The Crozon peninsula, shaped like a gigantic cross in the Iroise sea, sums up the essence of Brittany. The landscape shifts from spectacular cliff scenery to heather-covered moorland, then to deep blue sea and beautiful beaches. The pretty little ports of Camaret and Morgat are the starting point for voyages of discovery.
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Discover Camaret-sur-mer and Crozon
Camaret, situated on the western tip of the peninsula, is a traditional port where you can enjoy a walk along the bustling quays lined with brightly-painted houses. On the jetty you’ll find the chapel of Notre-Dame de Rocamadour, famous for the model boats that are left there as offerings. Continue your walk to the Vauban tower, known as the ‘Tour dorée’, or Golden Tower, because of its ochre colour. Listed as a Unesco World Heritage Site, it used to protect the spit of stones known as the Sillon de Camaret, and the entrance to the Goulet de Brest (the stretch of sea linking the Bay of Brest to the ocean). At night, the ‘cimetière marin’, or boats’ graveyard, with its silhouettes of boats lying along the shingle beach, is a romantic sight.
The Cap de la Chèvre, a view to the horizon
Cliffs a hundred metres high, plunging down to the ocean; views across Douarnenez bay and Morgat cove… It’s an impressive view. On a clear day, you can make out the islands of Sein, Ouessant (Ushant) and Molène. To really appreciate the atmosphere of the place, you need to be there, surrounded by the fresh salty tang of the sea spray. A coastal path takes you through moorland, heather and maritime pines, with a succession of amazing viewpoints. The best time to see it is out of season or early in the morning when nature is undisturbed.
For keen hikers, the walk around the Cap de la Chèvre is a must. Allow a full day to walk the waymarked coastal path from Morgat to the castle at Dinan, coming back across the moorland. Look out for the Pointe de Saint-Hernot headland, the superb cove of Porz-Creguen and the promontory above La Palue beach. The GR 34 long-distance footpath also takes in the headlands of Grand Gouin and Toulinguet… The scenery’s stunning all the way, but the Pointe de Pen-Hir is exceptional, with its four tiny islands known as the ‘Tas de Pois’ (piles of peas). Rising to a peak at 70 metres above sea level, this is the most breathtaking of them all.
Did you know
Standing stones by the dozen !
The Lagatjar Alignments, with a total of around a hundred standing stones, are the most impressive in the region. They were re-erected in 1928, and some of them are over three metres high. An unusual feature is that they are arranged in perpendicular lines.
Sandstone walls, rocky cliffs and sea views
In summer, you can take a trip on a motor launch from Morgat harbour to discover the headland’s legendary caves. The 80-metres-deep Grotte de l’Autel is especially worth seeing, and the beautiful cove of the Ile Vierge. This trip gives you a different view of this magical spot, which is a favourite haunt of sailors, walkers and rock-climbers.
