The Breton Caribbean off the coast of Fouesnant
An hour's boat ride from the coast, the Glénan Islands archipelago rises from the Atlantic like a tropical mirage. Nine main islands surrounded by turquoise waters and white sandbanks make up this natural gem, which belongs to the commune of Fouesnant.
Nicknamed the Breton Caribbean, the archipelago is a designated Natura 2000 site. It is home to a plant species found nowhere else on Earth: the Glénan daffodil (Narcissus triandrus capax), a small white flower that blooms in April and May on Île Saint-Nicolas. The stunning clarity of the water comes from a pale granite seabed and the presence of maërl, a chalky red alga that gives the sand its remarkable whiteness.
⭐ 5/5, visitor reviews (monnuage)
⭐ "We took a boat from Concarneau to the Glénan islands. Once you move away from the crowds, you find wilder spots that really feel like a Robinson Crusoe island. The archipelago has even been described as 'a glimpse of Tahiti in southern Brittany'."
Lysiane⭐ "A lovely boat trip and stunning islands. A must!"
Camille F.⭐ "Like a postcard from a tropical island. Excellent."
GTL
The Glénan archipelago in pictures
Timetables and fares for 2026 crossings
Crossings are operated by the Vedettes de l'Odet. Here are the options and fares for the 2026 season:
| Option | Adult | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Escape (return trip) | €39 | Return crossing with free time on the island |
| Discovery | €49 | Crossing plus narrated boat tour around the archipelago |
| Marine Wildlife | €54 | Crossing plus marine wildlife watching trip |
| Underwater Vision | €54 | Crossing plus glass-bottom boat exploration of the seabed |
| Kayak | From €67 | Crossing plus guided kayak trip around the archipelago |
Child fare: approximately €20 to €25 depending on the option.
Departure times from Benodet (2026 season)
| Period | Departures | Days |
|---|---|---|
| April to May | 1:30 PM | Every day except Monday and Friday |
| June to early July | 11:00 AM and 1:30 PM | Every day |
| July to August | 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM and 1:30 PM | Every day |
| September | 11:00 AM and 1:30 PM | Weather permitting |
Crossing time: approximately 1 hour.
Contact: 02 98 57 00 58, vedettes-odet.com
Which port should you depart from?
Several departure ports serve the Glénan archipelago. The best choice depends on where you are staying:
- Bénodet (recommended): the main port and the most convenient if you are staying in Fouesnant. Frequent departures, large car park nearby. Just a 10-minute drive.
- Beg Meil (Fouesnant): seasonal departures available, handy if you are staying near this beach.
- Concarneau: a good alternative if you want to combine a visit to the Ville Close with a trip to the Glénan.
- Loctudy: departure port in the south of the Pays Bigouden area.
- Port-la-Forêt: a marina at the head of the Baie de la Forêt.
Tip: book at least 48 hours in advance, especially in July and August when boats often sell out.
What to see and do on Île Saint-Nicolas
Île Saint-Nicolas is the only island open to visitors. A boardwalk trail circles the entire island in about 45 minutes. Here is what awaits you:
- White sand beaches: several beaches with crystal-clear water, perfect for swimming and snorkelling. Water quality is rated Excellent by the Ministry of Health.
- The tombolo to Bananec: at low tide, a sandbar connects Saint-Nicolas to the island of Bananec. A unique experience, only accessible for a few hours each day.
- The Glénan daffodil: in spring (April to May), this endemic flower, unique in the world, can be seen in the island's protected area.
- Marine wildlife: terns, oystercatchers, cormorants and grey seals inhabit the archipelago. Bring binoculars.
- Le Centre Nautique des Glénans: this world-renowned sailing school trains thousands of students every summer.
You can easily explore the island in 2 to 3 hours, leaving plenty of time to enjoy the beach before heading back.
Eating on Île Saint-Nicolas
Two restaurants welcome visitors on the island from April to September:
- La Boucane: simple fare overlooking the lagoon. Booking recommended.
- Les Viviers des Glénan: seafood and shellfish. Booking essential in high season.
If you prefer a picnic, bring everything from the mainland: plenty of water, a full meal and a rubbish bag (there are no bins on the island).
Practical tips for a great day out
- High-factor sun cream: the island is exposed with no natural shade. The reflection off the water and white sand intensifies the UV.
- Windbreaker or light jacket: even on fine days, the wind can be strong on the archipelago.
- Water shoes or sandals: useful for the rocky areas.
- Check the weather the day before: crossings may be cancelled in bad weather. Visit the Vedettes de l'Odet website or call 02 98 57 00 58.
- Arrive early at the port: in peak season, the Benodet car park fills up fast. Allow at least 30 minutes before departure.
Code of conduct: stay on the marked paths, do not collect anything (shells, plants, sand), keep your distance from wildlife and take all your rubbish home. The archipelago is a fragile nature reserve.
Water quality and swimming on the archipelago
Bathing water quality at the Glénan is rated Excellent by the Ministry of Health. The sites on Île Saint-Nicolas and Île de Bananec are regularly tested under the responsibility of the commune of Fouesnant.
Swimming is unsupervised on the archipelago (except in July and August on the main beach of Saint-Nicolas). Be careful, especially with children, and be aware of currents between the islands.
Water temperature ranges from 14 to 20 degrees depending on the season, peaking in August.
Stay in Fouesnant to visit the Glénan
Fouesnant is the perfect base for a trip to the Glénan. From Cap Coz, you can reach Benodet harbour in just 10 minutes, and boats to the archipelago run daily from April to September.
