Anchorage

Île aux Moines

Shelter: N, NE, W
Seabed: sand
Anchoring: Allowed

Sand anchorage off the largest of the Sept-Îles archipelago, 3 NM north of Ploumanac'h on the Côte de Granit Rose in northern Brittany.

Beach

Guide

Approach and anchoring

Approach from the south between Île Bono and Île aux Moines in clear weather, SHOM chart 7125 required. Sand patches between rocky ledges, careful dropping to avoid kelp and foul ground. Protection from N, NE and W winds. Swell from SW rolls in through the passage. Strong tidal streams across the archipelago, slack water preferred for anchoring.

Practical

No facilities. Landing on Île aux Moines is prohibited to protect the seabird reserve, except at the lighthouse area under LPO guidance. Nearest harbour Port de Ploumanac'h 3.1 NM S, then Perros-Guirec 4.8 NM S for fuel and visitor pontoons.

Ashore

The Sept-Îles are the largest seabird reserve in France, managed by the Ligue pour la Protection des Oiseaux since 1912. Breeding colonies of Atlantic puffins, northern gannets on Île Rouzic, fulmars and razorbills. Observation trips run from Perros-Guirec and Ploumanac'h.

History

The archipelago became the first French bird reserve in 1912 after the near-extinction of the local puffin colony caused by shooting parties in the 19th century. The lighthouse on Île aux Moines was built in 1835 and automated in the 20th century.