Several interpretations have been put forward on the origin of the name Molène. For some, the name of this "island at the end of the world" would come from the Breton moal enez which means the bald island. This is explained by the absence of trees on the island. For others, its etymology would evoke a particularity of the island in the shape of a mound. The highest point is 27 m above sea level and the oldest house dates from 1620. 72 hectares of this small piece of land is surrounded by about 20 islets, nine of which are main (Bannec, Balanec, Molène, Triélen, L'île aux Chrétiens, Quémènès, Litiry, Morgol, Béniguet) and about 15 km from the mainland. We are here 1h30 from Brest or 30 minutes from Le Conquet (by boat), on the sea route to Ushant. This island has a sheltered natural harbour that welcomes Molénais and holidaymakers all year round, happy to spend a few hours or a few days in a place that is unlike any other. Access to the Molène archipelago has always been considered very dangerous for navigation. Several shipwrecks, often tragic, have occurred in the past centuries. However, improvements in measuring and navigation equipment have greatly reduced these risks. Tourism was then able to take an important place in the Moldovan economy.The main activities of the inhabitants of Molène were previously fishing and harvesting seaweed, which was used as fertilizer for agricultural land. A seaweed that is always essential to the successful preparation of Molène sausage, the culinary speciality of the island. Indeed, as there are no trees on this archipelago, therefore no wood, and in order to scrupulously respect the traditional recipe, the dry seaweed is essential to smoke the famous sausage. Today, there are still a few professional fishermen and a large number of amateur fishermen who do not hesitate to pass through the archipelago. Some of these professional fishermen are specialized in collecting algae for the fishing industry (agri-food, cosmetics) while others dive to recover abalone. This rare shell, with a very fine taste, has been awarded a label and contributes to the island's reputation. A must in a very small number of restaurants in Brest and Le Conquet.Undoubtedly, Molène is an island to discover for its history, its quality of life, its celebration of the Sea and of course its nature... To make the most of this 800 m x 1,200 m island, a marked hiking trail has been built. During the walk (allow about 1 hour and 15 minutes to complete the 4 km tour of the island), with a little luck, you may see grey seals, an emblematic and protected species. The Iroise Sea is used mainly as a moulting site between January and April, and throughout the year as a resting and hunting site by this species, which replenishes its energy reserves in summer. Spending a few hours or a few days in Molène is what 50,000 visitors choose to do each year.
