European island puts limit on number of tourists who can visit this summer
A PRETTY island in Europe is capping the number of daily tourists who can visit this summer.
Ile-de-Bréhat, off the coast of Brittany in France, has just 400 locals who live on the island.
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However, during the busy summer period, thousands of tourists flock to the island which overwhelms the island, being just over two miles long.
The new rules, in place from today until August 23, will only allow 4,700 visitors to visit a day.
These restrictions are in place between 8:30am and 2:30pm, as most day trippers will have left.
It is also not in place during the weekends, as this is when holidaymakers are often leaving accommodation on the island which sees lower daily tourists.
Olivier Carré, the mayor of Île-de-Bréhat, said the new rules were not a tourist ban, but to ensure people had a better time with fewer crowds.
He told local media: “We’re not actually trying to stop people coming – just to make sure they have a better time when they do.”
The cap follows a trial last year, which prevented the island from reaching highs of 5,500.
He added: “Once you reach or pass that level, nothing works – there’s nowhere for people to park at the ferry terminal at Ploubazlanec, not enough seats on the boat, all the restaurants on the island are full, the hire bikes run out, the cycle paths are rammed.
“Now, we’re asking the ferry companies to encourage people to book in advance and regulate the flow.”
The ferries take just 10 minutes from Brittany, making it a popular day trip option.
The island is nicknamed the island of flowers due to its abundance of trees and flora.
It is also know for sitting on top of pink granite, with the rocks having a faint hue of the colour.
Make sure you bring your walking shoes – cars are banned on the island, so you will need to hike or grab a bike.
The Brittany tourism website even describes it as an island where “time stands still”.
Some of the most popular attractions on Ile-de-Bréhat is the Chapelle Saint-Michel which has amazing views of the island.
Otherwise there is also the Citadelle, where tourists can watch glass-blowing, as well as some other churches and lighthouses.
There are lots of restaurants and bars to choose from too, despite the island’s tiny size.
One of the most popular with Le Crech Kerio, along with Restaurant Le 22 and Le Bistrot de L’Allegoat – all serving French and European cuisine.
You can stay on the island, with the main Hotel Restaurant Bellevue right by the port.
Otherwise there are lots of cottages and holiday homes you can rent as well.
For Brits to get to Brittany, there are a number of options.
The most popular is by ferry, with departures from Portsmouth, Plymouth and Poole.
Otherwise there are lots of direct flights to Brittany, although the nearest airport is Brest which is then another two hour drive.
And Ile-de-Bréhat is not the only island struggling with tourist numbers.
Everything you need to know about visiting France
- Brits need to have a passport with at least three months left on it.
- No visas are needed for anyone staying up to 90 days within an 180-day period but you need to make sure your passport is stamped on entry and exit.
- You may also need to show proof of accommodation and funds, around €120 a day.
- The country uses the euro with with around €10 working out to £8.55.
- France is one hour ahead of the UK
- Direct flights to France from the UK take between 1-4 hours depending on the destination
- Or you can travel by train with Eurostar, with destinations including Paris or Lille.
Ons Island in Spain only allows 1,300 tourists a day to prevent it from being overwhelmed.
And Greek islands Santorini and Mykonos are introducing caps for cruise passengers to reduce overcrowding.