Island Adventure: Batz {Look Around}

Travelers waiting on the Roscoff peer immediately comment the vicinity of the Batz island, in the north of the Finistère department in France, their voices tinged with disappointment as if traveling to an island should necessarily mean traveling far, far away. Batz lies under 10 minutes away from the coast of Brittany, so close you can see the typical houses standing out against the clear sky.

When the boat approaches though, excitement soars in children and adults alike. I find leaving the mainland an adventure, regardless of the distance we are going to cover; there's the idea of exploring unknown ground guarded only by water and tales of buccaneers come to the surface while I try to spot the occasional mermaid under the clear and bright waves. Where are you, kind and evil mermaid? 

In no time, we hop on the 520-inhabitant strong island and embrace its vibrant colors: blue, green, pink, white... There are still traces of summer in the flowerbeds, while the mild island microclimate is favorable to yukkas and palm trees. The combination of the ocean's breath and tropical flora is surprising and invigorating. 

The best way to visit the island is by bike. Rental businesses are everywhere and provide useful advice (and maps) about itineraries and breathtaking spots not to be missed. And so we pedal all day long, get stuck in the sandy ground near La Grève Blanche, wave to the horses, eat "galettes" by the lighthouse (La Crêperie du Phare) and collect leaves and twigs along the way as keepsakes that will whither with us. Artichokes are the specialty of the island: green and purple fields with artichoke heads proudly standing are visible throughout the island.  They stand tall, as proud as little soldiers nourished by the seaweed-rich soil in an exceptionally fertile area making the produce unique. 

Much larger than the Sein island we visited previously, Batz has a lot to offer to take you on a different planet for one day or...one week, as long as you accept to open up all your senses and pedal relentlessly!  

Credits: 

1) Snappa (edited by TheDaydreamer)

2) 3) and 4) TheDaydreamer