Things to Do in Réserve Naturelle Des Sept-Îles

The Réserve Naturelle Des Sept-Îles is a national nature reserve located off the coast of Perros-Guirec in northern Brittany, France. It is an archipelago comprising five main islands and two islets, known for its significant marine bird sanctuary and grey seal colony. The reserve was expanded in 2023 to cover 19,700 hectares.

The primary activity within the reserve is boat tours around the archipelago for wildlife observation and birdwatching. Limited hiking is available on Île aux Moines, which features a short coastal path to the island's lighthouse. Most other outdoor activities like extensive hiking and cycling occur on the surrounding mainland.

A short coastal path is available for hiking on Île aux Moines, one of the reserve's islands, accessible during summer. This path offers views of the other islets and leads to the lighthouse. For more extensive hiking, numerous trails are available on the mainland surrounding the reserve, including general hiking routes and easy hikes.

Most islands within the Réserve Naturelle Des Sept-Îles are protected and inaccessible to the public. Île aux Moines is an exception, welcoming seafaring tourists during the summer months. Access to Île aux Moines may involve a rope bridge.

The reserve is France's most important seabird sanctuary, hosting over 18,500 pairs of marine birds across 11 species, including Northern Gannets, Atlantic Puffins, and Razorbills. It also hosts the main breeding colony of grey seals in metropolitan France, with numbers ranging from 30 to 200 individuals depending on the season. Various cetaceans, fish, and shellfish are also present.

While direct cycling on the reserve's islands is not permitted, the surrounding mainland area offers diverse cycling opportunities. These include road cycling routes, general cycling tours, and traffic-free bike rides. Mountain biking and gravel biking routes are also available on the mainland.

Boat tours around the archipelago are suitable for families to observe wildlife. The short coastal path on Île aux Moines offers a gentle walk with panoramic views. For mainland activities, komoot provides family-friendly hikes in the surrounding region.

Dogs are generally prohibited on the protected islands of the reserve, including Île aux Moines. However, the mainland area surrounding the reserve offers dog-friendly hikes.

The reserve is unique as the largest and oldest marine bird sanctuary in France, hosting the country's only Northern Gannet colony. It also features the main breeding colony of grey seals in metropolitan France. Its location within the geologically distinctive Pink Granite Coast adds to its natural significance.

More than 151,000 visitors have shared their experiences in the broader Réserve Naturelle Des Sept-Îles region on komoot. The available routes have an average rating of 4.59 out of 5 stars, based on over 23,000 ratings.

The official website for the Réserve Naturelle Des Sept-Îles is sept-iles.lpo.fr. For direct inquiries, the managing organization, LPO France, can be reached at +33546821234.

While direct running on the reserve's islands is restricted, the mainland surrounding the reserve offers various routes suitable for jogging. Komoot provides a guide for running trails in Réserve Naturelle Des Sept-Îles.