Life on Callot is governed by the rhythm of the tides...
Accessible on foot or by car at low tide it becomes an island again at high tide. But whatever the height of the water, you will fall under the charm of this patch of " heaven ", which today only shelters 9 families.
In the past, it was populated by many "Callotins". At the beginning of the century, farming, fishing and seaweed gathering were the main activities.
At low tide, some fishermen would go to the continent to sell their products at local markets.
The island was at that time self-sufficient, ruled by ebb and flow, with a few animals, cultivated fields and the sea that allowed the men to support their families. Even up until twenty years ago, Callot still had its own school, opened in 1936.
Mainly composed of small creeks, dunes, gorse, fields and grass, Callot spreads over 3 km in length and is between 15 and 300 m wide.
The beautiful little chapel of Notre Dame de Callot built on the highest spot of the island and open to visitors is said to date back to the early 5th century.
>>Learn more about Notre Dame de Callot
The north point
To go to the north point you, you need to take a small path behind the Chapel which at its end uncovers a landscape of wild dunes and massive granite rocks beaten by the waves.
A granite viewpoint indicator will give you all the necessary indications on the surrounding islets and villages.
To the west, the panorama opens onto Paradise bay and Saint Pol de Léon.
To the East, you will see charming islets which form the ornithological reserve, and also the Château du Taureau, a former military fort built at the mouth of the bay between 1542 and 1544, the present building owes its shape to restoration conceived by Vauban.
Summer rendez-vous
- musical interludes at the Chapel,
- painting, sculpture, photo exhibitions at the old school house.
- pardon of Notre Dame de Callot, on the first Sunday after 15th August,
- " Callot island without my car ": in July and August, only pedestrians and cyclists are allowed on Callot
Free shuttles go every ten minutes from the different parking lots in the town to the port.
Crossing to Callot at low tide
Here is a link to Michel Côme's website which will give you the precise crossing times.
Please only take into account the crossing times by the road, the crossing by the valley being reserved to the initiated.
Tides schedule
An anecdote
If you hear talk of the Japanese from Callot, don't be misled.
They were actually seaweed collectors from Plouguerneau who came to gather wrack on the island.
The first time they landed, the customs-officer who was standing on the harbour exclaimed: "Here come the Japanese!" (Allusion to the invader).
From then on, this joke has remained in the locals' memories!
