Just 10 miles from the French mainland sit the Glénan Islands. This archipelago comprises of nine major islands and over a dozen smaller islets, some so small that they only appear at low water. Needless to say, navigation in and out of the central lagoon requires some calculations, attention to charts and a few nerves. The islands are simply a jewel in the landscape of Biscay and are often described as the closest thing to the Caribbean without actually being there.
In 2019 we came with the full intention of anchoring for the night, however we had never seen such crowds of anchored boats before and any chance of a buoy or even a quiet corner to tuck into was out of the question. This time we took a chance and calculated that if we arrived around 10am, the previous night’s visitors would be leaving and spaces would start to free up. For once the theory worked and as we approached a near empty lagoon, buoy 36B loomed. It became our home for three nights.
Saint Nicolas is the only island inhabited all year, it is home to two restaurants and a smattering of holiday cottages. It is also home to France’s smallest nature reserve, created to protect the Glénan Narcissi, a beautiful white flower that covers the island in April.
Three days were spent moving around by dinghy to numerous dazzling white sandy beaches with swims in the crystal clear waters. Our departure sadly became necessary as we were running out of wine, running very low on food, but mainly wine!
8th July 2022
Trip Mileage 10 miles
Mileage Completed 1907 miles