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Ile de Batz Day Trip from Roscoff: Complete 2026 Guide
An Ile de Batz day trip from Roscoff is the outstanding excursion of any visit to the Plymouth to Roscoff ferry port — and at just 15 minutes by boat from Roscoff’s old harbour, this car-free Breton island is within reach of everyone. Arriving on the Armorique or Pont-Aven and walking to the Vieux Port to board the island ferry is one of the great simple pleasures of Brittany travel: within an hour of stepping off the cross-Channel ferry, you can be on a car-free island where the only sounds are gulls, the Atlantic, and the distant clanking of the fishing boats. Ile de Batz — pronounced ee-lay duh BAH, from the Breton Enez-Vaz, meaning “low island” — is a world apart from the mainland in every sense.
The island is 3.5 kilometres long, home to around 500 inhabitants, and entirely car-free except for service vehicles. The Gulf Stream gives it a climate mild enough to support palm trees and tropical plants at a latitude of 48° north — an impossible-seeming fact that becomes immediately convincing when you walk around the Jardin Georges Delaselle, a subtropical botanical garden created in 1897 on a former sand dune. The 1836 lighthouse — 44 metres of granite with 198 steps to a 360-degree view of Morlaix Bay — is one of the finest viewpoints in northern Finistère. Fourteen beaches scatter around the island’s coastline. The GR34 coastal path circles the entire island in 3–4 hours on foot. And the island has no ATM — so read this guide, plan ahead, and bring cash.
This complete Ile de Batz day trip guide for 2026 covers everything: the ferry from Roscoff (prices, timetable, tidal departure changes), the lighthouse with its 2026 opening hours and admission prices, the Jardin Georges Delaselle botanical garden with verified prices and times, the island’s beaches, the GR34 coastal path, the Serpent’s Hole, the Sainte-Anne Chapel ruins, bike hire, where to eat, and full-day and half-day itineraries to make the most of your visit.
Last updated: May 2026 | All ferry prices, admission charges and opening times verified from official sources
✅15-Minute Ferry from Roscoff — up to 25 crossings per day in summer from Roscoff’s Vieux Port, operated by Les Vedettes de l’Ile de Batz (€11 adult return)
✅Jardin Georges Delaselle — subtropical botanical garden created in 1897, with 2,500+ plant species from five continents (adults €6 | open 1 April–1 November)
✅The Lighthouse — 198 Steps — 1836 granite lighthouse, 44m tall, 67m above sea level, 360° views across Morlaix Bay, Roscoff coast, and Monts d’Arrée (adults €5)
✅Car-Free Island — no traffic, no roads, just paths, coastal walks, beaches and the sound of the Atlantic
✅14+ Beaches — Grève Blanche on the north coast, Porz Reter, Plage de Sainte-Anne, and numerous smaller coves around the island
✅GR34 Coastal Path Circuit — the full island loop on foot, 12km, 3–4 hours, passing beaches, coves, headlands and all major landmarks — FREE
✅The Serpent’s Hole (Toull ar Sarpant) — dramatic granite boulders on the north coast, where Saint Pol Aurélien is said to have banished the dragon in the 6th century
⚠️No ATM on the Island — withdraw cash in Roscoff before boarding the ferry. Many island businesses do not accept cards.
Why Visit Ile de Batz?
The Ile de Batz rewards visitors in a way that has little to do with monuments or museums — and everything to do with the sensation of a car-free island where normal life slows to the rhythm of the tides.
A Tropical Garden in the English Channel
The single most surprising thing about Ile de Batz is the existence of the Jardin Georges Delaselle — a subtropical botanical garden containing 2,500+ plant species from five continents, on a 3.5-kilometre island in northern Brittany. The Gulf Stream passes close enough to the island to make this possible: palm trees, tree ferns, agaves, bamboo, cordylines, and an extraordinary collection of plants from New Zealand, South Africa, Australia and the Canary Islands grow outdoors on a rocky Atlantic island at 48° north latitude. It is absurd, magnificent, and completely real.
