Houat, Protected natural site in Brittany, France
Houat is a 290-hectare island off the Breton coast that features diverse landscapes with white and gray dunes across its terrain. The land includes salt marshes, rocky outcrops, and small coves that together form a complex ecological mosaic.
The island received legal protection in 1906 and again in 1930 under French conservation laws that aimed to safeguard its natural and scientific value. These early designations made it a pioneering example of regional nature protection.
The island's small community lives by traditions tied to the sea and fishing, which remain central to daily life. These ways have adapted over time to balance with the natural landscape's needs.
Year-round ferry services run to the island from several coastal ports in the region, making access straightforward. Weather conditions can affect sailing schedules, so checking conditions before traveling is sensible.
The island hosts roughly 500 plant species, including 18 protected varieties that represent about one-third of all wild flora in the Morbihan region. This botanical richness makes it a valuable site for researchers studying regional plant diversity.
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