Summary- In the footsteps of the Pointe de Pen-Hir
- La Pointe de Pen-Hir: what lies behind this unique site
- Visit the Pointe de Pen-Hir
- - How do I get to Pen-Hir Point?
- - When to get to Pointe de Pen-Hir?
- Where to sleep near Pointe de Pen-Hir?
- - Sleeping there
- - Nearby addresses
- Where to eat near the Pointe de Pen-Hir?
- - To eat on the spot
- - Nearby addresses
- What budget should I set aside to visit Pointe de Pen-Hir?
- To take in my backpack
- What I can discover in the region
- The Pointe de Pen-Hir in pictures
Travel to the end of the world by visiting the Pointe de Pen-Hir in the beautiful region of Brittany!
My first is 600 kilometers from Paris. My second is one of the most magnificent natural sites in Brittany. My third is known for its famous "Tas de Pois". You still don't have it? So much the better, since our secret place of the day is none other than the grandiose Pointe de Pen-Hir!
Discover in this article everything you need to know so that the Pointe de Pen-Hir holds no more secrets for you!
In the footsteps of the Pointe de Pen-Hir
To know the origin of Pointe de Pen-Hir ("Beg Penn Hir" in Breton), which corresponds to one of the western ends of the Crozon peninsula, you have to go back 475 Ma. The horizontality of its surface, which is dislocated when facing this rocky advance of Armorican sandstone, corresponds to a surface of Mio-Pliocene erosion.
It must also be said that there was a lot of unrest in the 17th century near the Pointe de Pen-Hir : Located in Camaret-sur-mer, the English tried several times to land there, in order to gain easier access to the roadstead and the military port of Brest. The most famous battle, known as the "Battle of Camaret" or "Battle of Trez-Rouz", took place in 1694 during the war of the League of Augsburg. On 18 June of the same year, the Anglo-Dutch fleet, which had come to destroy part of the French fleet in Brest, was defeated by Vauban thanks to its fortifications.
The Pointe de Pen-Hir also has its own small place in history since at the liberation, it was here that a huge granite Lorraine cross was built, known as the "Monument aux Bretons de la France Libre" and the work of the architect Mathon and the sculptor Bazin. It was none other than General De Gaulle who inaugurated it on 15 July 1951. This monument, classified as a historical monument in 1996, is a tribute to the Bretons who joined the Free French in London after General De Gaulle's appeal of 18 June 1940.
La Pointe de Pen-Hir: what lies behind this unique site
What makes the Pointe de Pen-Hir mysterious is that despite the fact that it is located in France, very few people know of the existence of this very singular place. In addition to the authenticity and beauty of the Breton region, the scenery of the Pointe de Pen-Hir can change completely and this is what the locals who come here to recharge their batteries like.
The panorama calms the fears: Contemplative pleasure, from the top of their 70 meters, the jagged sheer cliffs offer a feeling of freedom when you come to throw yourself into the Iroise Sea. A few brave and resourceful people come to climb the Armorican sandstone walls which offer an excellent playground: it is one of the most beautiful climbing sites.
It is lost in the shades of blue of the sea and the sky that the Tas de Pois stand, this set of rocks having for names Grand Dahouët, Petit Dahouët, Penn Glaz (green head), Chelott, Ar Forc'h (the Fork) and Bern Id (the heap of cereals). This "end of the world" is also an exceptional ornithological reserve which shelters several species of sea birds, such as the black-legged kittiwake or the crested cormorant. It is the only place where you can see a fulmar petrel or a guillemot troil.
But what we retain especially from the Pointe de Pen-Hir, it is the grandiose panorama that it offers. On a clear day, you could see on the south side the bay of Douarnenez and the tip of Cornouaille, as well as the Pointe de Beuzec and the Pointe du Raz; on the north, it is a view from the cove of Plougonvelin with the Fort de Bertheaume to some of the Ponant islands that you can admire.
The best way to visit the Pointe de Pen-Hir is on foot, with the GR 34! After observing the incessant ballet of birds and waves, it is imperative to take the time to walk along the coastal paths up to the Lagatjar alignments, passing by the International Memorial Museum of the Battle of the Atlantic, the Manoir Saint-Pol Roux and the memorial of the Bretons of the Free France.
Visit the Pointe de Pen-Hir
How do I get to Pen-Hir Point?
