Tour de l'Île de Batz

First of all, we have a little tip for you: say “Ba” instead of “Batz” if you don’t want to meet the “Wouelle” on arrival (the Breton word for shame) ! 😅

Located 15 minutes by boat off the port of Roscoff in the north of Finistère (29), the idyllic little island of Batz is 3.5 km long and teems with surprises 🏝. Nothing easier to discover than taking part in one of the two road races of the Tour de l'île de Batz under the sun of the month of July. Usually we’re not too worried, but it all depends on the tides; the coastal weather is often changeable 🤷‍♂️.

Have you ever seen a road race with trail vibes trail ? Now you have! This will be during an unusual course where you’ll complete 10.5 km by circling this wild and pristine spot. And if you’re feeling peckish, do two by taking part in the semi-marathon of the island of Batz to get to know the island up close. You’ll start on the island’s largest beach called Porz-Kernok, not Porz canot, even though you’ll be facing fishing boats at anchor! Alternating between seascapes and streets with charming stone houses 🏘, you’ll fall under the spell of this Breton paradise on a running route. It’s especially on the stone walls that you’ll be able to observe the island’s various white and yellow flowers; rumor has it there are many pink Madeira geraniums that smell like sausage! 😅

It’s mostly the landscapes of this peaceful haven that will let you drift away. Not to forget there are no cars on the island, which guarantees the tranquility of the many herons and seabirds and lets you run in pure air among dunes, fields and green lawns. Don’t lose your bearings as you pass by the lighthouse that overlooks the island at a height of 44 meters! Don’t worry, it’ll be a bit less vertigo-inducing when you pass by the ruins of the Saint-Anne chapel, classified as a historic monument ⛪️. Then you’ll have the chance to cross the splendid Georges Delaselle garden which houses over 1700 tropical plants. Once your eyes are filled with this festival of extraordinary colors 💐, you’ll head toward the finish line to join the island’s mythical beach from which you started.

And to top it all off, locals will cheer you on throughout the course in an amazing atmosphere. Ahhh... Sacré Breizh, always the word for celebrating! But beware, don’t miss the shuttle or you might end up sleeping under the stars.