This is the little-known story of Ouessant, which disappears under the flood of tourists who disembark at the port of Le Stiff every morning. But a discerning visitor can make out its outline if he follows the jagged shores of the island, the stone walls that demarcate the old farmlands, remnants of a bygone era. Ouessant, island of priestesses; the island of women in mourning; island of rain girls. A hostile rock where a unique monarchy in Europe was built over the centuries.
There is probably still geography in this system’s infancy. Ouessant is an inhospitable island battered by headwinds and dangerous currents that leave no chance for extremely fragile ships. Its steep cliffs do not offer an ideal situation for building a port. There was never regular fishing on the island. During the reign of Colbert, the idle men on the king’s ships were recalled. Then came the great journeys, the call for spices…
Source: Le Figaro
