Summary
- 1. Pen-Hir Point
- - Aux Bretons Monument
- 2. Virgin Island Beach
- 3. The megaliths
- - Lagatjar Alignments
- - Ty ar C'huré (priest's house)
- 4. The Cape of the Goat
- 5. The Capuchin Fort at Roscanvel
- 6. Aber Island and its fort
- 7. The Artists' Quarter of Camaret-sur-Mer
- Visit the Crozon Peninsula a little more...
- How do I get to the Crozon Peninsula?
- Where to stay at the Presqu'île de Crozon ?
Are you planning to visit the Crozon Peninsula? Perfect, we have selected the 7 best things to do there!
Finistère is the westernmost department of France. At the end of the Brittany region, which is itself detached from the country, it looks like the end of the world. Its particularity is to be cut vertically in three parts. In the north, the country of Leon, in the south, the Cape Sizun and the Bigouden country. Then, in the centre, we find the Presqu'île de Crozon, a natural theatre between land and sea. Completely integrated into the Armorique Regional Natural Park, the peninsula juts out into the Mer d'Iroise without half measures. Composed of cliffs, sharp rocks and large valleys, it is a place where nature is not to be missed. Every year more and more people visit the Presqu'île de Crozon becomes a must in Brittany. But what about the area itself? A whole stay would be appropriate, for a total discovery, so much it has to offer us.
Also read :
The 10 must-do things to do in Brittany
Visit the Parc Naturel Régional d'Armorique : complete guide
The 13 most beautiful beaches in Brittany
Brittany by motorhome: advice, areas, itineraries
1. Pen-Hir Point
The Pointe de Pen-Hir offers a breathtaking view of the Mer d'Iroise. Observe in particular the rocky formation called Tas de Pois: huge rocks more or less aligned, sheltering an amazing fauna. This point can be easily visited on foot, and many trails facilitate this discovery. However, be careful not to get too close to the edge, which is sometimes steep.
Aux Bretons Monument
It is a huge structure inaugurated by General de Gaulle in honour of the Breton soldiers who fell for France during the Second World War. To be seen under a radiant sun.
2. Virgin Island Beach
A small terrestrial paradise on the Breton coast, the beach of Île Vierge is a magnificent natural cove. Located at the Pointe de Saint-Hernot, its translucent blue waters and fine sand delight swimmers and lovers of relaxation.
For explorers, on days when the water is calm, you can practice snorkeling along the coast to the east. Otherwise, follow the path above the beach. It will take you to the tip, from where you will see a panorama on the horizon. Above all, marvel at the unspoiled nature.
3. The megaliths
Lagatjar Alignments
The Lagatjar alignments are located near Camaret-sur-Mer. There are 87 menhirs standing proudly on a flat terrain. Some of them are up to 3 meters high. The site has been classified as a Historic Monument since 1883 but was restored between 1928 and 1929. Today, it is easy to walk there, and more difficult to find an explanation for these mysterious stones...
Ty ar C'huré (priest's house)
To the south of Morgat, there is a strange site of megaliths: Ty ar C'huré, literally the house of the parish priest. Several dozen stones, scattered over almost 300 metres, form this secret alignment. We know neither why nor how these stones got there. Their name is also a mystery, but many hypotheses have emerged. For example, it is said that this may have been the house of a Breton druid in the Bronze Age!
4. The Cape of the Goat
At the southern end of the tip of the Crozon Peninsula is the Cap de la Chèvre. Standing on its cliffs, it closes off the Bay of Douarnenez from the north. It is a very beautiful place to discover if you want to visit the entire Presqu'île de Crozon.
A walk in the shape of a large loop is possible, following the gorse-lined paths. Equip yourself with binoculars, because looking inland you will be able to see the Douarnenist coast and the whole of Cape Sizun.
5. The Capuchin Fort at Roscanvel
The Capuchin Fort is located on the islet of the same name, on the other side of Roscanvel. It was built in the middle of the 19th century and installed in a strategic place, at the entrance of the Rade de Brest. This fort is carved out of the stone of the islet and was built to control the passages of the whole Camaret cove and the entrance to Brest.
The only land access, an arched bridge connects it to the coast. Today, there is therefore an electric factory, a store, cannons and a small railway line once used to supply what was once a barracks.
