The Crozon Peninsula
The Crozon Peninsula, which lies at the tip of Finistère between Quimper and Brest, can be said to represent Brittany in a nutshell. It has little coves with turquoise water, steep cliffs, seaside resorts, tiny harbours and well-preserved buildings. Whether you would like to go walking, do water sports or have a family beach holiday, the Crozon Peninsula has everything you need.
The Crozon Peninsula, Brittany in a nutshell
The peninsula offers breathtaking scenery from Cap de la Chèvre in the south to the Pointe de Pen-Hir in the north. The Plage de Ile Vierge beach at Morgat is considered to be one of the loveliest in the world. Walking enthusiasts can marvel in delight at the scenery along coastal footpaths like the steep GR34 hiking path. The 180° view from Cap de la Chèvre is one to take your breath way : to the left, the Bay of Douarnenez, to the right , the islands of Molène and Ouessant and facing you, the Pointe du Van, the Pointe du Raz and the Ile de Sein.
There are beautiful buildings to see too in the numerous villages and charming resorts like Crozon and Morgat. Surfing enthusiasts should not miss Plage de La Palue beach at Crozon, a veritable institution for surfers at any time of year.
The scenery on the northern part of the peninsula, towards the Brest Approaches, offers varied landscapes. Even if the Pointe du Raz is the most famous headland in Finistère, the Pointe de Pen Hir (« heap of peas ») is not to be sniffed at and, situated on the western tip, it gives the impression of being at the end of the world !
From the Pointe des Espagnols, a 60 metre high promontory, you can contemplate the Goulet de Brest, the Plougastel-Daoulas Peninsula and observe Brest naval base. Camaret sur Mer with its17th century Vauban tower is an absolute must and history lovers will appreciate Landévennec with its abbey founded in 500 and the highly photogenic ship’s cemetery.
A picturesque way to enter the Crozon Peninsula is via the Pont de Térénez, the first curved, cable-stayed bridge in France, overlooking the winding River Aulne.
Walks, boat trips and the Festival du Bout du Monde...
The Crozon Peninsula is a paradise for walkers with a multitude of footpaths. The Route de Fortifications takes you to 16 different sites built since Prehistoric times to resist invaders. Another way to explore the peninsula is by paddle boarding on turquoise water to coves and caves, or by mountain bike along the 200km paths and 11 designated circuits. Children will love a boat trip to the sea caves at Morgat which have been fascinating visitors for over 170 years ! The 1st weekend in August the whole of the peninsula celebrates the Festival du Bout du Monde, one of the biggest festivals of world music in France, which attracts more than 60 000 visitors in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere.
« I recommend visiting the Ilot des Capucins at Roscanvel. Inside the Fort, built in 1848 and only accessible on foot via hidden steps and a little stone bridge overlooking the sea, you can see numerous wartime relics, the gunpowder store, the battery… and the atmosphere is very mysterious, children love it ! But ssssh, not many people know about the place and it’s hard to find ! »
To reach the Crozon Peninsula, come to the airport or railway station at Brest or Quimper then take public transport (there is even a ferry from Brest between April and September). It is very easy by car, just keep going westwards !"
