Mullein | |
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Information | |
Country | ![]() |
---|---|
Region | Brittany |
Area | 0,75 km² |
Population | 151 hab. () |
Density | 201,33 inhab./km² |
Postal code | 29259 |
Spindle | UTC 01:00, UTC 02:00 |
Location | |
![]() 48 ° 23 ′ 51 ″ N 4 ° 57 ′ 25 ″ W | |
Official site | |
Mullein is an island Breton in the Iroise Sea, about fifteen kilometers off the Conquet.
Understand
Mullein measures 1,200 meters sure 800 meters, and its highest point is at 26 meters above sea level The island has few inhabitants, especially in winter. Two hundred inhabitants live there all year round; the population rises to eight hundred in summer. It is part of the association of Ponant Islands.
![]() | Note: The water is not always perfectly drinkable on the island. Better to inquire and, if in doubt, favor bottled water. |
To go
On a boat
The shipping company Penn ar Bed provides daily service to the island all year round (no more rotations in summer), departing from Brest and Le Conquet.Travel time :
- 2 h from Brest
- 30 min from Le Conquet.
For timetables and prices, see the website of the company Penn ar Bed.
From the landing stage (off-center to the north-east of the island), the port of Molène is only ten minutes away on foot. Otherwise, you can take the shuttle (2,5 € per person).
- 1 The dam – Arrival point for boats from Le Conquet, Brest and Ouessant
In a helicopter
A helipad makes it possible to reach the continent for the most in a hurry (and fortunate).
Circulate
The island is almost free of motorized vehicles. Considering its size, it is easy to get around on foot! Most of the “streets” are not suitable for cars or even bicycles.
The tour of the island is done on foot by the coastal path in a good hour.
See
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/ca/Ledénez_mi_marée.jpg/220px-Ledénez_mi_marée.jpg)
- 1 The semaphore (Southwest of the church)
Open weekends and public holidays in May and June, every day during school holidays (except those in February) and in September..
Free admission. – Mini-museum on the history of the semaphore. Signs in French, English and Breton.
- 2 The church – Date 1881.
- 3 Drummond Castle Museum ,
33 2 98 07 39 05
sea.- Mon. : 10 h 30 - 12 h 00 and15 h 00 - 17 h 00.
2,5 €. – The Drummond Castle was an English liner providing transport between England and South Africa. It sank not far from Molène on the night of June 16, 1896, leaving in the end only 3 survivors out of 361 passengers. This museum tells this story.
- 4 Ledenez Vraz Island – Ledenez Vraz is located opposite the port of Molène, and is accessible at low tide by the foreshore, provided that the tidal coefficient is high enough.
- Charcot Rescue Station (S.N.S.M.)
Buy
- 1 Proxy Market Convenience Store (in the center of the island)
open every day (with rather reduced hours however).
Prices not too high compared to the mainland.. – Mini supermarket with basic necessities, some fruits and vegetables, a little meat and cheese, and even potatoes from Île Molène. Bread must generally be ordered 24 h in advance.
- 2 The post office (in the center of the island)
Open Monday to Saturday (also reduced hours).
- 3 Tobacco store (in the center of the island)
open almost every day (again, beware of reduced hours).. – Tobacco shop selling postcards, tobacco, souvenirs, and even some warm clothes and boots.
![]() | Note: The island does not have a cash machine. Remember to bring cash from the mainland (however, payment by credit card is still possible in many places). |
Eat
Several restaurants, including:
- 1 Crêperie Vent des îles Mez ar Vilin, Molène (in the northwest of the island),
33 2 98 07 37 08
- 2 The archipelago (in the center of the island)
- 3 Kastel Swann (Kastell an Daol) (north of the island),
33 2 98 07 39 11
All restaurants are likely to be closed out of season, so it's best to call ahead to check opening and make reservations.
Have a drink / Go out
Several cafes on the island, including:
- The Recouvrance (adjoining the Kastell an Daol hotel, on the port)
Housing
- 1 Kastell an Daol (on the Haven)
From 50 € the night. – A bit dated and relatively high prices, but friendly owner
- Gîte de Molène
- Many rentals by individuals, of varying quality.
Out of season, many accommodations are closed (including the hotel Kastell an Daol), and it is imperative to book. Some accommodations refuse rental for less than 2 or 3 nights, particularly out of season.
Respect
Communicate
The island of Molène is watered by the mainland's 4G (fairly weak signal) and by a locally installed 3G antenna (very strong signal). Some restaurants and cafes have Wi-Fi. That of the Hotel Kastell an Daol is in breakdown.
Around
After a stay in Molène, a getaway to Ushant, the westernmost point of metropolitan French territory, is essential.