The first step to visit the Pointe de Pen-Hir is to go to Camaret-sur-Mer :
- By car:
If you have landed in Brest or Quimper and you have chosen to rent a car on arrival, or if you make the journey with your own vehicle, you should know that it will take about 1 hour to get to the Pointe de Pen-Hir from Brest.
On site, it is possible to park nearby but it is advisable to park near the Lagatjar alignments and walk to the site to enjoy the surroundings.
- By bus:
It is possible to get to Camaret-sur-Mer by bus by taking the line 34 (Brest-Camaret) and line 37 (Quimper-Camaret). As the bus stops are located near the Port of Camaret, you will then have to walk to the tip (3.5 km).
- By boat :
During the two summer months, and from April to September with certain companies (Le Brestoâ for example), several boats shuttle between the port of Brest and the port of Camaret. The first boat usually leaves Brest at 9.00 am and the return boat around 6.00 pm. Find all the schedules by clicking here.
When do we get to Pen-Hir Point?
Lovers of Brittany will tell you that there is no better time to visit the Pointe de Pen-Hir. Nevertheless, the best period to visit Finistère and the Pointe de Pen-Hir is from June to September.
Where to sleep near Pen-Hir Point?
Sleeping on the spot
There are more than thirty hotels and more than fifteen campsites near the Pointe de Pen-Hir. The average price of a night in a hotel in Camaret is 65 euros. For smaller budgets, several locals will open the door of their accommodation for 40 euros a night on average.
Of course, you have to anticipate your trip to have a wide choice of accommodation! To help you in your research, do not hesitate to go to this hotel comparator or to visit the Airbnb website if you prefer a private individual.
Nearby addresses
If you don't want to sleep near the Pointe de Pen-Hir, you are lucky because the site is not far from Brest and Quimper! By staying in one of these cities, you can also enjoy the beauty of the surroundings.
In Brest, you should focus on the city centre and the districts of Les Quatre-Moulins, Saint-Marc, Bellevue, Saint-Pierre Quilbignon or Lambezellec. You will find accommodation for all budgets, from small hotels to private studios. Do not hesitate to read our article "In which area to stay in Brest" for more information.
In Quimper, the city centre as well as the Le Braden and Bénodet districts will be perfect to welcome you during your stay. There you will also find Airbnb hotels and accommodation. To help you, we also have an article about the best neighbourhoods in Quimper!
Where to eat near the Pointe de Pen-Hir?
Eating and drinking on site
It is quite possible to eat near the Pointe de Pen-Hir. There are picnic tables near the Plage du Véryac'h and the creperie "Chez Mémé Germaine" nearby, but also Rue des bruyères (next to the menhirs of Lagatjar) and near the Plage de Pen Hat.
If you want to picnic, please do us a favour and remember to throw all your rubbish in the bins. There is only one Pen-Hir Point and only one planet!
Nearby addresses
If you want to put the small dishes in the big ones or simply to eat in the warmth, several good addresses have been listed near the Pointe de Pen-Hir.
In Camaret-sur-Mer, families can opt for the restaurant "A l'Abri du Kraken" which overlooks the marina. The products are fresh and the restricted menu offers a complete menu for around twenty euros.
Looking for refined cuisine? There are two tested and approved addresses in Brest: "L'imaginaire", located at 23 Rue Fautras, and "Le M" located at 22 Rue du Commandant Drogou.
What budget should I set aside to visit Pointe de Pen-Hir?
Visiting the Pointe de Pen-Hir itself is free. On the other hand, if you take into account a one-night stay in an Airbnb in Brest, about 35 euros per night in a studio for two people, as well as the bus journey (line 34) to Camaret-sur-Mer, about 5 euros return, you will have to count about 20 euros per person.
To take in my backpack
Of course, you will have to take the weather into consideration, but here is the main thing not to forget:
- A bottle of water or a gourd
- Non-polluting sunscreen is better for the environment
- A hat or a cap to protect you from the sun (be careful with the wind, it blows around here!).
- Your swimsuit and beach towel if you are not too cold.
- A camera
- Good walking shoes
- The essential oilskin for wind and rain (just in case...)
What I can discover in the region
The peninsula of Crozon is full of surprises and wonders to discover. We strongly advise you to plan time to visit the surroundings of the Pointe de Pen-Hir! Here is what you should not miss during your stay :
- The parish enclosure of Argol
- The Vauban Tower
- The crossed-out spur of Lostmarc'h
- The tip of Dinan
- Saint-Guénolé Abbey
- The tip of the Spaniards
- The Rostudel dolmen
- Capuchin Island
- ... and the GR34!