The garden was created from 1897 by Georges Delaselle, a Parisian insurance broker and passionate botanist who decided to transform an ancient sand dune on the island into an exotic garden. In doing so, he unearthed a Bronze Age necropolis — the remains of which are now one of the garden’s most unusual features. Delaselle spent over forty years on the project, eventually settling permanently on the island in 1918 after illness. The garden passed through private hands and eventual neglect before volunteers began restoring it from 1987, and it is now owned by the Conservatoire du Littoral and managed by Haut-Léon Communauté. Allow 1–2 hours to explore properly.
Silence, Slow Time, and No Cars
Ile de Batz is almost entirely car-free. Other than a handful of service vehicles — the island’s one small tractor, a few electric buggies — there is no motor traffic whatsoever. The paths are shared by walkers, cyclists, and the occasional flock of sheep. The sounds are gulls, waves, and the creak of rigging in the harbour. The island’s ~500 permanent residents cultivate early vegetables — new potatoes, carrots, cauliflower — in small plots fertilised with seaweed, continuing a tradition that goes back centuries. This is what Brittany looked like before the roads came.
The effect on most visitors is profound. Within an hour of arriving, the pace changes. Within two hours, many people find themselves sitting on a rock above the Serpent’s Hole wondering why they ever need to hurry anywhere. The island is 3.5 kilometres long — you can walk entirely around it in 3–4 hours — but there is no particular reason to rush.
Six Thousand Years of History on Three Kilometres of Rock
The island has been continuously occupied for over 5,000 years. The Bronze Age necropolis in the Jardin Delaselle is the oldest evidence, but the island’s history runs from prehistory through the 6th century Welsh monk Saint Pol Aurélien — who founded a monastery here and, according to legend, banished a dragon into the sea at Toull ar Sarpant — through centuries of seafaring, fishing, and Viking raids, to the 19th-century prosperity evident in the handsome two-storey granite sea-captains’ houses that line the village streets.
The lighthouse itself is a monument to the island’s maritime importance: built in 1836 after a three-year construction programme, classified as a Historic Monument in 2017, it guided ships through Morlaix Bay for nearly two centuries and was occupied by German forces in WWII — bullet impacts from Allied aircraft are still visible in the granite. The museum inside (“Batz avec les vents”, opened 2018) tells eight chapters of the island’s story through its relationship with the winds and the sea.
Getting to Ile de Batz from Roscoff: Complete Ferry Guide
The ferry from Roscoff to Ile de Batz is operated year-round by Les Vedettes de l’Ile de Batz. Everything you need to know before you go — including a critical tidal note for 2026.
2026 Ferry Prices — Ile de Batz from Roscoff
Passenger type
Return fare
Adults (12 and over)
€11
Children (4–11 years)
€7
Under-4s
€2
Dogs
€2
Bicycles
€18
No booking required for individual passengers. Tickets purchased at the quayside before boarding. Payment on board: cash or cheque only. Cards accepted at the ticket office on the Vieux Port from April to October. Prices verified 2026 from vedettes-ile-de-batz.com.
Ferry Frequency — How Many Crossings Per Day?
Season
Frequency
Daily crossings
July–August (peak)
Every 30 minutes
Up to 25 crossings
April–June & September–October
Roughly hourly
~10–15 crossings
November–March (winter)
Scheduled departures
8 crossings/day
Always check the current timetable at vedettes-ile-de-batz.com before visiting — times vary with tides and season. The journey takes 15 minutes each way.
⚠️ Important: Tidal Departure Point — 2026
The footbridge (estacade) connecting Roscoff old town to Port de Bloscon is currently closed for rehabilitation works — this is confirmed as ongoing in 2026. This affects which quay the ferry departs from depending on the tide:
At high tide: Ferry departs from Vieux Port (Quai Parmentier) in the old harbour — a short walk from the town centre.
At low tide: Ferry departs from Port de Bloscon — approximately 1km (20 minutes’ walk) from the old town.
