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Molène

Molène (French: Île-Molène; Breton: Molenez) is a small inhabited island and commune in the Finistère department of Brittany, northwestern France.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Molène (French: Île-Molène; Breton: Molenez) is a small inhabited island and commune in the Finistère department of Brittany, northwestern France. It is the main island of the Archipelago of Molène in the Iroise Sea, off the west coast of Brittany. The island has a small permanent population and is known for its maritime setting and natural landscape.

Geography

Molène is a small island in the Iroise Sea off Brittany's western coast. It is the largest inhabited island in the Archipelago of Molène, which consists of islands, islets, and rocky outcrops. The island lies about 15 km off the west coast of Finistère near Le Conquet.

Administration

The island is also a commune, known as Île-Molène, in the Finistère department of Brittany. It is part of the Brest arrondissement and the Saint-Renan canton.

Population

Molène has a low year-round population, though the number of people on the island increases in summer. Sources describe it as a small inhabited island with a long-standing but limited resident community. A permanent population of 162 was recorded in 2020.

Environment

The island is noted for its flat, low-lying landscape and maritime environment. The archipelago is described in academic sources as the emerged part of a larger shallow plateau.

Key facts

  • Molène is the main island of the Archipelago of Molène, a group of islands and rocky outcrops in shallow waters.
  • It lies about 15 km off the west coast of Finistère near Le Conquet.
  • The island forms the commune of Île-Molène in the Finistère department.
  • Its permanent population is small, with about 162 residents recorded in 2020.
  • The island’s area is about 0.72 km² and its highest point is 26 m above sea level.

Frequently asked questions

What is Molène?
Molène is an inhabited island and commune in Brittany, France, located in the Iroise Sea off the west coast of Finistère.
Where is Molène located?
It lies about 15 km off the west coast of Brittany near Le Conquet, in the Finistère department.
How large is Molène?
Its area is about 0.72 km², or 72 hectares.
How many people live on Molène?
A permanent population of 162 was recorded in 2020.
What is the Breton name for Molène?
The Breton name is Molenez.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mol%C3%A8ne
    Supports: Island location, commune status, archipelago membership, and population figure.
  2. Wikipedia — https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C3%8Ele-Mol%C3%A8ne
    Supports: Area, location relative to Finistère, and identification as the main island of the archipelago.
  3. HAL — https://hal.science/hal-01861309
    Supports: Academic description of the Archipelago of Molène as islands, islets, and rocky outcrops over a shallow plateau.
  4. Programme / local report — https://files.appli-intramuros.com/files/actor_attachment/5688/2024112311564229433_rapport-molene-2024-leger.pdf
    Supports: Geographic location in the Iroise Sea, distance from Le Conquet, and archipelago context.