Are you planning to visit the Crozon Peninsula? Perfect, we have selected the 7 best things to do there!
THEFinistèreis the westernmost department of France. At the end of the regionBrittanywhich, itself, breaks away from the country, it takes on the air of the end of the world. Its particularity is to be cut vertically into three parts. To the north, the Léon country, to the south, Cap Sizun and the Bigouden country. Then, in the center, we find the Crozon Peninsula, a natural theater, between land and sea. Completely integrated into the Armorique Regional Natural Park, the peninsula juts out into the Iroise Sea without half-measures . Made up of cliffs, sharp rocks and large valleys, it is a place where nature does not let itself be carried away. Each year becoming more and more popular, visiting the Crozon Peninsula is becoming a must in Brittany. But what about the area itself? An entire stay would be suitable, for a total discovery, as it has to offer us.
1. Pointe de Pen-Hir
Pointe de Pen-Hir offers you a breathtaking view of the Iroise Sea. Observe in particular the rock formation called Tas de Pois: enormous rocks more or less aligned, sheltering astonishing fauna. This point is easily visited on foot, and numerous trails facilitate this discovery. However, be careful not to get too close to the sometimes steep edge.
2. Virgin Island
A small paradise on earth on the Breton coast, the beach of Île Virginie is a magnificent natural cove. Adjacent to 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 snorkel along the coast to the east. Otherwise, follow the path above the beach. It will take you to the point, from where you will observe a panorama of the horizon. And above all, marvel at this virgin nature.
Note that joining the strike is now prohibited for security reasons.
3. Megaliths
Lagatjar Alignments
The Lagatjar alignments are located near Camaret-sur-Mer. There are 87 of them, standing proudly on flat ground. Some of them measure up to 3 meters in height. The site has been classified as a Historic Monument since 1883 but underwent restoration 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)
South of Morgat, there is a strange megalith site: Ty ar C'huré, literally Maison du Curé. There are several dozen stones, scattered over almost 300 meters, which form this secret alignment. We don't know why or how these stones got there. Their name is also a mystery, but many hypotheses have emerged. For example, it is said that it could have been the home of a Breton druid in the Bronze Age!
4. Cape of the Goat
At the southern end of the tip of the Crozon peninsula is Cap de la Chèvre. Standing on its cliffs, it then closes the Bay of Douarnenez from the north. It's a very beautiful place to discover if you want to visit the Crozon Peninsula in its entirety.
A large loop walk is possible, following paths lined with gorse. Equip yourself with binoculars, because by looking inland, you will be able to see the Douarneniste coast and all of Cape Sizun.
5. The Capuchin Fort in Roscanvel
The Fort des Capuchins 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 location, at the entrance to the Rade deBrest. This fort is carved out of the stone of the islet and was built with the aim of controlling the passages of the entire Camaret cove and the entrance to Brest.
The only land access, an arched bridge connects it to the coast. Today, there is an electrical factory, a store, cannons and a small railway line formerly intended to supply what was a barracks.
6. The island of Aber and its fort
The island of Aber (estuary) spreads out into the Iroise Sea… 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 in 1862, today in ruins.
The Bay of Douarnenez is visible in its entirety and the Aber beach stretches out beneath your feet! A little extra, the end of the day offers a panorama of very pleasant colors. Attention photographers! However, keep a close eye on the tide times so as not to find yourself in a bad situation.
7. The Artists’ Quarter of Camaret-sur-Mer
It began in 1992, when the Saint-Thomas district of Camaret-sur-Mer was taken over by artists, who had fallen in love with the region. Since then, it has been called the “Artists’ Quarter”. So, to discover numerous works, in a gentle atmosphere with sea spray, this is the ideal place.
In addition, the town of Camaret-sur-Mer is a bottomless well of inspiration for the artists who have set up their workshops there, under the leadership of the sculptor Jean-Claude Le Roux. In high season (June 15 – September 15) the doors of these workshops welcome visitors every day, but only on weekends in the off-season.
