From Perros-Guirec to the Sept-Îles, sail into the heart of Breton nature.
Puffins, gannets, cormorants... France's largest seabird reserve.
The Sept-Îles archipelago nature reserve is home to a rich variety of seabirds, including a large colony of puffins, gannets and cormorants. The reserve is also home to other breeding birds, penguins and a growing population of grey seals, which call Sept-Îles home year-round.
Sailing around the islands allows you to observe these incredible species in their natural environment. Particularly around Rouzic Island, home to France's only gannet colony. In 2022, the colony numbered over 24,500 pairs of seabirds. As you sail towards the Sept-Îles, you'll see gannets diving at speeds of over 100 km/h to catch mackerel.
If you're lucky, at the end of the day you'll see dolphins hunting in a coordinated fashion, bringing up schools of fish to feed, and gannets diving by the dozen. An exceptional spectacle.
Discover Sept-Îles and the Pink Granite Coast.
Special features of the navigation area.
Leaving from Ploumanac'h (3 miles), Perros-Guirec (5 miles) or Port-Blanc (8 miles), navigation to the Sept-Îles presents no major difficulties.
In springtime, you'll have to watch out for the ever-present currents around the archipelagos. A trip around Rouzic Island to admire France's largest colony of gannets is tempting, but beware of the many rocks in the area.
Keep a close eye on the 2.5-mile rocky bar to the south-east of the archipelago, which has already surprised more than one sailor in the area.
For added convenience, Loc Voile Armor can rent you a Sailproof navigation tablet equipped with Navionics. Sailproof tablets are hardened, anti-glare and waterproof: perfect for safe sailing.
Where can you settle down to enjoy Sept-Îles and the Pink Granite Coast?
- The port of Perros-Guirec: The Linkin marina is one of the most popular spots on the pink granite coast, making it a great base for exploring the coast and the town of Perros on foot or by bike. Remember to plan your arrival at the port to take advantage of the lock. The gate is open between 2 (neap tides) and 3 hours (spring tides) per tide. See timetables here.
- The port of Ploumanac'h: nestled in the heart of the pink granite coast, the entrance to the picturesque port of Ploumanac'h is majestic. You'll sail between the immense pink rocks, then tie up artistically in pairs between two buoys at the bow and stern. You'll need a dinghy to access the sanitary facilities.
- At anchor between île aux Moines and île Bono: ideal for exploring île aux Moines on foot and climbing up to the Sept-Îles lighthouse, or just for a picnic in the heart of the nature reserve. The anchorage is sheltered from north and northeast winds.