Always check vedettes-ile-de-batz.com before you go for the current day’s departure point and timetable. The tidal departure schedule changes daily. If driving to Roscoff, Port de Bloscon has convenient parking adjacent to the terminal.
Arriving from the Plymouth to Roscoff Ferry
If you’re making the Ile de Batz your first stop after arriving in Roscoff from Plymouth, the timings work perfectly. The overnight ferry arrives at Port de Bloscon from approximately 08:00–10:15 local French time. After disembarking and clearing the port, walk 1km to the old town for breakfast, then board the island ferry.
If you’re leaving a vehicle at the port, Port de Bloscon car parks are directly at the ferry terminal — leave the car there and walk to the Vieux Port or wait for the low-tide departure from Bloscon. The island day trip requires no car — everything is on foot or by bike on the island.
Ile de Batz Lighthouse — Opening Hours & Admission 2026
The lighthouse is the island’s most iconic structure and one of the finest viewpoints in northern Finistère. Here is everything you need to know before you visit, with verified 2026 prices and hours from official sources.
Period
Opening hours
7 Feb – 8 Mar 2026
Tue–Sun 13:30–16:30
4 Apr – 3 Jul 2026
Tue–Sun 13:30–16:30 (last climb)
4 Jul – 30 Aug 2026
Daily 11:00–17:00 (last climb 16:30) — Peak season
Toussaint holidays
Tue–Sun 13:30–16:30
Groups (year-round)
By reservation: 02 98 15 78 32
2026 Admission Prices
Adults: €5 | Children (6–12): €2.50 | Family pass (2 adults + 2 children): €10 | Night visit: €8 (booking required) | Events/concerts: €10
Prices verified from official Roscoff Tourist Office listing at roscoff-tourisme.com.
The Phare de l’Ile de Batz is the island’s defining landmark — 44 metres of granite rising from the island’s highest point, 67 metres above the sea. Allow a minimum of 1 hour for a thorough visit.
The Museum — Ground Floor
The lighthouse museum “Batz avec les vents” (opened 2018) occupies the former lighthouse keepers’ quarters at the base. Eight themed rooms each open in a different compass direction, exploring how the winds have shaped island life — fishing, agriculture, seafaring, and the WWII occupation. Bullet holes from Allied aircraft strafing remain visible in the granite walls. At ground level, a virtual viewing pod gives access to the panoramic view at the top for visitors who cannot or prefer not to climb the 198 steps.
The Climb — 198 Steps
The spiral staircase of 198 granite steps rises through the lighthouse tower. It is a genuine physical effort — narrow, steep, and enclosed — but the ascent takes most visitors 10–15 minutes and the views at the top are outstanding. The panorama at 67 metres above sea level extends from the Sept Îles in the east to the Île Vierge in the west, across Morlaix Bay, the Château du Taureau on its islet, the coastline of Roscoff, and the distant silhouette of the Monts d’Arrée on the southern horizon.
History & Facts
Built between 1833 and 1836, electrified 1938, range of 40km across the Channel. The lighthouse was occupied by German forces during WWII and was strafed by Allied aircraft — the bullet impacts are still visible. Classified as a Historic Monument in 2017. The lighthouse is still active and continues to guide ships through Morlaix Bay to this day.
Practical Tips
The lighthouse is a 10–12-minute walk from the ferry landing stage, signposted throughout. In July and August it opens at 11:00 — go early before the queue builds. Outside peak season it opens at 13:30, so pair it with the garden (opens 11:00) in the morning and the lighthouse in the afternoon. Children must be comfortable with enclosed spiral stairs. Large bags cannot be taken up the tower.
Jardin Georges Delaselle — Botanical Garden on the Island
The Jardin Georges Delaselle is Ile de Batz’s most visited attraction after the lighthouse — and for many visitors it is the more memorable of the two. Situated at the eastern end of the island, approximately 1.2km (15 minutes’ walk) from the landing stage, the garden covers several acres of former sand dune and contains 2,500+ plant species from around the world.