6. Aber Island and its fort
The Aber Island (estuary) stretches out into the Mer d'Iroise... until the tide goes out! Indeed, if it is inaccessible at high tide, it is a completely different story at low tide. On the island, a fort was built there in 1862, now in ruins.
The Bay of Douarnenez is visible in its entirety and the Aber beach spreads out under your feet! A little extra, the end of the day offers a panorama of very pleasant colours. Notice to photographers! However, keep a close eye on the tide times so as not to find yourself in a bad position.
7. The Artists' Quarter of Camaret-sur-Mer
It all started in 1992, when the Saint-Thomas district of Camaret-sur-Mer was taken over by artists who fell in love with the region. Since then, it has been known as the "Artists' Quarter". So, to discover numerous works of art, in an atmosphere softened by the sea spray, it is the ideal place.
Moreover, the town of Camaret-sur-Mer is a bottomless well of inspiration for the artists who set up their studios there, under the impulse of the sculptor Jean-Claude Le Roux. During the high season (15 June - 15 September) the doors of these studios welcome visitors every day, but only at weekends in the off-season.
Visit the Crozon Peninsula a little more...
- Visit the many religious buildings of the Crozon Peninsula
- Discover the caves of Morgat by boat
- Covering the 144 kilometres of the GR®34
- Discover the Pointe du Toulinguet and its caves, as well as the Pen-Hat beach.
- Stroll on the immense beach of Kersiguénou, between Camaret-sur-Mer and Morgat.
- Hiking in the Kador Woods in search of the fort and the lighthouse of the same name.
How do I get to the Crozon Peninsula?
To visit the Crozon Peninsula, you will have no other choice, at some point, than to borrow a car. Indeed, it is not the best served place in Brittany. However, you can get there in different ways.
By car
The Presqu'île de Crozon is accessible via two departmental roads, which you will reach by following the single N165:
- From the "north" side via the D791.
- From the "south" side via the D887.
By bus
Finistère has set up a very efficient and regular road transport system.
- Line 34: Brest - Camaret-sur-Mer - Brest
- Line 37: Quimper - Camaret-sur-Mer - Quimper
Although the routes are not direct, many stops are available. For example, you can stop at Crozon, Telgruc-sur-Mer (line 34) or Plomodiern (line 37).
In addition, on the fare side, count 2 € for an adult, and 1.50 € for children under 25. Important: your ticket will be valid for a connection during the day. Booklets of 10 tickets are available for purchase if you plan to travel by coach.
By sea shuttle
From Brest, you can reach the Presqu'île de Crozon, and more precisely Le Fret, by sea shuttle: the Brestoâ. The journey takes about 30 minutes and allows you to easily access the peninsula.
- Round trip: 17 € (adult over 16 years old), 13 € (7 - 16 years old), 7 € (3 - 6 years old)
- One way: 9,50 € (adult over 16 years old), 7,50 € (7 - 16 years old), 4,50 € (3 - 6 years old)
- Bike supplement: €4.50 per trip
In addition, during the period of the Festival du Bout du Monde, an annual musical event, connections are made every 45 minutes.
By pleasure boat
Many marinas are to be listed on the Crozon Peninsula. A land of sailors, Brittany has managed to preserve its attraction for the ocean. The port of Camaret-sur-Mer is very famous and busy. Especially for the Vauban Tower which is erected there and which embellishes the twilight horizon of this port.
Otherwise, there is also the port of Morgat, in the extension of its immense beach. Camaret-sur-Mer and Morgat are very pleasant towns, very lively in summer. However, bicycles are available to visit the surrounding area.
By plane
Finistère has two national airports: in Brest and Quimper. That said, note that Brest is better routed than Quimper. To benefit from the best offers at the best time, we recommend that you ask about a flight comparator such as Skyscanner. Then opt for car rental, so that you are free to move around during your stay!
Where to stay in the Crozon Peninsula?
Visiting the Presqu'île de Crozon is a real pleasure, but it is a very busy place, especially in high tourist season. So, to meet this demand, there is no shortage of accommodation. You will then inevitably find what suits you between hotels, bed and breakfasts, campsites or Airbnb with sea view.
Moreover, do not hesitate to consult a hotel comparator to find the best offer of the moment! Of course, we advise you to stay rather in Camaret-sur-Mer, Morgat, Crozon or Roscanvel. Indeed, these are the most dynamic cities of the peninsula!
