Following our stay in Brittany, I take you to discover an emblematic and essential place to do in Brittany: visit the Crozon Peninsula. This small piece of land is located just south of Brest, completely west of the tip of Brittany. This natural and wild site is the ideal place for beautiful walks, to recharge your batteries and to admire the magical and luxuriant landscapes. A concentrate of what is most beautiful in Brittany!
So not to miss anything of your visit to the Crozon Peninsula, we have written this article with our advice on the places to see imperatively but also some practical information to help you organize your stay to discover the Peninsula. Crozon Island.
Summary:
- What to do on the Crozon Peninsula?
- Practical information to organize your visit
- Opinion on my visit to the Crozon Peninsula
Visiting the Crozon Peninsula: what to do?
What to do on the Crozon Peninsula?- The Point of the Spaniards
- The Fort of the Capuchins
- The Pointe de Pen-Hir or Heap of Peas
- The Pointe de Pen-Hir Memorial Museum
- Take a walk in Camaret-sur-Mer
- The Alignments of Lagatjar (Megaliths)
- Dinan Point
- Cape of the Goat
- Virgin Island
- The Caves of Morgat
- Go to Crozon
- Aber Island
The Point of the Spaniards
To visit the Crozon Peninsula, I invite you to take a tour. Personally, we started with the north of the peninsula to finish with the south. I will therefore begin the presentations with the Pointe des Espagnols, located at the extreme north of the first “arm” of the peninsula, the Pointe de Roscanvel. From this point, you will have a breathtaking view of the bay, as far as Brest and its harbour.
La Pointe des Espagnols is so called following the construction of a fort undertaken by a Spanish garrison, allied with La Ligue. This fort was built at the end of the XNUMXth century.
A few decades later, at this same strategic location, Vauban built a defense battery.
Today, only Vauban's battery has kept traces of its existence. The Spanish fort has completely disappeared.
In summer, it is possible that exhibitions will be set up here as well.
The Fort of the Capuchins
The Fort des Capucins is also located on the tip of Roscanvel. This fort is in theory inaccessible, except at low tide. On the other hand, 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 this building from afar, proudly enthroned on a rocky islet not far from the coast. This fort was designed at the time by Vauban. Unfortunately, it suffered great damage during the Second World War, transforming it partly into ruins.
The Pointe de Pen-Hir or Heap of Peas
This is one of the most representative photos of the Crozon Peninsula! The Pointe de Pen-Hir, also called the Tas de Pois, is a must on your visit. This tip is recognizable among many others thanks to its rocks scattered off the tip, giving the nickname to this place.
The view from this place is incredibly beautiful, it is one of the most beautiful panoramas you can admire during your visit to the Crozon Peninsula.
There is a monument on this point: it is a monument in memory of the Bretons of the Free French Forces.
The Pointe de Pen-Hir Memorial Museum
Arriving or leaving from the Pointe de Pen-Hir, stop at the Memorial Museum of the Pointe de Pen-Hir, recognizable thanks to these large anchors displayed at the entrance to the museum. The latter is dedicated to the Battle of the Atlantic which took place during the Second World War. This museum pays tribute to the sailors who lost their lives during this battle. It is located in a former blockhouse making up the Atlantic Wall, overlooking the cliffs.
Take a walk in Camaret-sur-Mer
Camaret-sur-Mer is a small seaside resort, ideally located at the end of the Crozon Peninsula. It is very pleasant to walk there: the quay Gustave Toudouz, the small marina or the natural dyke, called the Sillon, where, at the end of it, is the Vauban Tower.
The Tour Vauban can be seen from afar. Built at the end of the 2008th century, it has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since XNUMX. The Tour Vauban can be visited interactively: in fact, you can bring a touchscreen tablet which will accompany you during your visit this place.
More information on the Vauban Tower and visitsYou can also discover other places in Camaret-sur-Mer, such as the Notre-Dame-de-Rocamadour Chapel, located right next to the Vauban Tower; or the Quartier des Artistes, formerly the Quartier St-Thomas, where you will find beautiful art galleries and artists' studios.