What to See in the Garden
The garden is divided into several distinct zones, each recreating a different corner of the world. The Palm Grove — the most dramatic section — shelters in a hollow dug into the sand dune, filled with rare palms and sub-tropical plants that would be killed by a mainland frost. The Rock Garden contains cacti, succulents and arid-climate species from South Africa and the Americas. A section of New Zealand flora — tree ferns, cordylines, and Southern Hemisphere species — forms the inspiration for the 2026 spring exhibition. Across the garden, agaves, bamboo, eucalyptus, echiums and passionflowers grow alongside plants that have never been seen growing outdoors this far north.
The Bronze Age necropolis — discovered by Delaselle himself while digging the garden — is preserved within the grounds, its stone burial chambers now framed by cordylines and ancient yews. This may be the only botanical garden in Europe that contains a prehistoric cemetery as a garden feature.
Spring 2026 special exhibition: “Une immersion végétale inspirée des paysages de Nouvelle-Zélande” (A plant immersion inspired by New Zealand landscapes) — new for 2026. The annual “Un artiste au jardin” exhibition also continues, with a different artist’s work displayed among the plants each season.
2026 Admission & Opening Hours
Adults: €6 | Children (7–16): €3 | Under-7: FREE | Students: €5 Groups (15+): Adults €5 | Group guided tour: €50
No advance booking required. Dogs on leads admitted. Payment by cash, cheque, card or ANCV.
1 April – 30 September 2026: Daily 11:00–18:00
1 October – 1 November 2026: Daily 11:00–17:30
Last entry 30 minutes before closing. Note: The garden is recovering from Storm Ciaran damage (November 2023) — some areas may still show evidence of restoration works. Check jardin-georgesdelaselle.bzh for current status.
The Story of Georges Delaselle
Georges Delaselle (1851–1943) was a Parisian insurance broker who first visited Ile de Batz as a tourist and fell completely under the island’s spell. In 1897 he purchased a stretch of bare sand dune on the island’s eastern shore and began his extraordinary project: to create an exotic botanical garden on an Atlantic island where no trees had previously grown. He used the island’s mild Gulf Stream climate as his key advantage, planting species from the southern hemisphere and island climates of the world, digging large sheltered hollows in the sand dune to create microclimates protected from the Atlantic wind.
In 1918, illness brought Delaselle permanently to the island. He devoted the remaining 25 years of his life entirely to the garden. He was forced to sell it in 1937 — reportedly with some reassurance that a private owner would continue the work — and died a few years later. The garden passed through various hands, became a holiday centre, and then fell gradually into neglect. A group of volunteers began its restoration from 1987, exactly 100 years after Delaselle began. The Conservatoire du Littoral acquired the site to protect it permanently.
Beaches, Walks & Things to Do on Ile de Batz
Beyond the lighthouse and garden, the island has a full day’s worth of things to discover — beaches, coastal walks, historical sites, and the simple pleasure of a car-free island with nowhere particular to be.
The GR34 Coastal Circuit — 12km Around the Island
Distance: 12km full circuit | Time: 3–4 hours at a relaxed pace | Difficulty: Easy to moderate, some rocky sections | Cost: FREE | Waymarking: Red-and-white GR34 markers throughout
The GR34 long-distance path — the same trail that starts in Roscoff and ends at Mont-Saint-Michel — circles the entire island of Batz. Walking it clockwise from the harbour takes you through the village, past the southern beaches facing the mainland, around the eastern tip past the Jardin Delaselle, along the wilder northern coast past the Grève Blanche beach and the Serpent’s Hole, to the lighthouse at the north-western end, and back down the western shore past the Maison du Corsaire to the port. It is one of the finest short island walks in Brittany.
You don’t need to complete the full circuit — any section on foot is rewarding. Most families and casual visitors do a 2–3 hour partial loop, combining the lighthouse and/or garden with the most scenic coastal section of the path. Good footwear is advised — some rocky sections on the northern coast. The path is well-maintained and marked throughout.
