Travel Guide Île De Batz

Batz Island is one of the Ponant Islands. The latter is the name of an association, created in 1971, which groups together fifteen French islands located on the Atlantic and Channel coasts. Less well known than the other Finistère islands (Ouessant, Molène and Sein), Batz has retained its originality. Once you've crossed the arm of the sea separating it from Roscoff, you'll discover a place of undeniable charm. It is home to some 15 farms, with 170 ha of arable land divided into numerous plots. Fishing still plays an important role in the island's economy: today, more than twenty professional sailors work on net boats, trawlers and seaweed boats. Since the 2000s, tourism has played an increasingly important role in the life of the island, thanks in particular to the many attractions Batz has to offer. The island's mild microclimate has given rise to some amazing vegetation. The island can be circumnavigated in less than 4 hours, enough time to explore every nook and cranny. You'll discover old stone houses, a lighthouse, an exotic garden, original rocky landscapes and, as is often the case on islands, a feeling of being out of time. The island also boasts beaches where the less chilly can enjoy a bracing, invigorating dip in the sea. Last but not least, there's a wide range of shops and accommodation to make your stay as pleasant as possible. Before setting sail, be sure to visit the island's website, which provides a wealth of useful, up-to-date information (www.iledebatz.com).