly raised area you can see a lighthouse, built in the 19th century.

See more islands of France. You can find more travel ideas in the Finistere guide and the Brittany guide.