Iroise Sea

The Iroise Sea lies off western Brittany, where the Atlantic meets the approaches to the Channel. Ushant and the islands of Molène stand among reefs and channels west of the Breton mainland; farther south the waters pass the Isle of Sein and the Pointe du Raz. Strong tidal currents, fog and storms make navigation difficult, especially where narrow passages run between rocks. Ships approaching Brest or rounding Brittany must reckon with these hazards before reaching more sheltered waters within the coast.