🏖️ Beaches
The island has 14 named beaches. Grève Blanche on the north coast is the most open — wild, sandy, and surrounded by moorland. Porz Reter is calmer and particularly popular with families. Plage de Sainte-Anne on the southern coast is fine sand with views back to Roscoff. Most beaches face south and are sheltered enough for swimming in summer. Water temperatures remain cool even at the peak of summer — the Gulf Stream moderates the climate but not the water temperature significantly.
🐉 The Serpent’s Hole (Toull ar Sarpant)
On the northern coast, a dramatic rocky inlet of colossal granite boulders marks the spot where, according to island legend, the 6th-century Welsh monk Saint Pol Aurélien (who founded a monastery here) drove a dragon terrorising the island into the sea. The landscape here is genuinely wild and atmospheric — the boulders are enormous, the sea channels between them unpredictable, and the combination of geology and legend makes this one of the most striking spots on the island. Go at low tide for the best access to the rocks.
🏛️ Sainte-Anne Chapel Ruins
Built in the 10th century on the site of Saint Pol Aurélien’s original 6th-century monastery, the Chapelle Sainte-Anne now stands as peaceful ruins on the eastern shore near the Jardin Delaselle. The remains of the walls, partially swallowed by dunes and sand, are still clearly visible and are a beautiful symbol of the island’s long history. Ancient stone crosses nearby complete the ensemble. A perfect complement to the adjacent botanical garden — 5,000 years of history on the same small patch of ground.
🚲 Bike Hire
Several bike hire outlets operate at the harbour — the best way to cover the island’s paths and reach the more distant beaches and headlands quickly. Standard bikes approximately €14/day, electric bikes approximately €35/day; family carrioles and tandems also available. Not all outlet details are confirmed for 2026 — check on arrival at the harbour or ask at the island’s tourist information point. Book in advance if arriving in July or August as demand exceeds supply on busy days.
🏚️ Maison du Corsaire (1711)
A former guardhouse built entirely of granite in 1711, the Maison du Corsaire stands on the island’s west coast with an unobstructed view of the coastline and the lighthouse. The building’s coastal defensive position gives it natural panoramic views back across the bay to Roscoff — one of the lesser-visited but visually rewarding spots on the island. Pass it on the western section of the GR34 coastal circuit.
🌾 Agriculture & Island Produce
Ile de Batz is one of a handful of islands in France where market gardening still takes place at scale — early potatoes (pommes de terre primeur), carrots, cauliflower, and vegetables grown in plots fertilised with seaweed, harvested earlier in the season than the mainland thanks to the island’s mild climate. Walking through the interior of the island between the paths, the patchwork of cultivated plots with their low stone walls creates a landscape unlike anything on the mainland — fields, dunes, flowers, and the sea simultaneously visible from any high point.
Where to Eat on Ile de Batz
Eating options on the island are limited in range but good in quality — particularly the crêperies near the harbour. Plan carefully, especially outside July and August when fewer venues are open.
Bring a Picnic — The Best Option
The most reliable and enjoyable way to eat on Ile de Batz is to bring a picnic from Roscoff. Buy supplies in the old town before boarding the ferry — baguette, cheese, charcuterie, fruit, local cider — and eat on the clifftop path, at one of the beaches, or on the benches overlooking the harbour. There is no better dining setting in Finistère. The island’s small grocery (known locally as the “7 à 8”) sells basic supplies but stock is limited and prices are high — it is not a reliable substitute for pre-planning. Remember there is no ATM on the island.
Crêperies — Harbour Area
Several crêperies operate near the harbour — the most consistently open and best-reviewed option for lunch on the island. Buckwheat galettes (savoury) and sweet crêpes are the staple, served with local cider. These are popular with day-trippers and sell out of hot food by early afternoon in high season — aim to arrive before 12:30. Book ahead in peak season if visiting in July or August — tables fill quickly.
Café du Port & Harbour Bars
The harbour bars serve coffee, drinks, and simple snacks throughout the day. Good for a morning coffee on arrival or a cold cider in the afternoon while waiting for the return ferry. Café Marylène is one of the harbour venues noted for an informal, local atmosphere. These bars typically accept cards but the island’s smaller crêperies and food vendors may be cash-only — confirm on arrival.
