La Pointe des Chats is the most southern point of the island. It is remarkable for many reasons.
Of course, you can’t miss its little lighthouse, right by the beach. It is indeed picture perfect, but it’s above all very useful: take a look at the coast around and you’ll understand why the boats better be warned of the proximity of the island. The coast is jagged and very low around here. Before the lighthouse’s putting into service in 1898 (and even after), the treacherous seabed caused many shipwrecks. There is still a wreck to be seen off Porh Morvil, right next to la Pointe des Chats, going towards Locmaria. The lighthouse is fully automated, there is no keeper around. There are no more inhabitants in the house.
The lighthouse at Pointe des Chats
Look for the blockhaus remains between the parking lot and the beach: two of them display information about the minerals and the wildlife. La Pointe des Chats is indeed right in the middle of the François Le Bail reserve. If you take a look at the rocks, you might see garnets, glaucophanes, epidotes and micas. Remember the reserve’s rules, stone and flower picking is prohibited.
The low coast and the various ponds make for a great place to go seabirds watching: seagulls, kentish plovers, cormorants, various wading birds and the occasional puffin will delight you.
La Pointe des Chats is a nice area for children to play around in the water ponds or look for seashells. It’s also a good spot for shellfish picking, especially during very low tides.
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