Belle Ile    LFEA

Date of Visit = July 99.

Pilot: = Howard Gold

e-mail = pilot-h@higher.flyer.co.uk

Field Report = The island of Belle Ile simply means "Beautiful Island" the french call it the "well named" island, which it certainly is.

My first view of the island was quite magic. Descending from a solid cloudbase at 3000 ft (courtesy of Lann Brihoue radar) the clouds parted to reveal an idyllic island sitting in an azure ocean. As we flew around the island to make our approach to the immaculate 660m strip, we saw rugged coves and sheltered beaches, farms and villages.

The main hassle in getting to Belle Ile is that you have to clear customs first - both on the way in from the UK and on the way back out - so much for the EC! We stopped in Dinard, but you could equally use Rennes which is only a short flight from Belle Ile

It is always required to file a flight plan when crossing water in France, so all flights to and from Belle Ile need one, which we organised from the tower at Dinard. The tower at Belle Ile will organise this for you on the way back to france.

landing and parking fees were 130 Francs for three days.

Fuel is limited on the island so check ahead if you need it.

If you contact the car hire company Locatourisle they will arange for a car to be waiting for you on arrival - alternatively you could get a taxi into one of the towns (Le Palais or Sauzon) where there is bicycle rental available. The island has many country paths, for a cycling or walking holiday the island is perfect - despite being rather hilly (you weren't in a hurry anyway!)

The food is typically Breton, with delicious fresh sea food and crepes being predominant. Saturday morning sees a bustling market in the main citadel town of Le Palais. For something a little quieter Sauzon is a charming fishing village with several super restaurants. The place names are also typically Breton. (The aerodrome is by the village of Bangor!)

The beaches are superb - on the east facing side there are long stretches of sand with very calm waters, whilst on the western side the beaches are more rugged, and are frequented by surfers. You get a reminder that this is the open Atlantic when you see the breakers rushing in and crashing against the rocks. Lots of useful information on accommodation and events are on the url below, in French and English.

A great destination.

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