ile de brehat

We visited in May, outside of peak season and on a cloudy day, but still had to queue (in a disorganised area where the queue for the boat trip round the island was in with the queue for the trip straight to the island) for some time to get a boat over to the island. We were then concerned about how busy the boats back would be and, due to a gap in boats over lunchtime, opted to leave relatively quickly to avoid getting 'stuck'.The island is pretty but, with a twenty month old with us, we didn't want to cycle so it was hard to get away from the other day trippers.We took the buggy and, in hindsight, putting the baby in a backpack would have been easier and freed us up to explore further afield. Although the island is generally car free there are some motorised vehicles (the little fire engine and dustbin lorry were a highlight for my son) and a lot of inexperienced cyclists! I'd recommend taking a picnic as eating places on the island were expensive and very busy, even on a cloudy day in May.I didn't think the scenery was spectacular but it was pleasant. Hiking away from the crowds is probably well worthwhile and may result in a few more highlights than we managed to find.

I go to Bretagne every other year and never miss a visit to Brehat. Every time I go, It feels like there is more and more people there, but nevertheless, it is still a great place to spend a day, away from cars, with cute houses, rocky shore, winding path up and down, and colorful flowers everywhere, like in a fairy tale. My favourite Bretagne island...

I'm almost reluctant to review this, contributing to more tourism. I agree with the other reviews submitted here. It had been a rainy day, not much fun, but people kept telling me to go to Brehat, and fortunately the weather cleared up for the ferry ride and my time exploring it. The island (lower being all I had time for) is naturally exceedingly good in its hilly and rocky terrain. The little houses (summer homes of the wealthy, I assume) were in such beautiful condition. And then the landscaping and flowers! Intoxicating! I left thinking this must be the most beautiful place in all the world. That's probably silly. I've been in some very beautiful places. But so it seemed that Sunday afternoon in May.

We took a group trip (all adults & grown up kids) here in May 2014. Peaceful, beautiful, and once you get away from the port, it doesn't feel crowded. Easy hiking - maybe 8km for the round trip including the north island over the bridge. Lots of beautiful flowers, and almost no cars, although the farmers & town's workers drive around the little lanes on tractors at speed.

We had a lovely day here exploring the paths through the car-free island. With a 6 and a 3 year old, we managed to cover most of the southern half of the island starting with the beach, then galettes in the village, the chapel on the hill and a bit of an adventurous scramble down paths through a wood to find the low tide pier. It's very easy to get lost as the high sided paths feel a bit like a maze at times but it is so tranquil and peaceful. Highly recommended.

Ile the Brehat can be easily reached by ferry,it is car-free and offers a truly unique experience just off the coast of mainland Brittany; in spring and summer months its blooming flowers and cool breeze well let you enjoy a pleasant day! Do remember cap,sunglasses and suncream!

I was absolutely charmed by this car-free French island off the Brittany coast. Brehat is actually two islands connected by a bridge and perfect for a leisurely bike ride (or stroll). The biking route is not that difficult and I would recommend that you allow yourself at least 3-4 hours so you can 'stop and smell the flowers." The route takes you through the north side (Ile Nord ) with its wild and windswept meadows and the south side (Ile Sud) with its charming stone and slate houses surrounded by lush private gardens of hydrangeas, mimosa, figs, palm trees and eucalyptus trees. The islands are surrounded by a multitude of little islets – some accessible at low tide, others propriété privée. Gorgeous pink and orange granite rockscapes are found on the island's northern tip. Nature lovers will appreciate Brehat as it is renowned as a sanctuary for rare species of wild flowers and birds. Not to be missed--there's a creperie enroute located in an old stonehouse that offers wonderful crepes and friendly service.

Quiet, idyllic, beautiful, romantic. This small, charming island seems to be out of time. Friendly people, relaxing atmosphere.If you had 2 hours (or less) to spent on the island, go on the top at the small church, St Michel chapel (the view from the top of the island is superb) and in the "Burg" (the town center). After discovered the walls of Saint Malo built by Vauban, the Vauban "bridge" of this island is quite deceiving: it has 2x5 m only :(Unfortunately we had't the time to visit also the second island, but I am sure it is also very nice. To do all of it I recommend a 3-4 hours stay.

My guidebook described this as a 'hiker's paradise'. If you like hiking amongst hoards of people on tarmac paths then maybe. There are meant to be no vehicles but we frequently had to stand to one side for rubbish trucks and tractors. There are very few paths on the coast so the fact it's an island is almost irrelevant. There are some pretty houses and lovely flowers and plants, it does feel a bit like being in the Mediterranean, but an hour would have been enough for me rather than a whole day trip. Maybe I made the mistake of going to Ile aux Moines before this was poor in comparison.

