Want to go fishing?
On foot, on sand or in the water, the Abers archipelago is an explorer's paradise. At low tide, you can brush up on the classics of fishing on foot, discovering seaweed and shellfish. Dare to cross the foreshore and set foot on a wild island. When the sea rises, the nautical route is punctuated by the temptation to stop off at these little oases of sand and granite, but this time on the water! So choose your tide carefully and set off on your adventure!
Saint Cava
Stagadon Beach
The foreshore at Sainte Marguerite
Virgin Island
That's the spirit!
To discover the archipelago, it's essential to understand the phenomenon of the tides. Every day, influenced by the centrifugal force of the moon, the sea rises and falls several times a day. A day is made up of 2 high tides and 2 low tides. There are about 6 hours between each phenomenon.
The coeffi-what?
Tides cannot be fully understood without taking coefficient into account. Here, the coefficient plays a decisive role in the intensity of the tide: the higher the coefficient, the further the sea retreats, and the higher it rises. This is why we can sometimes observe impressive episodes of "great tides".
When to go to the foreshore?
If you want to explore the great expanses discovered at low tide, it's important to plan ahead. To avoid being taken by surprise by the tide, keep the day's timetable in mind! For example, fishing regulations advise you to set out on the foreshore 1h30 before low tide and return 30 minutes after it.
5 good reasons to head for the foreshore
- For adventure! Who knows what fun creatures you'll meet along the way? Crab, sea hare, marvellous shellfish or multicoloured seaweed?
- For a change of scenery: have you ever walked on the moon? Well, we think we know the answer to that question, but stretches of sand like the foreshore offer great prospects for escapism where nothing can break your peace!
- For originality: who says you always need water to enjoy the sea?
- For style! Do you often hear clichés about Brittany? The yellow foulies, the sailboat, the well-tucked boots and the little basket for fishing? Well, now's the time to bring out your best look, because you'll find that every accessory is indispensable!
- For those of you with a cold... who always find a good excuse not to swim. It's true that swimming in Brittany has to be earned, but once you're in, you know... it's better!
So if you want everyone to have a good time without the risk of shivering in chilly water, the solution is easy to find: just wait until the sea is low and then enjoy!
Go on an adventure in the Abers archipelago!
Each day offers its own surprises, depending on the tide and the rhythm of the sun. At each stopover, we put on our boots and windbreaker and make ourselves very small to watch the birds rest, try a fishing trip or simply take advantage of the pretty lights to try and count all these islands and rocks.
At the foot of the Ste Marguerite dunes, a life-size landscape!
Winter morning or summer evening? Whatever the season, the most important thing is the tide! Barefoot or with boots? Only you can decide! But we'd still advise you to protect your feet, so you can get out and about in comfort! When the tide goes out, the sea offers you a lovely environment: perfect for breathing deeply and royal for the kids to let off steam!
Cézon: a jewel box of stones at the mouth of the Aber Wrac'h
From the beaches of Porz Mateano and Kergoz in Landéda, you can easily reach the edge of Ile Cézon at low tide. To the right, Aber Wrac'h slopes inland and the oyster beds are not far away. It's easy to reach the island on foot, but if you'd like to explore the interior, ask us about the days when you can access the fort!
Setting foot on Ile Cézon is like stepping back in time. Discover the fort and its drawbridge, imagine the daily life of the armed troops who lived here, climb to the top of the artillery tower and watch out for potential enemies... But don't worry, you'll be well looked after by the members of the Cézon association. True enthusiasts of history, defensive architecture and sharing.
testimonial
I was still on the beach when a terrible question came to me: to cross the foreshore, do I take my shoes off or keep them on?! Well, I kept them on! And all went well! Things are really hopping on the island! I met volunteers from all walks of life: history and theater students, but also former architects and craftsmen like myself! Well supervised by members of the Cézon association, we got to know each other, sorted stones and consolidated the walls of a former soldiers' barracks. It was fascinating to discover the history of this place... I still remember the hooks used to raise the soldiers' bunks, which are still there! I discovered an old sauna in a blockhouse, some really well-hidden Tobruks and magnificent views over the Aber Wrac'h that I hadn't even imagined. And in the evening, by starlight, you can enjoy the lighthouse lights over the sea from the top of the artillery tower. A wonderful day of sharing that I recommend to everyone!
From Saint Cava to Ile Wrac'h: escape in 10 minutes on foot!
There's a beach, a pretty golden crescent on the south shore of Plouguerneau, that makes you feel restless... It's hard to stay put when there's an island right in front of you, holding out its arms. So at high tide, you draw up a plan of action to get there, scribble a diagram on the sand and evaluate the distances between 2 invigorating swims.
At low tide, the horizon is clearer! The foreshore is flat and ideal for walking. The ground is dotted with shells, a few seaweeds also color the foreshore, and the distance to cover is child's play. A 10-minute walk later, you've arrived at "Roc'h ar Gored", the Wrac'h island topped by an elegant lighthouse house. Mission accomplished!
Access to the island is possible from 3 h before until 3 h after low tide.
L'île aux artistes
In spring and autumn, the lighthouse house on Île Wrac'h is transformed into an artistic residence. Faced with the elements, the artists, supported by the IPPA association, take possession of this cocoon at the end of the world, a still-active range light dating from 1845. This is followed each summer by exhibitions open to all, free of charge. A wonderful stopover on the lighthouse route!
Beware, a favorite
Stagadon at the end of the world
Imagine an island, just a few paddle strokes away, with a beach that colors the water turquoise at mid-tide. Stagadon is a small crescent of sand at the gateway to Aber Wrac'h, where you can stop for the day, for a picnic or a siesta. You can also sleep there, thanks to the AJD association. But above all, you can escape to the open sea of the Abers. The end of the world is here!
Council of friends
Looking for a memorable day out with friends? The sea is calm, the wind light and the sea low? Everything you need for a kayak outing to the islands! Once you're well equipped (a wetsuit is never too much!), head for the clear waters of the Celtic Sea. Keep your eyes and ears open as you levitate over fields of seaweed! You may hear a few seals breathing on the surface, caught napping. When it comes to paddling, you go at your own pace, backtracking or challenging yourself... And of course, there's always somewhere to stop for a break. We recommend Stagadon! With your kayak on the beach, you're ready for a Koh Lanta-style stopover, but without the totem pole challenge! Then, buoyed by the rising sea, you make your way back to terra firma with your head full of memories!
Ile Venan, a little cocoon of greenery sheltered from the swell
Just a stone's throw from the beaches of Kelerdut and Lostrouc'h in Plouguerneau, when the sea retreats, it's easy to reach this island where vegetation reigns supreme: armerie maritime, criste marine and ferns occupy the site. Once inhabited (a cairn was found here), this small island watches over the lighthouses of Ile Vierge and bears witness to the region's goémonier past, where the remains of former goémonier boat unloading docks can be seen.
Virgin Island: sentinel of the archipelago
Its silhouette, topped by 2 lighthouses, does not go unnoticed. The Virgin Island or "Enez Verc'h" is a wonderful discovery for those who stop off. In fine weather, seagulls make the island their home. The rest of the year, low-lying, soft vegetation envelops this land exposed to the elements. To find out more, click here. The island is accessible by kayak and boat, as well as on foot, on a few guided outings when coefficients allow.