This small piece of land located at the far west of the tip of Brittany is definitely worth a stopover.
A natural and wild site, it is the ideal place for magnificent walks, to recharge your batteries and admire magical landscapes. You will find here everything that is most beautiful in Brittany!
So that you don't miss anything during your visit to the Crozon Peninsula, we suggest you discover the places you absolutely have to see, but we also give you some practical information to help you organize your stay.
Things to do and see
The Pointe des Espagnols
Let's start with the Pointe des Espagnols, located at the extreme north of the first "arm" of the peninsula, at the end of the Roscanvel point. From there, you will have a breathtaking view of the bay, all the way to Brest and its harbor.
The Pointe des Espagnols is so called following the construction of a fort undertaken by a Spanish garrison, allied to the League. This fort was built at the end of the 16th century.
A few decades later, at this same strategic location, Vauban built a defense battery.
Today, only Vauban's battery has preserved traces of its existence. The Spanish fort has completely disappeared.
In summer, exhibitions are sometimes set up.
The Capuchin Fort
The Fort des Capucins is also located on the tip of Roscanvel. This fort is in theory inaccessible, except at low tide. However, access to this fort is prohibited because it is potentially dangerous: the accesses and the bridge are not maintained or secured.
But you can simply stop to admire from afar this building proudly enthroned on a rocky islet not far from the coast. This fort was imagined at the time by Vauban. Unfortunately, it suffered major damage during the Second World War, transforming it in part into ruins.
The Pointe de Pen-Hir or Pile of Peas
This is one of the most representative viewpoints of the Peninsula! The Pointe de Pen-Hir, extended by its Tas de Pois, is a must-see during your visit. This point can be recognized among so many others thanks to its rocks scattered along its extension.
The view from this place is incredibly beautiful, it is one of the most beautiful panoramas that you can admire during your visit to the Crozon Peninsula.
There is a monument on this point: it is a monument to the memory of the Bretons of the Free French Forces.
You can also visit the Battle of the Atlantic Memorial Museum (read more…), contained entirely in a casemate, a souvenir of the German occupation. The site is grandiose, facing the sea which it dominates by a dizzying drop. The museum is the only one in continental Europe to deal with the Battle of the Atlantic. If it had been won by the German navy, England could not have served as a base for the liberation of Western Europe. Beyond this issue, it pays tribute to all the sailors, whose average age was 20, who lost at sea.
Walking in Camaret-sur-Mer
Camaret-sur-Mer is a small seaside resort, ideally located at the far west of the Crozon Peninsula. It is very pleasant to walk there: the Gustave Toudouz quay, the small marina or the natural dike, called the Sillon, where the Vauban Tower is located at the end of it (read more…).
You can also discover other magical places in Camaret-sur-Mer, such as the Notre-Dame-de-Rocamadour Chapel, located right next to the Vauban Tower; or the Artists' Quarter, formerly the St-Thomas Quarter, where you will find beautiful art galleries and artists' studios.
The Lagatjar Alignments
On the heights of Camaret-sur-Mer, don't miss the Alignements de Lagatjar. This set of well-aligned mageliths were put back on their feet at the beginning of the 20th century. These impressive menhirs date back to 2,500 years BC. During the 18th century, the site had around 600 menhirs. Today, fewer than 150 are visible. But this walk among these stone giants will definitely captivate you. Go a little further and discover the magnificent beach of Pen Hat, located between the points of Toulinguet and Pen Hir and guarded by its lion.
The Pointe de Dinan
Here is another breathtaking panorama that you absolutely must see during your visit to the Presqu'Île. The Pointe de Dinan is located at the beginning of the third point forming the Presqu'Île de Crozon, opposite the Pointe de Roscanvel.
It not only offers you an incredible view of the Pointe du Raz or the Pointe de Pen-Hir that we mentioned above, but it is particularly spectacular with its Castle. This "Château de Dinan" is actually an arch in a huge rock. A small path is accessible and allows you to access this rock.
The Goat Cape
After the Pointe de Dinan, if you continue towards the south of this point, you will arrive at the cape of the Chèvre, the extreme south of the Peninsula. Another beautiful viewpoint to admire: from the Tas de Pois to the Pointe du Raz, the bay of Douarnenez on one side, the ocean on the other. The panorama is worth the detour.
You will also notice a sculpture in the shape of an airplane wing planted in the ground: it is a monument to the memory of the flight personnel of the Naval Aviation.
Virgin Island
Ready to discover the most beautiful cove in Brittany? The beach of Île Vierge is located at the foot of the Pointe de Saint-Hernot. Its access is certainly a little complicated, but the reward is worth it! The water is an unreal color, the steep cliffs plunging into the water are covered with pine trees, and the fine sand of the beach gives a more Mediterranean than Breton air. This place is magical and worth the detour too! Be careful, it can only be admired from above, its access, whether land or sea, is indeed prohibited for safety reasons.
The commune of Crozon
Located in the heart of the Presqu'Île, the small town of Crozon is worth a stop. It has a modern church in which is located a polychrome altarpiece dating from the beginning of the 17th century.
Its city center is also ideal for a walk.
Its Wednesday market is very lively and friendly.
Aber Island
The Île de l'Aber is located in the Morgat cove. A magnificent wild beach precedes the island. This ensemble is very pretty and worth the detour. To access the island, you will have to wait for low tide. Allow about half an hour to walk there and back.
Once on the Île de l'Aber, you will be able to distinguish the ruins of an old fort dating from the middle of the 19th century.
Practical information for organizing your visit
How to get to the Crozon Peninsula?
The Crozon Peninsula is very easily accessible by car. And it is also the best solution to get to this place and visit it with complete peace of mind. You can arrive by train to Brest or Quimper, but then you will need to rent a car to get to the Peninsula (about 45 minutes).
Getting around the Crozon Peninsula
Regarding getting around, a car is a must! There is no public transport that takes you from one cove to another, or from one viewpoint to another.
You can also opt for hiking or cycling! Indeed, the GR34 passes through the peninsula and serves the main places not to be missed.
As for cycling routes, the Crozon Peninsula has nearly 200 km of cycle and mountain bike trails, enough to delight cycling enthusiasts.
Where to stay to visit the Crozon Peninsula?
The Crozon Peninsula has many accommodations spread throughout the territory. Hotels, lodges, guest houses, etc. The choice is diverse and varied!
But why not the Ocean Penty ?
When to visit the Crozon Peninsula?
The question of the best time to visit the Presqu'Île is important to fully enjoy your stay. Indeed, this place is ideal for walks along the coast and on the beaches. The ideal is to go to Crozon at a time when the sun is out.
From spring onwards, the vegetation is in bloom and offers a striking spectacle! A mixture of splendid colours. I therefore advise you to go to the Crozon Peninsulabetween the months of June and SeptemberAt this time, you will maximize your chances of having sun and not rain, and thus be able to enjoy nice walks.
How much time to visit the Crozon Peninsula?
By car, and without lingering too long, you can easily go around the peninsula in one day. However, one day will not be enough to fully enjoy your stay. There are many sites to see and some require a bit of walking to get there. I recommend that you leave for a week instead: this way you will have all the time you need to walk around and discover the most beautiful places on the Crozon Peninsula!
