The island of Bréhat renews its quotas for the summer

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Since Monday, July 28, has been the return of the regulation of tourists to the island of Bréhat (Côtes-d’Armor). A couple from Nord-Pas-de-Calais preferred to take their precautions. “”This is also why I reserved the ticket upstream, telling myself that we might not have any worries if we reserved in advance “he said. “”I find that it is important that they put quotas on an island like that to preserve it. To take advantage of the island thoroughly, as much as there are fewer people and that they regulate the entrances a little “, concedes another tourist.

The measurement is well received, because before the establishment of this quota, the island could see more than 6,000 people in the middle of the summer peak, now limited to 4,700 between 8:30 am and 2:30 pm. At the landingll, each arrival is counted. And some rejoice. “”It’s very good. I also put myself in the place of people, and it is true that we do not really take advantage of the visit if we have to stop, let people pass, the hubbub that it brings“Confides a woman.”It is true that when we see people landing, we see a huge crowd, we tell ourselves that it must worry the inhabitants of the island. I think it’s a good thing“Adds a man.

For merchants, the island is still too calm during this time of year. Would the establishment of this quota be responsible for a drop in attendance? Antoine Tartault, spokesperson for the collective of Bréhat traders, accuses a drop in turnover of more than 10 % each year since the implementation of this regulation. “”In 2022, we thought it was the weather. In 2024, we thought it was the Olympic Games. This year, we understand that perhaps there is a purchasing power problem. But at the same time, it is believed that the message which was conveyed by the implementation of regulation by the municipality was not well understood by day visitors “, he explains.

However, according to the town hall, there is no drop in attendance, only better anticipated trips. “”They are told: ‘You book your crossing and in return, we guarantee that you will have a quality day on the island of Bréhat.’ And that works pretty well. More days ago when there are absolutely record crowds. Now it’s much more distributed“, Says Olivier Carré, the mayor of Bréhat.

The regulation is in force until August 28.