No, it’s not a mirage nor a fortified dyke built by an eccentric eco-friendly engineer! It’s an extraordinary geological phenomenon, a natural wonder, where you can walk right beside the water amidst unspoilt scenery. This mythical site is also a magnet for shellfish gatherers.
Click. Inspire. Go…
Receive the Brittany newsletter!
Experience the Sillon de Talbert
Like an exclamation mark at the very tip of the Trégor peninsula, the Sillon de Talbert extends for almost two miles out into the rock-strewn sea. The 35-metre long sliver of land, mostly made up of sand and pebbles, has been shaped by the opposing currents of the Trieux and Jaudy rivers. In addition to providing safe haven for myriad birds, and a popular walkway for the public, this mineral line also protects the channel between Paimpol and Bréhat. A place quite unlike any other, worth safeguarding by respectful visitor practices.
A highway that inspires legends galore
The geological explanations for the Sillon’s formation aside, it is also steeped in romantic legend. According to one legend, Merlin cast this path from millions of pebbles so as to reach the fairy Viviane. Another story goes that, on Talbert island, Morgane fell in love with King Arthur. To reach him, she threw stones out towards the coast, which split into millions of tiny pebbles.
This strip of land extending seawards is a paradise for lovers of nature and wide-open spaces. Sea holly, sea kale and wild radish flourish in the refreshing sea breeze. Keep a respectful eye out for the sea birds who find ideal nesting ground here. Little terns, curlews, turnstones and cormorants all flock to this protected sanctuary. The Conservatoire du Littoral goes to commendable lengths to limit its degradation.
Did you know
Why is there seaweed on the cauliflower plants here?
The seaweed known as ‘wrack’ that grows on the rocky shore here is widespread in the fields come April, and autumn, to keep the soil moist. It provides the cauliflower grown near the Sillon du Talbert with potassium, endowing it with its spotless appearance and generous size.
Baskets at the ready!
Keeping an eye on the tides, some coastal farmers still come to pick the wrack to improve the quality of their cropland. Whilst there are other gatherers on the wide-open foreshore who prefer shellfish: clams, shrimps, velvet swimming crabs and the warty venus… You could always ask the shellfish harvesters for some tips, though they’ll give nothing away as to their favourite gathering spots!
