Harbour

Port Blanc

Name: Port Blanc
Address: Penvénan, FR

Penvénan, FranceCôtes-d'Armor

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Type: Harbour

Natural harbour on the Pink Granite Coast of north Brittany, set among rocky islets off the commune of Penvénan.

Guide

Approach and anchoring

Approach from the north through a field of drying rocks and islets, including Île Saint-Gildas and Île du Château-Neuf. The channel is buoyed and leads past the distinctive white-painted rock Le Voleur, which serves as a leading mark. Entry is best made above half tide. Strong tidal streams run on springs. Harbour office on VHF 9.

Practical

Drying moorings on buoys in the outer pool and a short pontoon near the slipway. Water and a slipway ashore. Village shops, boulangerie and a small supermarket within 300 m. Fuel not available on site, nearest diesel at Perros-Guirec 10 km by road.

Ashore

GR 34 coastal path runs through the village and reaches the oratory of Saint-Yves, a 16th century granite chapel perched above the beach, at about 400 m. Plage du Château is a sandy cove at 250 m with views over the islets. Market Tuesday mornings in Penvénan village, 2 km inland.

History

Port-Blanc was a sardine and mackerel fishing station until the early 20th century. The writer Théophile Briant lived here and ran the literary journal Le Goéland from the village between 1936 and 1956, drawing Colette, Max Jacob and Saint-Pol-Roux as visitors.

Story

The white rock known as Le Voleur in the middle of the channel was once topped with a wooden cross, replaced in stone after storms repeatedly carried it away.