Loved the boat journey (with 45 minute water tour) to this island as well as the island itself. Be aware, there can be a long walk from the harbour onto the main part of the island because of the tides, although it is a pretty walk along the rock pools, but could be an issue if you can't walk well. It was very busy when we went - I would have loved to have seen the place without so many tourists as it really is quite charming, especially because of the absence of cars. We hired bikes, including a child carrier, and were well kitted out with clips for our rucksack, baskets, bells and an extra support scarf for our daughter - no cycle helmets here, though. The bikes were really great with good gear systems, although the first two hire shops had run out of child carriers. It is possible to hire bikes with child wagons to tow, but I think children carried in this way missed out on much of what there was to see - our daughter loved the wind whistling through her hair and sang away merrily watching the world go by in the child carrier we had and that was perfect. She is still talking about it now, a week later. The only problem with cycling was the number of pedestrians who got in the way, so making good use of your bell is a must if you choose to cycle. We got to see most of the island by bike and found the buildings charming and the countryside and coastline gorgeous and picturesque. There wasn't much shade or space for picnics so we made do by sheltering next to a dry stone wall and people watching and still had a great time. There are plenty of places to eat there near the harbour and in the market square, plus a supermarket, so don't worry if you haven't managed to prepare a picnic. There are bike-free parts of the island and people seem to just leave their bikes unlocked so worth asking before you leave the hire shop what the deal is on that as we didn't dare to leave the bikes unattended just in case of bad luck. Despite it being so busy we didn't have to wait long for the ferry back, so they clearly plan for demand at the ferry company. If we visit Brittany again, we will definitely return.

The other descriptions are all accurate (though I did not find too many restaurants, cafes, etc. We went with a picnic lunch and prepared to walk for the day. Bike rental seems like a fun alternative means of traversing the island. Most importantly you will want good walking shoes, sun screen and a camera or designated photographer. Just idyllic and like something out of a movie. The strangeness of the low tides, leaving boats sitting in the mud like some kind of post-hurricane apocalyptic landscape is for those of us unaccustomed to such scenes like a set from a 70s episode of 'Star Trek.' Very memorable day leaving you spoiled by the spectacle of excess beauty, charm and island loveliness. I would avoid the glass blowing studio though as it is very expensive, not that impressive as blown glass goes, and the people are kind of ornery, whether from weariness of tourists or otherwise.

That's the island of flowers. When you come here you feel yourself in a paradise. There are hundreds of different flowers around you, wild strawberry just along the clean tiny footpaths, trees, small beautiful cottages, buzzing of bees, bird's twitting... Life really stops it's flowing here, you could sit at the cafe staring to the boats waiting for a flood at the ground, and in several hours the same boats smoothly dancing at the rising water.We have visited this island by the rented yacht from Saint Malo (there is no marina at the Ile de Brehat, so you should anchoring and going onshore by dinghy), so I don't know the other ways to get there, but if you going by yacht around Gulf St.Malo - this island you SHOULD visit. When you are here - you don't want to go back.

This charming little Island with it's Mediterranean climate and washed by clear blue seas is a must to visit. With no transport you either walk the 7 kms around the island or hire a bike. Some of the hotels are served by a tractor pulling a trailer for passengers and luggage. There is camping on the Island and hostels for the young. Lots to see and enjoy. All the main eating places and the few shops are in the centre ( Bourg ). Can get quite busy, a frequent ferry from the mainland, the sea journey may only be 10 mins but if the tide is out you may have a 15 mins walk up the quay.

The island of Brehat lies 10 minutes by ferry (can be busy on a good weather day) from the French mainland off the Britanny coast, just north of Paimpol, We visited the island on a perfect sunny day, blue skies and seas.Parking available for over 600 cars and a short walk to the ferry. The walk on both sides can be longer at low tides, but the walk is enjoyable, open fields, hedgerows, cows and donkey.On the island there is a market in the square, plenty of bars, cafes and restuarants serving a variety of menus. A photographers dream on a good day with much subject matter to be enjoyed as the island is one of stone cottages, flowers and beaches a chance to step back and relax . No cars, save for the odd tractor and electric cart so walking boots, comfortable shoes are required. There are hotels and cottages for rent for longer retreat weekends. Plenty of paths to explore either over a weekend, or for a day but check the ferry timetable. Ideal hotel on the mainland close to the ferry and serves fresh seafood. There is a bus service from Paimpol to and from the ferry.

Imagine small stone houses, surrounded by gigantic flowers and almost covered in green plant. No cars allowed but a few tractors here and there. Cows and sheep in pasture. And the sea surrounding it all. That's Ile de Bréhat!