And here I take you again,way north of me to the tip in the peninsula of my lovely Bretagne. One of the off the beaten path towns of the Finistére ,and seldom over look for its distance from the mainstream. However, it is worth a detour for its sea and Breton traditions. I took new pictures from my trip this week that should be in my blog for you and me, Therefore, let me tell you on the Port of Aber Wrac’h !!! Hope you enjoy the post as I.
The town of Landéda is in the Finistère department no 29, of my lovely Bretagne region ,and in my belle France. A coastal town on the English Channel coast, in the heart of the Côte des Légendes, Landéda forms a peninsula between two abers, Aber-Wrac’h to the north and Aber-Benoît to the south, the very jagged end of which itself forms the Sainte-Marguerite peninsula. It has 15 km of coastline, The town of Landéda has several islands in its municipal territory such as Île Guénioc Island, located 2 km from the coast, it is approximately 400 meters long and 160 meters wide at its widest point. Guénioc Island is of great interest due to the numerous archaeological remains preserved in a remarkable way. The presence of cairns containing dolmens, the construction of which is estimated at 4,600 years BC (Neolithic), makes this place among the oldest monuments in Europe Île Garo, Île Roch’Avel where the remains of a galgal, a megalithic tumulus, remain Île Tariec iit bears the name of Saint Tariec and was inhabited, having its chapel and cemetery. In 1842 the island was cut in two by erosion accelerated by sand extraction, hence the Grande Tariec and Petite Tariec, the two current islets; Île Cézon is accessible at low tide and is part of a group of well-known islets. The fortifications of Fort Cézon surrounding it were built by Vauban from 1694 and then transformed over the centuries until WWII, during which 17 blockhouses were erected, and Île Stagadon, located at the entrance to Aber-Wrac’h, is administratively part of the town of Plouguerneau. The islands opposite Aber Wrac’h, also called the Lilia Islands archipelago, Île Wrac’h and its lighthouse. Île Venan, Île Vierge . Île Terc’h or Erc’h (aka Île aux Americans).Île La Croix , Île La Malouine. Île Enez Vihan. Petites îles Vrac’h, Île Leac’h Venn ,and île Valan.
The Aber-Wrac’h is a coastal river and aber in the Pays de Léon. The Aber-Wrac’h is the longest and northernmost of the abers on the Côte des Abers. It is also the name of the hamlet of Landéda, home to the port of the same name. Inaugurated on July 14, 2007, by its godmother Jane Birkin, the port of Aber Wrac’h is one of the main structural facilities of the territory. Third port of the West region,The port of Aber-Wrac’h welcomes many French and foreign boaters during the tourist season, mainly British. The town is a popular place and base for sailing, windsurfing and kitesurfing. At Aber Wrac’h, it is impossible to miss the maritime spirit of the place. The body of water is appreciated here, sheltered from the fury of the sea, protected by the shore of the towns of Landéda, Lannilis & Plouguerneau. Boating is king and the marina represents a friendly, gourmet and renowned stopover. Aber Wrac’h is a place of contrasts, where the Baie des Anges (Bay of Angels) lies next to the Pont du Diable (Devil’s Bridge). The mouth of the bay, guarded by many little islands, is a peaceful area for ramblers or windsurfers,
In 1845, a fourth-order lighthouse was built on Île Wrac’h Island. This lighthouse is located on the southern tip of the island. Its tower is 20 meters high. Its red, scintillating light of 1.2 seconds (0.6 bright and 0.6 dark) has a range of 7 miles. On the ground floor (1 US), it includes the rooms hosting the exhibitions and the kitchen. The Exhibition room is the most spacious and bright room in the lighthouse. It hosts exhibitions during the summer. It is also the workspace for artists in residence on the island. The Museography is a narrower space where information on the history of the island, the lighthouse and its environment (currently being renovated) is presented. The Kitchen is access is reserved for residents. Water (non-potable) is pumped from the cistern located outside. During a stay, it is therefore necessary to bring your own bottles. It is equipped with a gas stove and a wood-burning boiler (currently being installed). The first floor (2nd US): Access is via a door located in the entrance, reserved for residents The staircase of magnificent work in cut stone, with 46 double spiral steps. It leads to the lighthouse lantern The Living room, dormitory is a convivial space, intended for residents, lit by large “velux” windows. It can sleep four to six people The small bedroom, a window opens onto Lilia and the Saint Cava beach. The opening of the shutters, visible from the coast, testifies to the occupation of the premises. The bathroom adjoining the building, with a hot shower, has improved the comfort of residents. It is supplied by rainwater collected in a cistern by an ingenious JAPPY hand pump system. The turret staircase leads to a restricted door secured by a powerful padlock, and no one may access the turret except employees of the Lighthouses and Beacons. Although the firehouse is a pleasant place for strolling, exhibitions, and artist residencies, it retains its primary role above all: to mark the entrance to the Aber Wrac’h port to ensure the safety of boats and save lives. High stone walls demarcate the gardens and protect the crops from the often violent winds. For a century and a half, vegetable harvests have provided the keepers’ families with relative autonomy. At the rear of the house, the “vegetable garden” has been divided into about fifteen plots of 30 to 40 m². Each gardener has a plot. He maintains it in his own way, planting or sowing whatever he likes. Together, the various members have opted for an organic farming method that respects the environment. The traditional crops of the region: potatoes, onions, shallots, leeks, etc., are suited to this light soil which, if the rabbits, snails, and birds allow it, also benefits the beans and peas. Access to the île Wrac’h is from Saint Cava beach in Lilia,
The official phare or lighthouse of Aber Wrac’h : https://www.ippa-ile-wrach.bzh/le-phare/fours-a-goemon/
Every four years, the port, the town of Landéda, and the entire Pays des Abers put on their festive attire for an unmissable event at the beginning of July! The Abers Maritime Festival offers spectators a true spectacle at sea, while on land, various activities create an explosive mix at the heart of the festival. The Abers Maritime Festival https://fetesmaritimes.landeda.fr/
For many years, the Helford River Sailing Club has organized a regatta in the form of a chase between Helford River and the port of Aber-Wrac’h. After the arrival of the crews, a friendly drink is held, and the atmosphere in the port becomes “So British.” http://helfordriversc.co.uk
For 32 years, the Transmanche has been a race for sailors organized by sailors from the Abers Yacht Club, at the tip of Brittany. The Transmanche takes place every year during the Whitsun weekend. It offers sailors a non-stop crossing of the Channel, racing over 220 miles off the coast of Aber Wrac’h and Plymouth. The Yacht Club des Abers : www.yc-abers.fr/index.php/la-transmanche/la-course
The local Abers tourist office on the Aber Wrac’h : https://www.abers-tourisme.com/decouvrir-les-abers/aber_wrach/#section02
The Bretagne region tourist office on the Abers and lighthouses trails : https://www.brittanytourism.com/destinations/the-10-destinations/brest-terres-oceanes/the-abers-and-the-lighthouse-trail/
The Abers country site on the port of Aber Wrac’h : https://www.paysdesabers.bzh/services-et-demarches/peche-et-nautisme/port-de-laber-wrach/
The town of Landéda on its heritage : https://www.landeda.fr/decouvrir/
There you go folks, another dandy with very nice views of the channel and beautiful secluded creeks and beaches we like it. Looking forward to be back, eventually. Again, hope you enjoy this post on the Port of Aber Wrac’h !!! as I.
And remember, happy travels , good health, and many cheers to all !!!
Paris1972-Versailles2003 