At the southern tip of the Crozon peninsula, discover Cap de la Chèvre, an exceptional site formed naturally millions of years ago in the west of Brittany, which you can find at 1h30 drive from your luxury residence to Le Kervastard campsite in Fouesnant!
Cap de la Chèvre: what you need to know
Cap de la Chèvre, also called Beg Penn ar Roz in Breton, is located in the south of the Crozon peninsula, in the far west of Finistère, in Brittany. It is easily identifiable by its position north of Cap Sizun, on the north face of Pointe du Raz and at the north-west limit of Douarnenez Bay. Tradition relates that when the weather was inclement, boats used to take shelter behind the cliffs.
Why call it Cap de la Chèvre? No one knows. Some state that the name refers to the shape of the peninsula which recalls the head of the goat. Others believe in the Celtic legend which says that a giant named Kawr lived on the spot, in Breton it is Beg ar C’hawr, which subsequently becomes Beg Ar C’hoar which literally means Cape in Breton of the Goat.
On the west coast of Cap de la Chèvre, you can admire the natural work of time, winds and tides: sumptuous cliffs as far as the eye can see covered with moors and long sandy beaches. The latter are very popular with surfers and yet remain prohibited for swimming, like Lostmarc’h beach, La Palue and Kerdreux beach.
On its east coast, you can still contemplate cliffs, but this time covered with maritime pines which recall the south of France and especially the Mediterranean Sea.
In good weather, arriving at the highest point of Cap de la Chèvre, you can see from afar Cap Sizun, the island of Sein, the tip of Pen-Hir, the tip of Saint-Mathieu and even the island of Molène and ‘Ushant. A magnificent spectacle that is worth the detour!
In 1971, the French Navy installed a semaphore to monitor the activity of ships and boats in the Bay of Douarnenez. Nearby, a Naval Aeronautics Memorial was built in tribute to the 646 soldiers who died in service during the Second World War.
With its 500 hectares, the Cap de la Chèvre site is a large property of the Conservatoire du Littoral. It is therefore managed in partnership with the municipality of Crozon and the General Council of Finistère.
Cap de la Chèvre: hikes
The best way to fully enjoy the unmissable and wild landscapes of Cap de la Chèvre is to hike on the Crozon peninsula following a previously defined itinerary. It is always advisable to follow the well-marked GR 34 trail. Here are some hiking ideas:
- Tour of Cap de Chèvre from Morgat: Beautiful route which allows you to discover the entire peninsula, but which remains quite long (24 km for a duration of 9 hours). It is also difficult to achieve, especially if you are not used to the geography of the region.
- Tour of Cap de Chèvre from Rostudel: A very pretty 4 km route lasting one hour. Ideal for families. It allows you to discover the Cap de la Chèvre, as well as the hamlet of Rostudel, a small listed village, well maintained, but above all with incredible charm.
- Tour of Cap de Chèvre from the semaphore: An average route of 8 km lasting 2 hours. Very easy with little slope. It allows you to follow the coastal path, then goes inside the villages to return again to the coastal path. It is interesting to explore Cap de la Chèvre from different angles.
- Tour of Cap de Chèvre from the restored villages: An interesting 3-hour route over 13 km. Quite difficult and reserved for the most daring. It allows you to discover the restored villages of ancient sailors and the pen ti, starting from the mineral house.