⚠️ Key practical notes: There is no ATM on Ile de Batz — withdraw cash in Roscoff before boarding. In peak summer (July–August), restaurants and crêperies regularly run out of hot food by 13:00. Book ahead for sit-down meals. The island grocery sells basics but is not a substitute for proper supplies. If in doubt, bring a packed lunch from Roscoff.
Sample Itineraries: Half-Day and Full Day on Ile de Batz
Whether you have a morning to spare after arriving on the overnight ferry or a full day to give the island, here are tested itineraries for different visit lengths.
Half Day — Lighthouse & Village (3–4 Hours)
Perfect for: Ferry arrivals who want a first taste, short stops, families with young children
09:00–09:15: Board the ferry from Roscoff Vieux Port (check departure point at vedettes-ile-de-batz.com)
09:15–09:30: Arrive Ile de Batz harbour — coffee and pastry at one of the harbour cafés
09:30–10:30: Walk to the lighthouse (10 min) — note: in July–Aug opens at 11:00, otherwise 13:30. In high season, queue early. Outside peak, visit the lighthouse in the afternoon instead.
10:30–11:30: Explore the village, harbour, and a nearby beach (Plage de Sainte-Anne is 10 min from the port)
11:30–12:30: Lunch at a harbour crêperie — galette followed by sweet crêpe and cider
12:30–12:45: Return ferry to Roscoff — continue south on the D785
Full Day — Complete Ile de Batz (7–8 Hours)
Perfect for: First-time visitors wanting to see everything, walkers, families, garden enthusiasts
09:00–09:15: Take the early ferry from Roscoff. Bring a packed picnic from Roscoff old town.
09:15–10:00: Explore the harbour village and pick up a morning coffee
10:00–11:15: Walk east on the GR34 coastal path toward the Jardin Delaselle (1.2km, ~15 min) and Sainte-Anne Chapel ruins nearby
11:00–12:30: Jardin Georges Delaselle — 1.5 hours in the garden (opens 11:00)
12:30–13:00: Picnic lunch near the Serpent’s Hole or on the Grève Blanche beach
13:00–14:30: Continue the GR34 west across the north coast — Grève Blanche beach, Serpent’s Hole, coastal headlands
16:30–17:00: Walk back to harbour via Maison du Corsaire on the west coast
17:00–17:15: Return ferry to Roscoff
Top Tips for Your Ile de Batz Day Trip
Bring cash — no ATM on the island: This is the most important practical point. Withdraw cash in Roscoff before you board the ferry. The island has no cash machine. Many smaller vendors are cash-only.
Check the current ferry departure point: Due to the estacade works in 2026, the ferry may depart from Port de Bloscon (not the Vieux Port) at low tide. Always check vedettes-ile-de-batz.com the morning of your visit.
Note the lighthouse opening hours by season: In July and August the lighthouse opens at 11:00. In spring and autumn it only opens at 13:30 Tuesday–Sunday. Plan your day accordingly — the garden opens at 11:00 all season, making a good morning activity outside peak season.
Book crêperies in peak season: In July and August, the island’s restaurants and crêperies can fill completely and run out of hot food by 13:00. Booking ahead is strongly recommended, or pack a picnic from Roscoff.
Hire bikes for more ground: The island is 3.5km long but the paths are varied and occasionally steep. A bike makes a significant difference if you want to combine lighthouse, garden, north coast beaches, and the village in a single visit. Hire from the harbour on arrival — in summer, arrive early as bikes are limited.
Best months — May and September: July and August are beautiful but the island gets crowded and ferries fill. May and September offer mild weather, far fewer people, the garden in bloom or turning autumn colours, and the lighthouse open. April is good for the garden (opens 1 April) but the lighthouse opens later in the season.
Allow a full day if possible: Half a day is enough for the lighthouse and a walk, but the island genuinely rewards a full day. The pace changes, you stop rushing, and the island starts to reveal itself. It is the kind of place that sends people back year after year.
