Travel to the end of the world by visiting the Pointe de Pen-Hir in the beautiful region of Brittany!
My first is 600 kilometers from Paris. My second is one of the largest natural sites in Brittany. My third is known for his famous "Tas de Pois". You still haven't? So much better, since our secret place of the day is nothing but the grandiose Pen-Hir Point !
Discover in this article everything you need to know that the Pointe de Pen-Hir has no secret for you!
In the footsteps of the Pointe de Pen-Hir
Photo credit: Flickr - Marco 44
To know the origin of the Pointe de Pen-Hir (" Beg Penn Hir "in Breton), which corresponds to one of the western ends of the Crozon peninsula, it is necessary to return 475 Ma back. The horizontality of its surface, which interlocates when faced with this rocky advance of Armoricain sandstone, corresponds to a surface of mio-pacene erosion.
It must also be said that there was a lot of agitation in the 17th century near the Pointe de Pen-Hir: Located in Camaret-sur-mer, the English tried several times to land there, with the aim of more easily accessing the rade and the military port of Brest . The most famous battle, known as “Camaret Battle” or “Trez-Rouz Battle”, took place in 1694 during the War of the Augsburg League . On 18 June of that same year, the Anglo-Dutch fleet, which came to destroy part of the French fleet installed in Brest, was defeated by Vauban thanks to its fortifications.
The Pointe de Pen-Hir also has its small place in history, since at liberation, it is here that a huge cross of Lorraine in granite was built, known as the “ Monument to the Bretons of Free France” and works by architect Mathon and sculptor Bazin. It was no other than General De Gaulle who inaugurated it on July 15, 1951. This monument, classified as a historic monument in 1996, is a tribute to the Bretons who joined France Libre in London after the call of 18 June 1940 of General De Gaulle.
The Pointe de Pen-Hir: what lies behind this unique site
What makes the Pointe de Pen-Hir mysterious is that despite the fact that it is located in France, very few people know the existence of this unique place. In addition to the authenticity and beauty of the Breton region, the setting of the Pointe de Pen-Hir can change at all and that’s what the locals come to relax there.
The panorama soothes fears: A contemplative pleasure, from the top of their 70 meters, the shredded cliffs offer a sense of freedom by coming into the Iroise Sea. Some courageous and depressed come to climb the walls in armoricain sandstone that offer an excellent playground: it is one of the most beautiful climbing sites.
It is lost in the shades of the blue of the sea and the sky that the Tas de Pois stands, this set of rocks with names Grand Dahouët, Petit Dahouët, Penn Glaz (green head), Chelott, Ar Forc’h (the fork) and Bern Id (the pile of cereals). This “end of the world” is also an exceptional ornithological reserve that houses several species of marine birds, such as the tridactyl seagull or the hupped cormoran. There is also only here that you can have the chance to see a fulmar petrel or a troil guillemot.
But what is most importantly held from the Pointe de Pen-Hir is the grandiose panorama it offers. In clear weather, you could see south side the Bay of Douarnenez and the end of the Cornwall, as well as the Point de Beuzec and Pointe du Raz ; in the north, it is a view from the ankle of Plougonvelin with the Fort of Bertheaume up to some Ponant Islands that you can admire.
The best way to visit the Pointe de Pen-Hir is on foot, with GR 34! After watching the incessant ballet of birds and waves, it is imperative to take time to make coastal paths to go up to the Lagatjar alignments , passing through the International Memorial Museum of the Battle of the Atlantic, the Manoir Saint-Pol Roux and the memorial of the Bretons of Free France.
Visit the Pointe de Pen-Hir
How to get to the Pen-Hir Point?
The first step to visit the Pointe de Pen-Hir is to get to Camaret-sur-Mer:
- By car:
If you landed in Brest or Quimper and opted for the car rental When you arrive, or you walk with your own vehicle, you will need about 1 hour to get to the Pen-Hir Point from Brest.
On site it is possible to park nearby but it is advisable to park near the Lagatjar lines and walk to the site to enjoy the surrounding area.
- By bus:
It is possible to get to Camaret-sur-Mer by bus by taking line 34 (Brest-Camaret) and line 37 (Quimper-Camaret). Bus stops located near the Port of Camaret, you will then have to walk to the tip (3.5 km).
