Réserve naturelle nationale des Sept Îles

The Réserve naturelle nationale des Sept Îles is a protected area off the Breton coast consisting of several islands and a large maritime zone. The reserve encompasses mostly water with minimal land area, creating an environment where seabirds can nest and breed undisturbed.

The reserve was established in the early 1900s following a period when overhunting severely depleted local bird populations. Conservation efforts began as a private initiative and eventually evolved into an officially protected national reserve.

The islands serve as a refuge for seabirds and show visitors how nature recovers when fully protected. The colonies here represent a living example of ecological restoration that has shaped local identity for over a century.

Access to the islands themselves is restricted, so visitors can only explore the area through guided boat tours departing from the nearby coast. Binoculars are useful for spotting birds from the water and observing nesting behavior from a respectful distance.

One particular island hosts the sole breeding colony of northern gannets in France, making it scientifically valuable for bird researchers. Visitors often overlook how this single location supports a species found almost nowhere else in the country.