Brittany's thousand faces: Pen-Hir Point

Travel to the ends of the earth when you visit Pointe de Pen-Hir in the beautiful region of Brittany!

My first is 600 kilometers from Paris. My second is one of Brittany’s most grandiose natural sites. My third is known for its famous « Tas de Pois ». Still haven’t got it? Good, because our secret place of the day is none other than the grandiose Pointe de Pen-Hir!

In this article, you’ll find out everything you need to know to make Pointe de Pen-Hir a secret for you!

In the footsteps of Pointe de Pen-Hir

Photo credit: Flickr – Marco 44

To understand the origins of Pointe de Pen-Hir ( » Beg Penn Hir » in Breton), one of the western extremities of the Crozon peninsula, we need to go back 475 Ma. The horizontal surface of this rocky outcrop of Armorican sandstone corresponds to a surface eroded during the Mid-Pliocene.

The Pointe de Pen-Hir was also a hot spot in the 17th century: Located in Camaret-sur-mer, the English made several attempts to land there, with the aim of gaining easier access to the roadstead and military port of Brest. The most famous battle, known as the « Battle of Camaret » or the « Battle of Trez-Rouz », took place in 1694 during the War of the League of Augsburg. On June 18 of that year, the Anglo-Dutch fleet, which had come to destroy part of the French fleet based at Brest, was defeated by Vauban’s fortifications.

The Pointe de Pen-Hir also has a small place in history, as it was here that a huge granite Lorraine cross was erected after the Liberation, known as the « Monument aux Bretons de la France Libre » (Monument to the Bretons of Free France), the work of architect Mathon and sculptor Bazin. It was inaugurated by none other than General De Gaulle on July 15, 1951. The monument, classified as a historic monument in 1996, is a tribute to the Bretons who joined the Free French Forces in London after General De Gaulle’s June 18, 1940 appeal.

Pointe de Pen-Hir: what lies behind this unique site

What makes the Pointe de Pen-Hir so mysterious is that, despite the fact that it’s located in France, very few people even know of its existence. In addition to the authenticity and beauty of the Breton region, the scenery at Pointe de Pen-Hir can change dramatically, and that’s just what the locals who come here to recharge their batteries love.

The panorama soothes fears: The 70-metre-high sheer cliffs offer a sense of freedom as they plunge into the Iroise Sea. The Armorican sandstone cliffs provide an excellent playground for the courageous: this is one of the most beautiful rock-climbing sites in the world.

Lost in the shades of blue sea and sky are the Tas de Pois, a group of rocks known as Grand Dahouët, Petit Dahouët, Penn Glaz (green head), Chelott, Ar Forc’h (the Fork) and Bern Id (the grain heap). This « end of the world » is also an exceptional ornithological reserve, home to several species of seabird, such as the black-legged kittiwake and the crested cormorant. And it’s only here that you’ll be lucky enough to spot a fulmar petrel or a troil guillemot.

But the most memorable thing about the Pointe de Pen-Hir is the breathtaking panorama it offers. On a clear day, you can see the Bay of Douarnenez and the tip of Cornouaille to the south, as well as the Pointe de Beuzec and the Pointe du Raz; to the north, you can admire a view stretching from the cove of Plougonvelin with the Fort de Bertheaume to some of the Ponant islands.

The best way to visit Pointe de Pen-Hir is on foot, along the GR 34! After observing the incessant ballet of birds and waves, it’s essential to take the time to follow the coastal paths up to the Lagatjar alignments, passing by the International Battle of the Atlantic Memorial Museum, the Manoir Saint-Pol Roux and the Free French Breton Memorial.

Visit Pointe de Pen-Hir

How do I get to Pointe de Pen-Hir?

The first port of call for visiting Pointe de Pen-Hir is Camaret-sur-Mer :

By car :

If you’ve landed in Brest or Quimper and opted to rent a car on arrival, or are making the journey with your own vehicle, you should know that it will take you around 1 hour to get to Pointe de Pen-Hir from Brest.

