THE GLENAN

Situated 18 km off the coast of the commune of Fouesnant, of which they are a part, the Glénan islands offer a total change of scenery to all those who come here. Here, the population is fluctuating and the island is only inhabited during the summer months. Around the "Chambre", a small inland sea and a favourite stopover for the greatest sailors, you will discover no less than eight main islands, a dozen islets and numerous reefs which are arranged in a circle. Today, the majority of these islands are privately owned or classified as ornithological reserves, such as Giautec Island and its islets where birds (common tern and common tern, gravel plover with uninterrupted collar, crested cormorant...) come to find refuge and reproduce. The past of the Glénan Islands is dotted with fortunes and misfortunes. Inhabited since prehistoric times, they were the den of privateers and pirates at the beginning of the 18th century. At its peak in 1881, the archipelago was home to 85 souls, fishermen, farmers, seaweed and soda makers. The "workers of the sea" from all over Finistère came to its waters to fish for lobster and crayfish. Little by little, the archipelago was almost abandoned. It is with the creation of the sailing school about 70 years ago, by the fact of two resistance fighters, that the archipelago took off. Today, it is even the largest sailing school in Europe... Not forgetting to mention the International Diving Centre. In spite of the many visitors to the archipelago, it should not be forgotten that, to preserve it, it must above all be protected.