Lagatjar Alignments
A few steps from Camaret-sur-Mer, don't miss the Alignements de Lagatjar. This set of well-aligned mageliths was restored at the beginning of the 2th century. Originally, these impressive menhirs date from 500 BC. During the 600th century, the site had about 150 menhirs. Today, less than XNUMX are visible. But this walk among these stone giants is sure to grab you. Take advantage of the end of the day and its special light to go to the Lagatjar Alignments.
Dinan Point
Here is another breathtaking panorama not to be missed during your visit to the Crozon Peninsula. The Pointe de Dinan is at the start of the third point forming the Crozon Peninsula, opposite the Pointe de Roscanvel.
In addition to offering you an incredible view of the Pointe du Raz or the Pointe de Pen-Hir which we mentioned above, you can also discover the Château de Dinan. This "castle" is actually an arch in a huge rock. A small path is accessible and allows you to access this rock.
The Pointe de Dinan is one of the essential things to do on the Crozon Peninsula.
Cape of the Goat
After the Pointe de Dinan, if you continue towards the south of this point, you will arrive at the Pointe de la Chèvre, the extreme south of the Crozon Peninsula. Another beautiful view to admire: from the Tas de Pois to the Pointe du Raz, the panorama is worth the detour.
You also notice a sculpture in the shape of an airplane wing planted in the ground: it is a monument to the memory of the aircrew of Naval Aviation.
Discover the Cap de la Chèvre in an original way thanks to two Sound Walks. The principle is simple: go to the site below during your walk and enjoy the comments throughout your hike. You will learn more about the history of this place thanks to various testimonies and stories. Sound Walks
Virgin Island
Ready to discover the most beautiful cove in Brittany? Île Vierge beach is located at the foot of Pointe de Saint-Hernot. Its access is certainly a bit complicated, but the reward is worth it! The water is of an unreal color, the steep cliffs plunging into the waters 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!
The Caves of Morgat
Going up towards the town of Crozon, you will quickly arrive at the Grottes de Morgat. These sea caves are visible through boat or kayak tours. The waters are incredibly clear and these caves have some nice surprises in store for you.
More information to book your excursionGo to Crozon
Located in the heart of the eponymous peninsula, the small town of Crozon deserves a short stop. It has a modern church in which there is a polychrome altarpiece dating from the beginning of the XNUMXth century.
Its heart of town is also conducive to a walk.
Stop in this city only if you have enough time, otherwise go on your way and favor other places that are more worth the detour.
Aber Island
The Island of Aber is located in the cove of Morgat. A magnificent wild beach precedes the Island of the same name. This set is really pretty and worth a look. To access the Island, you just have to wait for low tide. Allow about half an hour to walk there and back.
Once on the Ile de l'Aber, you can make out the ruins of an old fort dating from the middle of the XNUMXth century.
Before arriving at the Crozon Peninsula, you can start your tour with a stop at the Abbey of Daoulas. This magnificent building opens its doors to the delight of visitors. On the program, perfectly maintained gardens and an old abbey, revealing many secrets of its past. Don't miss its Romanesque-style cloister. French heritage lovers, I invite you to schedule a visit to this place! Visit Daoulas Abbey
Practical information to organize your visit
Practical information for visiting the Crozon Peninsula:- How to get to the Crozon Peninsula?
- Getting around on the Crozon Peninsula
- Where to sleep to visit the Crozon Peninsula?
- When to visit the Crozon Peninsula?
- How long to visit the Crozon Peninsula?
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 have the possibility of arriving by train in Brest for example, but the rental of a car will then be necessary to go to the Crozon Peninsula.
Getting around on the Crozon Peninsula
Regarding travel on site to visit the Crozon Peninsula, the car is mandatory! There is no public transportation that takes you from one cove to another, or from one viewpoint to another.