On-site parking is available nearby, but it is advisable to park near the Lagatjar alignments and walk to the site to enjoy the surroundings.

By bus :

Camaret-sur-Mer can be reached by bus on routes 34 (Brest-Camaret) and 37 (Quimper-Camaret). The bus stops are near the Port de Camaret, so you’ll need to walk to the point (3.5 km).

By boat :

During the two summer months, and from April to September with certain companies (Le Brestoâ, for example), several boats shuttle between the port of Brest and the port of Camaret. The first boat usually leaves Brest at 9:00 am, and the return boat at around 6:00 pm. Click here for all the timetables.

When should you visit Pointe de Pen-Hir?

Lovers of Brittany will tell you that there’s no better time to visit the Pointe de Pen-Hir. Nevertheless, the best time to visit Finistère and the Pointe de Pen-Hir is from June to September.

Where to sleep near Pointe de Pen-Hir?

Photo credit: Flickr – Lilly Bzh

Sleeping in

There are over thirty hotels and more than fifteen campsites near Pointe de Pen-Hir. The average price of a night in a Camaret hotel is 65 euros. For those on a tighter budget, a number of locals will open their doors to you for an average of 40 euros a night.

Of course, you’ll need to plan ahead to ensure you have a wide choice of accommodation! To help you in your search, don’t hesitate to head to this hotel comparator or to theAirbnb website if you prefer a private home.

Nearby addresses

If you don’t want to sleep near Pointe de Pen-Hir, you’re in luck, as the site is not far from Brest and Quimper! By staying in one of these towns, you can also enjoy the beauty of the surrounding area.

In Brest, choose the city center and the districts of Quatre-Moulins, Saint-Marc, Bellevue, Saint-Pierre Quilbignon and Lambezellec. You’ll find accommodation to suit all budgets, from small hotels to private studios. Read our article « Where to stay in Brest » for more information.

In Quimper, the city center and the Le Braden and Bénodet districts will be perfect for your stay. Here, too, you’ll find hotels and Airbnb accommodations. To help you out, we’ve also included an article on the best neighborhoods in Quimper!

Where to eat near Pointe de Pen-Hir?

La pointe de Pen Hir, et les Tas de Pois

Photo credit: Flickr – Brice De Reviers

On-site catering

It’s perfectly possible to eat near the Pointe de Pen-Hir. There are picnic tables near Plage du Véryac’h and the creperie « Chez Mémé Germaine » nearby, as well as Rue des bruyères (next to the Lagatjar menhirs) and near Plage de Pen Hat.

If you’d like to picnic, please do us the favor of disposing of all your garbage in the garbage cans. There’s only one Pointe de Pen-Hir and only one planet!

Nearby addresses

If you’re in the mood for something special, or simply want to eat in the warmth, there are a number of good addresses in the vicinity of Pointe de Pen-Hir.

In Camaret-sur-Mer, families can opt for the » A l’Abri du Kraken » restaurant overlooking the marina. The produce is fresh and the limited menu offers a complete meal for around 20 euros.

Looking for refined cuisine? There are two tried and tested addresses in Brest: » L’imaginaire« , located at 23 Rue Fautras, and » Le M » at 22 Rue du Commandant Drogou.

How much should you budget to visit Pointe de Pen-Hir?

Photo credit: Flickr – Maëlick

Visiting the Pointe de Pen-Hir itself is free. On the other hand, if you take into account a one-night stay in an Airbnb in Brest, at around 35 euros a night in a studio for two people, as well as the bus journey(line 34) to Camaret-sur-Mer, at around 5 euros return, you’ll need to reckon with around 20 euros per person.

To take in my backpack

Of course, you’ll have to take the weather into consideration, but here are the essentials to remember:

Water bottle or flask
Non-polluting sunscreen is better for the environment
A hat or cap to protect you from the sun (but beware of the wind, it’s blowing around here!).
Your swimsuit and beach towel if you’re not too chilly
A camera
Good walking shoes
A must-have wind and rain slicker (just 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 set aside some time to visit the area around the Pointe de Pen-Hir! Here’s what you don’t want to miss during your stay: