Anse de Penfret (Îles de Glénan)
Glénan Islands · Penfret anchorage
47°43.4'N 003°59.0'W
Depth
2–5m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
70m
Holding
Excellent Holding
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
70m
70m on white sand in the enclosed lagoon. Excellent holding and shelter. Tidal range 4–5m — drying areas at LW. Navigate the approach carefully — many reefs.
About This Anchorage
The Îles de Glénan are a ring of small islands 12nm S of Concarneau, creating a near-enclosed lagoon with extraordinary white sand and turquoise water — often described as the closest thing to the Caribbean in France. The Glénan sailing school (Centre Nautique des Glénans) is the largest sailing school in France and is based on Saint-Nicolas island. The endemic Glénan Narcissus (Narcissus triandrus calathinus) blooms in March–April. Navigation into the lagoon requires care — multiple reef passages, some of which dry.
Protected From
N · NW · NE · E · W · S
Exposed To
None (fully sheltered)
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: Navigation requires pilot book or detailed SHOM chart — reef passages, some drying. Tidal range 4–5m. Glénan Narcissus protected — no picking. Sailing school area exclusion zones.
Hazards
- !Reef passages into the lagoon — detailed pilot book essential; some dry at LW
- !Tidal range 4–5m — drying areas; calculate depth before anchoring
- !Atlantic approach: 12nm of exposed sailing from Concarneau — plan weather window
Skipper's Tips
- →The 'Caribbean of Brittany' experience: the white sand and turquoise water are genuinely spectacular.
- →Use a pilot book (RCC or Reeds) for the reef passages — do not navigate blind.
- →The Glénan Narcissus (April): if timing a spring cruise, the island flowers are a remarkable sight.
Facilities
One small restaurant/café on Saint-Nicolas island (sailing school) open in season.
Nearest provisions: Concarneau (12nm)
Best Months & Season
June, July, August, September
June–September. Navigation requires pilot book and careful planning. One of Brittany's most memorable destinations.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 70m
In Brittany's tidal waters, anchor drag can happen faster than anywhere in France. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your position continuously — so the tide change doesn't become a crisis.
Download Free for iOS