The best is left for last in Finistère: the Crozon peninsula in the west is a unique natural experience. Bordered by the Rade de Brest to the north and the Baie de Douarnenez to the south, the Crozon peninsula lies in the far west of Brittany. With countless bays, kilometres of beaches and wonderful hiking trails through the landscape of the Parc Naturel Régional d’Armorique, Crozon is one of the most authentic holiday areas in Brittany.
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Places To Go
Cap de la Chèvre
The Cap de la Chèvre is the southernmost point of Crozon. The viewpoints on the highest cliffs of all Crozon are particularly popular as a destination for a hike on Cap de la Chèvre. In good weather, the view extends south to Cap Sizun and the Île de Sein, and northwest to Ouessant.
Île de Vierge
The name is misleading, because Île de Vierge is not an island. The headland on the eastern side of Crozon is one of the most beautiful places in Finistère. What makes Île de Vierge special is the coastal landscape, which is atypical for Brittany. Old conifers stand on the high cliffs and give the area a Mediterranean flair, especially in the sunshine.
Pointe des Espagnols
From the Pointe des Espagnols at the northernmost tip of Crozon, you can enjoy a magnificent view of the bay and the port facilities of Brest: almost all incoming and outgoing ships from Brittany’s largest port pass the Pointe des Espagnols. The ruins of the fortress tower built by the Spanish in the 16th century and the Ancien Fort Robert bunker a few minutes’ walk to the west bear witness to the strategic importance of this site.
Pointe de Dinan
Spectacular rock formations captivate visitors at the Pointe de Dinan. Craggy stones, caves under the shore, rocky gates – and all this against the panorama of the roaring sea. Pointe de Dinan is centrally located on the western shore of the peninsula, only about 6 kilometres from Morgat and the town of Crozon.
Pointe de Pen Hir
The Pointe de Pen-Hir is mentioned in the same breath as the Pointe du Raz, Cap Fréhel and the Côte de Granit Rose when it comes to Brittany’s top sights. From Camaret-sur-Mer, the much-visited viewpoint on the west side of Crozon is an excellent hike. We describe the route around the Pointe de Penhir and past many other attractions in the next section.
Hiking
The entire hike leads over a good 11 kilometres through the heath landscape of Crozon. Either hike the entire tour or pick out sections.
Start from the Pointe de Pen-Hir car park near the cross commemorating the Breton soldiers of the Second World War. At the monument, turn right towards the north and follow the coast along the red and white markings of the GR-34 coastal footpath.
Following the path past a row of log cabins, you will reach Anse de Pen Hat. Continue directly on the beach until you reach a steep path at the end of the bay. The steep path leads back to the steep shore and to an old French navy fort.
Walk along the perimeter wall here and turn right into the road. After about 100 metres, a path leads to the left through the meadows to the shore. Keep following this path, the next waymark is the bay of Pointe du Grand Gouin.
At the Pointe du Grand Gouin, turn south and follow the path for 300 metres until you reach an ascending road on the right. At the second fork, turn left onto Rue Pierre Péron. The path continues along Rue Pierre Péron through residential areas of Camaret-sur-Mer until you turn left onto Rue du Toulinguet and after a few metres into Ru Rue Saint-Rioc. Follow the road here.
The stone rows of Lagatjar, with 143 menhirs, are on the right-hand side of this road and are well worth a stop.
At the intersection of rue de l’Amiral Porte and rue Georges Ancey (directly in sight of the ruins of the Manoir de Coecilian), take the latter road. Cross Rue Saint-Pol Roux and turn into Rue des Menhirs on the other side. Walk in the direction of Kermeur, where the road is first called Rue de Kreisker, then Rue de Lamzoz.
At the end of the road, Veryac’h beach awaits. Turn right and follow the coastline further and further to the Pointe de Pen-Hir. Enjoy the view of the sea and the “Tas de Poi”, rocky islands picturesquely off the coast. The car park from which this route started is in a northerly direction.
5 Dream Beaches
Plage de l’Île Vierge
A detour to the beach of Île Vierge should definitely be part of a holiday in Finistère. When visiting the pebbly beach, swimming or surfing are not the main priorities. The beach in the east of the peninsula is an event for its breathtaking postcard view from the cliffs. The surroundings at the Pointe de Saint-Hernot also invite you to go hiking.
Plage Morgat
In a ranking by the British newspaper “The Guardian”, Plage Morgat ranked 14th among the most beautiful beaches in the world. You can understand why: Morgat beach is on the quiet side of the peninsula and even in high season beachgoers don’t pile up. At the shore, the entrance to the water is shallow at low tide and high tide. Perfect for children.
Plage de Lostmarc’h
Between the viewpoints of Pointe de Lostmarc’h and Pointe de Kerdra, the Plage de Lostmarc’h lies sheltered on the west coast of the peninsula. At all times of the day, but especially at sunset, the wide beach is an event and particularly popular with surfers. With different areas for families and naturists.
Plage de la Palue
One of the best beaches for surfing in Finistère and the whole of Brittany. At low tide, the Plage de la Palue joins the Plage de Lostmarc’h to form a stretch of coastline more than 2 kilometres long. The waves can crash wildly onto the shore here, bathing is also not permitted because of the strong currents.
Plage de Postolonnec
The Plage de Postolonnec on the sheltered south-eastern side of Crozon is more leisurely. A beautiful view, rocks and shallow pools for pêche a pied at low tide and a crêperie – the Plage de Postolonnec is a beach for the whole family.
Camping Sites
Camping L’aber: Located in the southern part of the peninsula, east of the town of Crozon and the river Aber. Quiet, clean 3-star campsite with mobil-home and pitches for caravans and tents. To the website of Camping L’aber
Camping Les Bruyères: Well-equipped campsite (barbecue areas, wifi, pool area) south of Crozon. The beautiful beach of Morgat is 5 minutes away by car or 30 minutes away on foot. To the website of Camping Les Bruyères
Camping de la Presqu’île: 3-star campsite at the gates of the peninsula’s main town. Its central location means that all the beaches are within a radius of 2 to 8 kilometres. Covered pool, nearby skate park and shopping facilities. To the website of Camping de la Presqu’île
Camping La plage de Goulien: The immediate proximity to the beach makes this campsite so attractive. Especially popular with surfers and sailors. With a small shop, restaurant and washing machines. Dogs are allowed here. To the website of Camping La plage de Goulien
Camping les Pins: Camping site under trees at the entrance to the southern tip of the peninsula. With pitches for caravans and various types of bungalows and large tents for rent. Popular with families with children. Dogs allowed. To the Camping les Pins website
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