Iroise National Nature Reserve Travel Guide

Trek Zone

National park

Facts and practical information

Located in the picturesque Brittany region of France, the Iroise National Nature Reserve is a captivating destination for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. Spanning over 20,000 hectares, this expansive nature reserve offers a diverse range of landscapes, from rugged coastlines to lush meadows, making it a paradise for outdoor exploration.

One of the highlights of the Iroise National Nature Reserve is its stunning coastline. With its dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, and sandy beaches, it is a haven for beach lovers and water sports enthusiasts. Whether you prefer to relax on the golden sands, take a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters, or try your hand at surfing or kayaking, there is something for everyone along the coastline of Iroise.

For those seeking a more immersive experience, the nature reserve is home to a plethora of walking and hiking trails. As you wander through the rugged terrain, you will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes, including the iconic Phare du Creac'h lighthouse. Birdwatchers will also be delighted by the opportunity to spot a wide variety of seabirds, including puffins, cormorants, and gannets, nesting along the cliffs.

In addition to its natural beauty, the Iroise National Nature Reserve is also steeped in history and culture. The reserve is home to several ancient megalithic sites, where you can marvel at the mysterious standing stones and learn about the region's rich prehistoric heritage. The nearby town of Brest offers a fascinating insight into the maritime history of the area, with its impressive naval base and captivating museums.

After a day of exploration, take the time to indulge in the local cuisine. Brittany is renowned for its fresh seafood, and you can savor the flavors of the region in the charming coastal villages that dot the reserve. From delicious oysters and succulent lobsters to mouthwatering crêpes and cider, the culinary delights of Brittany are sure to tantalize your taste buds.

Local name: Réserve naturelle nationale d'Iroise Area: 97.41 acres (0.1522 mi²)Elevation: 0 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 48°14'38"N, 4°58'32"W

Location

BrittanyFrance

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Iroise National Nature Reserve Top Attractions

Iroise National Nature Reserve Attractions - What to See and Explore

Iroise National Nature Reserve offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: La Vieille, Ar Men, Nividic Lighthouse, Phare de Tévennec. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Vernacular architecture • Lighthouse
La Vieille
La Vieille is a lighthouse in the département of Finistère at the commune of Plogoff, on the northwest coast of France. It lies on the rock known as Gorlebella, guiding mariners in the strait Raz de Sein, across from the companion lighthouse Tourelle de la Plate—also known as Petite Vieille.
Vernacular architecture • Lighthouse
Ar Men
Ar Men is a lighthouse at one end of the Chaussée de l'Île de Sein, at the west end of Brittany. It shares its name with the rock on which it was erected between 1867 and 1881. It is a listed monument since 2017.
Vernacular architecture • Lighthouse
Nividic Lighthouse
Nividic Lighthouse is one of five major lighthouses on Ouessant in Brittany. The others are the Phare du Créac'h, the Stiff lighthouse, Kéréon and La Jument. Built in 1912, the Phare de Nividic was the first automatic lighthouse in the world. It is a listed monument since 2017.

Vernacular architecture • Lighthouse
Phare de Tévennec
Tévennec Lighthouse is a lighthouse located at the western tip of Brittany, in the northern part of the Raz de Sein off the Pointe du Van. Automated in 1910 because of its difficult access, it accompanies the light of La Vieille in securing the passage of the Raz de Sein, which presents many difficulties.
Forts and castles
Fort de Bertheaume
The Fort de Bertheaume is a fort in Plougonvelin, in the Department of Finistère, France. It is located on a tidal island that nowadays connects to the mainland via a footbridge.
Vernacular architecture • Lighthouse
Tourelle de la Plate
The Tourelle de la Plate, also known as Petite Vieille is a lighthouse in the dangerous strait Raz de Sein, off the northwest coast of France, belonging to the departement of Finistère in the region of Brittany.
Specialty museum • History museum • Museum
Port-musée
The port-museum of Douarnenez, Finistère, inaugurated in May 1993, is located at the Port-Rhu on the old ria of Pouldavid which separates Douarnenez and the district of Tréboul. It took over from the former Boat Museum, opened in 1985 on the...
Area
Bannec
Bannec or Banneck, Banneg in Breton is an uninhabited French island in the Iroise Sea close to the city of Brest in Brittany. It is situated at the northwestern end of the Molène archipelago, 4 km from the island of Ushant.
Vernacular architecture • Lighthouse
La Jument
La Jument is the name of a lighthouse at the Northwestern part of France, Brittany. The lighthouse is built on a rock about 300 metres from the coast of the island of Ushant, which marks the north-westernmost point of metropolitan France.
Lighthouse
Lighthouse les Pierres Noires
The Pierres Noires lighthouse is a maritime lighthouse of Finistère built from 1867 to 1871 and inaugurated on May 1st 1872. Located off the Saint-Mathieu point, it allows ships entering the Four channel to avoid at night and in foggy weather the...
48°21'35"N • 4°48'58"W
Chenal du Four
The Chenal du Four is a waterway off the coast of Brittany in north-western France, in the area of Porspoder, between Pointe Saint-Mathieu and the Island of Béniguet.
Lighthouse
Lighthouse Kereon
Kéréon is a lighthouse which rises on the Men Tensel reef between Ouessant and Molène on the Fromveur passage in the Iroise sea.

Day trips

Iroise National Nature Reserve – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Iroise National Nature Reserve, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Quimper Cathedral (Quimper), Château de Brest (Brest), Saint-Mathieu lighthouse (Plougonvelin).

44 milesSE
Architecture, Church, Historical place
Quimper Cathedral, Quimper
Quimper Cathedral, officially known as the Cathedral of Saint Corentin of Quimper, is a stunning gothic masterpiece nestled in the heart of Quimper, France. This Roman Catholic cathedral is the seat of the Diocese of Quimper and is dedicated to the city's patron saint...
24 milesNE
Museum, Historical place, History museum
Château de Brest, Brest
The Château de Brest is a historic fortress that stands as a sentinel at the mouth of the Penfeld river in the city of Brest, France. With origins dating back to the Roman times, this castle is renowned for being one of the oldest in the world still in use, and its...
11 milesNE
Lighthouse, Vernacular architecture
Saint-Mathieu lighthouse, Plougonvelin
Perched at the edge of the rugged Breton coast in Plougonvelin, France, the Saint-Mathieu lighthouse stands as a stoic guide for mariners navigating the perilous waters of the Iroise Sea. This historic lighthouse, a beacon of safety and a symbol of the region's...
46 milesE
Church
Lampaul-Guimiliau Parish close, Lampaul-Guimiliau
The Lampaul-Guimiliau Parish close, nestled within the quaint town of Lampaul-Guimiliau in Brittany, France, stands as a stunning testament to the region's deep religious heritage and architectural prowess. This meticulously preserved enclosure dates back to the 16th...
45 milesNE
History museum, Forts and castles
Château de Kerjean, Saint-Vougay
Nestled in the picturesque countryside of Brittany, the Château de Kerjean stands as a magnificent example of Renaissance architecture in the small town of Saint-Vougay, France. This grandiose manor, constructed in the 16th century, encapsulates the elegance...