- By boat:
During the two months of summer, and from April to September with some companies (the Brestoâ for example), several boats make the shuttle between the port of Brest and the port of Camaret. The first boat usually leaves from Brest at 9:00 and the boat back at 6:00. Find all times by clicking here .
When do you get to the Pen-Hir Point?
The lovers of Brittany will tell you that there are no better times to go to the Pointe de Pen-Hir. However, the best time to visit Finistère and Pointe de Pen-Hir is from June to September.
Where to sleep near the Pen-Hir Point?
Photo credit: Flickr – Lilly Bzh
Sleep on the spot
There are more than 30 hotels and more than 15 campsites near the Pointe de Pen-Hir. The average overnight price in a Camaret hotel is 65 euros. For smaller budgets, several premises will open the door of their accommodation for 40 euros per night On average.
Of course, you have to anticipate your trip to have a fairly wide choice of accommodation! To help you in your research, don’t hesitate to go to this Compare hotels or to visit the site Airbnb If you prefer an individual.
The nearby addresses
If you don't want to sleep near the Pointe de Pen-Hir, you're lucky because the site is not far from Brest and Quimper! By staying in one of these cities, you can also enjoy the beauty of the surroundings.
In Brest, favor the city centre and the quarters of the Quatre-Moulins, Saint-Marc, Bellevue, Saint-Pierre Quilbignon or Lambezellec. You will find accommodation for all budgets, from the small hotel to the studio of an individual. Do not hesitate to read our article “ In which quarter house in Brest? » for more information.
In Quimper, the city center and the districts The Braden and Bénodet will be perfect to welcome you during your stay. There are also hotels and accommodations Airbnb. To help you, we have an article about the best neighborhoods in Quimper !
Where to eat near the Pen-Hir Point?
Photo credit: Flickr – Brice De Reviers
Restore on site
It is quite possible to recover near the Pen-Hir Point. There are picnic tables near the Véryac’h Beach and the Crepery " Chez Mémé Germaine" nearby, but also Rue des bruyères (near the menhirs of Lagatjar) and near the Beach of Pen Hat .
If you want to picnic, make us happy thinking about throwing all your waste in the trash. There is only one Pen-Hir Point and only one planet!
The nearby addresses
If you want to put the small dishes in the large or simply eat hot, several good addresses have been identified near the Pointe de Pen-Hir.
In Camaret-sur-Mer, families can opt for the restaurant " A l’Abri du Kraken which gives on the marina. The products are fresh and the small card offers a complete menu for around 20 euros.
Want a refined cuisine? There are two test and approved addresses in Brest: " Imaginary « , located 23 Rue Fautras, and « The M » located at 22 Rue du Commandant Drogou.
What budget to visit the Pointe de Pen-Hir?
Photo credit: Flickr – Michaelick
Visiting the Pen-Hir Point itself is free. On the other hand, if one takes into account a one-night stay in a Airbnb in Brest , about 35 euros per night in a studio for two people, as well as bus ride ( line 34 ) to Camaret-sur-Mer, about 5 euros A/R, you will have to count 20 euros per person .
To take in my backpack
It will of course take the weather into consideration, but here is the essential thing not to forget:
- A bottle of water or a dildo
- Non-polluting sun cream is better to respect the environment
- A hat or cap to protect you from the sun (although attention to the wind, it blows here!)
- Your swimsuit and beach towel if you’re not too frying
- A camera
- Good walking shoes
- The essential for wind and rain (in case...)
What I can discover in the region
Photo credit: Flickr – Sebastian We
The Crozon peninsula is full of surprises and wonders to discover. We strongly advise you to schedule some time to visit the Pointe de Pen-Hir area! Here's what you shouldn't miss during your stay:
- L’enclos mursial d’Argol
- Tour Vauban
- L’Barred pin of Lostmarc’h
- point of Dinan
- L’abbaye Saint-Guénolé
- Spanish tip
- The dolmen de Rostudel
- L’islet of the Capuchins
- ...and the GR34!
The Pen-Hir Point in pictures
Photo credit: Flickr – stibou5
Photo credit: Flickr – Patrick S.
Photo credit: Flickr – Vincent Lammin
Photo credit: Flickr – Michaelick
Photo credit: Flickr – Michaelick
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