Île-de-Sein facts for kids
Île-de-Sein (pronounced "Eel-duh-Sain") is a small, unique island and a commune (like a small town or district) located off the coast of France. You can find this tiny piece of land in the region called Brittany, which is in the Finistère department in the northwest part of France. It's known for its small size and its brave history.
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Discovering Île-de-Sein
Île-de-Sein is a very special place, often called the "end of the world" because of its remote location in the Atlantic Ocean. It is a flat, low-lying island, which means it doesn't have any big hills or mountains. This makes it quite vulnerable to strong winds and waves, especially during storms.
Where is Île-de-Sein?
This island is situated about 8 kilometers (5 miles) off the western tip of Brittany, a region famous for its rugged coastline and Celtic culture. It's part of a dangerous stretch of water known as the Raz de Sein, which has strong currents and many hidden rocks. Because of these tricky waters, lighthouses are very important here to guide ships safely.
Life on a Tiny Island
Life on Île-de-Sein is quite different from living on the mainland. The island is very small, only about 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) long and 0.5 kilometers (0.3 miles) wide. This means there isn't much space, and everything is close together. The main village is built tightly around the small harbor, where fishing boats come and go.
Most of the people living on Île-de-Sein are involved in fishing or tourism. The island has a small population, and everyone knows each other. Children go to a local school, and daily life often revolves around the sea and the weather. Getting supplies to the island depends on the ferry, which connects Île-de-Sein to the mainland.
History of Île-de-Sein
Despite its small size, Île-de-Sein has a rich and important history, especially during World War II. The island played a heroic role in the fight for freedom, which is why it holds a special place in French history.
The Call to Freedom
In June 1940, when France was invaded during World War II, a famous French leader named Charles de Gaulle made a radio appeal from London. He asked all French people to continue fighting against the invasion. When the people of Île-de-Sein heard this message, almost all the men on the island, about 130 fishermen, decided to leave their homes and join the Free French Forces. They sailed to England in their fishing boats, showing incredible bravery and determination.
This act of courage meant that Île-de-Sein became one of only five places in France to receive the prestigious Order of Liberation (Ordre de la Libération). This award honors individuals and communities who made outstanding contributions to the liberation of France during the war. The islanders' quick and brave response made Île-de-Sein a symbol of French resistance.
Images for kids
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Location of Île de Sein in the Atlantic Ocean
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La Vieille lighthouse on the Raz de Sein; the island in the background
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L'île de Sein seen from the lighthouse
See also
In Spanish: Île-de-Sein para niños