Ile de Batz Day Trip: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ile de Batz worth visiting?
Yes — consistently and emphatically. Ile de Batz is one of the most rewarding short excursions in all of Brittany. The combination of a car-free island, a subtropical botanical garden, a 198-step lighthouse with outstanding views, 14 beaches, and the general sensation of a place where normal time stops — all 15 minutes from Roscoff’s old harbour — makes it an outstanding use of a day. It is popular, but not overcrowded outside July and August. The island rewards slow exploration rather than a quick tick.
How much is the ferry to Ile de Batz from Roscoff?
The return ferry fare is €11 for adults (12+), €7 for children aged 4–11, €2 for under-4s and €2 for dogs. Bikes cost an additional €18. No booking required for individual passengers. Payment on board by cash or cheque only — cards are accepted at the ticket office on the Vieux Port from April to October. The crossing takes 15 minutes each way. Operated by Les Vedettes de l’Ile de Batz (vedettes-ile-de-batz.com).
How much is the lighthouse on Ile de Batz?
Admission to the Phare de l’Ile de Batz is €5 for adults, €2.50 for children aged 6–12, and €10 for a family pass (2 adults + 2 children). The entrance includes access to the “Batz avec les vents” museum at the base and the climb of 198 steps to the lantern room. A virtual viewing pod at ground level is available for those who cannot climb the stairs. In July and August the lighthouse is open daily 11:00–17:00. Outside peak season it opens Tuesday–Sunday from 13:30.
How much is the Jardin Georges Delaselle?
Admission to the Jardin Georges Delaselle is €6 for adults, €3 for children aged 7–16, and free for under-7s. Students pay €5. The garden is open daily from 1 April to 1 November 2026: 11:00–18:00 from April to September, and 11:00–17:30 in October and early November. Last entry is 30 minutes before closing. No advance booking required. Cards, cash, cheque and ANCV holiday vouchers all accepted. Dogs on leads are admitted. Address: Penn Batz, 29253 Ile-de-Batz.
Is there an ATM on Ile de Batz?
No — there is no ATM on Ile de Batz. This is one of the most important practical facts for any visitor. Withdraw cash in Roscoff before boarding the ferry. Some island businesses accept cards, but many smaller vendors, crêperies and the ferry payment on board are cash or cheque only. A day trip budget of €40–50 per adult (ferry + lighthouse + garden + lunch) means having sufficient cash before you go is essential.
How long does it take to walk around Ile de Batz?
The full coastal circuit of the island on the GR34 path is approximately 12km and takes 3–4 hours at a relaxed pace, allowing time for the beaches and viewpoints along the way. A half circuit (port to lighthouse or port to garden) takes 1.5–2 hours. The island can also be explored well by bicycle — the full loop by bike takes around 1.5–2 hours with stops. There is no fixed “right” way to see the island — it is small enough that you cannot get truly lost, and the paths are well-marked throughout.
When is the best time to visit Ile de Batz?
May and September are the best months — pleasant temperatures, the garden in full bloom or turning autumn colours, far fewer visitors than July and August, and all major attractions open. July and August are the liveliest months but the busiest, with restaurants filling and ferries crowded at peak times. April is good for the garden (opens 1 April) but the lighthouse has restricted hours. October still allows garden visits (open until 1 November) for those arriving on later sailings. The island operates year-round, and even winter visits are possible — though the garden and lighthouse have reduced or no opening hours from November to March.
Continue Planning Your Plymouth to Roscoff Trip
🇫🇷
Roscoff Town Guide
Old town, Jardin Exotique, Maison des Johnnies and where to eat in Roscoff
Book Your Ferry to Roscoff — Gateway to Ile de Batz
Brittany Ferries sails year-round from Plymouth Millbay to Roscoff. Walk off the ferry and within the hour you can be on a car-free Atlantic island with a subtropical botanical garden, a 198-step lighthouse, and the Gulf Stream keeping your coffee warm.
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