You can easily rent a car locally, in Brest for example.
Otherwise, the option of hiking or cycling is another alternative! Indeed, the GR34 runs along the Brittany coast and passes through this peninsula. Regarding the routes for bicycles, the Crozon Peninsula has nearly 200 km of bicycle and mountain bike trails, something to delight cycling enthusiasts.
Where to sleep to visit the Crozon Peninsula?
The Crozon Peninsula has many accommodations spread throughout the territory. Hotels, lodges, bed and breakfasts, … The choice is diverse and varied!
See all the accommodations on the Crozon PeninsulaTo begin with, we have selected a few hotels to sleep in to visit the Crozon Peninsula which seem very interesting to us:
The Thalassa Hotel & Spa
This beautiful hotel is located in Camaret-sur-Mer. The swimming pool and the jacuzzi are very appreciable. You can request a room with a magnificent sea view! Delicious breakfast and welcoming staff. A great place to sleep on the Crozon Peninsula. Location, Setting, Pool See rates
Hotel Le Poulmic
This hotel is located in Lanvéoc, at the beginning of the Crozon Peninsula, to the north. Beautiful, comfortable and clean rooms and a welcoming staff make this hotel a great address. The place is quiet and the breakfast offered is good. Location, Comfort, Hospitality See rates
Hotel de la Baie
Located in the small town of Crozon, the Hotel de la Baie is quite charming, with the possibility of having a room with a view of the sea! Comfortable rooms and a good breakfast are the keys to a pleasant stay! Location, View, Comfort See rates
I also offer you some suggestions for guest rooms and lodges. Indeed, these types of accommodation are very present on the Crozon Peninsula:
Gîtes du Manoir de Goandour
Let's start with a gîte located not far from the town of Crozon. The hosts have renovated this magnificent building with great taste. The welcome is very warm and the place is quiet without being too far from the places of life in the city center. You can also enjoy the exteriors of this place. Setting, Hospitality, Comfort See the prices
The Salt Store
Here is an absolutely charming bed and breakfast! Also located in Crozon, the welcome of your host is perfect. Special mention for the breakfast, made with local and fresh products! The rooms are comfortable and quiet. A great place to sleep in Crozon. Setting, Breakfast, Reception See rates
The Workshop
Let's end this part on accommodation with accommodation like no other! Here is an eco-responsible cottage located in Landévennec, the entrance to the Crozon Peninsula. On the program: back to basics, activities in the heart of nature, rest, etc. Facing the sea, this little haven of peace offers dry toilets to save water and a wooden chalet, made locally. A very nice initiative! Eco-responsible, View, Activities See prices
When to visit the Crozon Peninsula?
The question relating to the best time to visit the Crozon Peninsula is important to fully enjoy your stay. Indeed, this place is conducive to walks along the coast and on the beaches. The ideal is to go to Crozon at a time when the sun is at the rendezvous.
From spring, the vegetation is in bloom and offers a striking spectacle! A wonderful mix of colors. I therefore advise you to go to the Crozon Peninsula between June and September. During this period, you will maximize your chances of having sun and not rain, and thus being able to enjoy pleasant walks.
As for the temperatures, they are never too high in Brittany: between 20 and 25 degrees in summer.
How long to visit the Crozon Peninsula?
You can easily go around this peninsula during the day. On the other hand, one day will not be enough to fully enjoy your stay. There are many sights to see and some require a bit of a walk to get there. I recommend that you leave for a weekend instead: this way you will have all the time you need to walk around and discover the most beautiful places on the Crozon Peninsula!
Opinion on my visit to the Crozon Peninsula
This place is absolutely beautiful! We have had many favorites in Brittany, and our visit to the Crozon Peninsula is clearly one of them! At the same time wild, relaxing, pretty, colorful, in short you will understand, this place is a must to visit absolutely in Brittany. From one point to another, you will go from surprise to surprise. Let yourself be guided according to your desires and discover this sumptuous Crozon Peninsula.
