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The 7 Islands in Perros-Guirec: A Must-See Natural Site
Off the coast of Perros-Guirec, the Archipelago of the Seven Islands is home to France’s largest bird sanctuary. Northern gannets, puffins, and gray seals live there in a wild sanctuary accessible only by boat. From our campground in Perros-Guirec, the boat departures are just 1.5 kilometers away, right on Trestraou Beach. Here’s everything you need to know about the 7 Islands in Perros-Guirec: their history, the wildlife to see, and the best way to explore them.
Summary of the Article
- An iconic archipelago off the coast of Perros-Guirec: The Sept-Îles is a group of rugged islets located across from the Pink Granite Coast. This natural site is one of the must-see attractions in Perros-Guirec and is best explored on boat tours.
- France’s largest bird sanctuary: The archipelago is home to exceptional biodiversity, with thousands of seabirds, including the famous Atlantic puffins, northern gannets, crested cormorants, and guillemots. It is also home to a colony of gray seals.
- A Protected Natural Area: Designated a nature reserve in 1976 and significantly expanded in 2023, the reserve is managed by the League for the Protection of Birds (LPO) to preserve marine habitats and the species that live there.
- An excursion into the heart of nature: Cruises around the Sept-Îles offer spectacular views of the cliffs, granite islets, and wildlife, making this outing a must-see experience for lovers of the sea and biodiversity.
- France’s largest bird sanctuary: Here you can observe northern gannets on Rouzic Island and, from April through mid-July, the famous Atlantic puffin, the symbol of Perros-Guirec. Accessible only by boat from Trestraou Beach, Île aux Moines is the only island in the archipelago open to the public.
The 7 Islands, France’s Largest Bird Sanctuary
The Archipelago of the Seven Islands, located between Perros-Guirec and Trégastel, consists of five main islands and a few rocky islets. Designated a national nature reserve in 1976, it covers approximately 320 hectares of protected land and sea. Today, it is the country’s largest bird sanctuary.
Its history dates back to 1912, when puffin hunting was banned there, at the same time that the League for the Protection of Birds was founded. This pioneering status makes it France’s oldest bird sanctuary. Managed by the LPO, the site has been safeguarding exceptional biodiversity for over a century, in the heart of the Pink Granite Coast.
Exceptional marine wildlife
The seven islands off Perros-Guirec are home to a diversity of wildlife rarely found in Brittany. Rouzic Island is home to France’s only colony of northern gannets, recognizable by their thousands of white birds. In total, nearly 18,500 breeding pairs of 11 species of seabirds nest in the archipelago.
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Several species are what make this site so popular with visitors. Here are the animals you can see on a visit:
- The Atlantic puffin, a small bird with a colorful beak and the symbol of Perros-Guirec.
- Northern gannets, in huge colonies on Rouzic Island.
- Torda penguins and guillemots, which remain here until the height of summer.
- Gray seals, which can be seen year-round around the islands.
The puffin, on the other hand, can only be seen from April through mid-July, before heading back out to sea
L’Île aux Moines, the only island open to the public
Of the seven islands, only Île aux Moines is open to visitors. The others are off-limits to preserve the birds’ peace and quiet. This island offers a taste of the archipelago, with its moors, beaches, and historical sites.
There, visitors can explore a fort built during the reign of Louis XV, based on plans drawn up by a disciple of Vauban. It was constructed to put an end to the smuggling that was rampant off the coast. According to our team,“the stopover on Île aux Moines remains our vacationers’ favorite part of the trip.” Most cruises schedule a stop there lasting about 40 minutes.
Did you know? Bird conservation in France began in the 7 Îles as early as 1912.
How can I visit the 7 islands in Perros-Guirec?
The tour of the 7 islands is available only by boat, as access to the archipelago is strictly regulated. Boats depart from the ferry terminal at Trestraou Beach in Perros-Guirec from April through the end of September, weather permitting. The tour lasts an average of two to three hours.
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To get the most out of the experience, it’s best to choose a guided cruise. A nature guide from the LPO often accompanies the outing and shares their knowledge of the wildlife.
Here are a few helpful tips before you board:
- Be sure to reserve your spot in advance during peak season, as tours fill up quickly.
- Be sure to bring binoculars so you can get a closer look at the birds and seals.
- Be sure to bring a windbreaker, even when the weather is nice, because it stays cool out on the open water.
Good to know: To maximize your chances of seeing puffins, plan your trip between April and early July.
What if your next trip to Brittany took you on a journey to discover seabirds?
With northern gannets, puffins, and gray seals, the seven islands off Perros-Guirec offer a natural spectacle unlike any other in France. Book your cabin at the Village Perrosien and set off for the country’s largest bird sanctuary!
FAQ – The 7 Islands in Perros-Guirec
How can I visit the 7 islands in Perros-Guirec?
To visit the 7 islands off Perros-Guirec, board a speedboat departing from Trestraou Beach. Tours run from April through the end of September, weather permitting, and last two to three hours. The archipelago is accessible only by sea, as the site is a protected nature reserve.
What animals can you see on the Seven Islands?
At the 7 Islands, you can see northern gannets, Atlantic puffins, penguins, guillemots, and gray seals. Rouzic Island is home to France’s only colony of northern gannets. Seals can be seen year-round, while puffins stay in the area only from spring through early summer.
Can we go ashore on the 7 islands?
No, you can only disembark on Île aux Moines, the only island open to the public. The other islands remain off-limits to protect the birds that nest there. Most cruises include a stop of about 40 minutes on Île aux Moines to visit its historic fort.
Is the campground really reserved for pedestrians only?
Yes, our campground on the Pink Granite Coast is exclusively for pedestrians and cyclists. Cars are parked in the secure parking lot at the entrance, and everyone then gets around on foot, by bike, or by scooter along our car-free paths.
When is the best time to see puffins at the 7 Islands?
To see puffins at the 7 Islands, plan your trip between April and mid-July. It is during this period that these small birds with colorful beaks stay in the archipelago to nest. Afterward, they head out to the open sea and don’t return until the following spring, off the coast of Perros-Guirec.
