Île Tristan (Douarnenez), tombeau des amants et repaire de La Fontenelle

Douarnenez

Facing the port of Douarnenez, a rocky islet that the tides sometimes link to the land bears the name of a hero of romance. According to the Breton legend, it was here that King Marc'h of Cornouaille buried his nephew Tristan and Queen Iseult, dead of love, side by side; brambles are said to have grown to unite their tombs. Some also say that the island is the last visible piece of the drowned city of Ys. The name Tristan appears in the 14th century, according to Wikipédia. The certain history is harsher: traces of occupation go back to the Bronze Age, then, in the 12th century, the island was given to the Benedictine monks of Marmoutier, who founded a priory there. In 1595 the band leader Guy Éder de La Fontenelle settled there with his men and plundered the surroundings; he was executed in Paris in 1602. In 1854 a sardine cannery opened there, then the poet Jean Richepin bought the island in 1911 (information from a single source). Since 1995 the Conservatoire du littoral has protected it. The island cannot be visited at any time: tide and supervision decide.

Getting there: Islet about 300 m from the plage des Dames, property of the Conservatoire du littoral, within the Parc naturel marin d'Iroise. Accessible on foot at low tide of a spring tide (a few hours) or by boat; one source indicates that the visit is made in small groups with a guide, reservation at the tourist office of the pays de Douarnenez. Rules and opening dates were not verified: enquire beforehand. Coordinates: OpenStreetMap (Nominatim).

Opening times and access details are given as a guide only: check before you set out.

Ambient sound