The Pointe du Van is a naturally sculpted rock massif forming with the Pointe du Raz the north-south limits of the Baie des Trépassés, in the extreme west of Finistère, in Brittany. Spared by mass tourism, the site has retained all its authenticity and its essential natural charm.
If you are on vacation in Brittany and more precisely camping in South Finistère, do not hesitate to plan a short hike in this incredible place located to the west of the commune of Cléden-Cap-Sizun, 1 hour’s drive from Nature campsite & Leisure Residence Le Kervastard!
Pointe du Van: what you need to know
The tip of Van does not have an end or a real point as one might imagine, given that the rock which composes it is very friable and undergoes erosion by the sea. Flared, the point allows to take many paths and enjoy long walks in places with unusual shapes.
Sheltered from mass tourism, Pointe du Van presents incredible landscapes that are both wild and authentic. On a clear day, it allows you to admire the Baie des Trépassés to the south, as well as the Pointe du Raz, and in the distance to the northeast, it offers a breathtaking view of the Bay of Douarnenez and the Cap de la Chèvre.
A major site in France, Pointe du Van is managed by the Joint Syndicate for the development and protection of Pointe du Raz and Cap Sizun.
The tour of Pointe du Van
Rocky massifs, paths that get lost between the cliffs, moors as far as the eye can see and an unmissable panorama of the Iroise Sea… This is what the Pointe du Van offers visitors and much more. To discover the places and fully enjoy the landscapes, we offer you an 11 km walking tour lasting 3 hours 45 minutes, departing from Cléden-Cap-Sizun, more precisely in Trouger.
When you arrive in Trouguer, park your car in the mills car park! Before starting your journey, take a few minutes to admire these granite windmills which are well preserved and still in operation. Then, head north to join the coastal path! On the way, you will pass the Keriolet bread oven, dating from the 19th century and isolated to the west of the village, typically from Lower Brittany.
Take the GR 34 and continue your way to Pointe du Van! 500 meters to the south, reach the Saint-They Chapel, one of the largest in Cléden! Built in the 17th century, it is now restored, still in operation and classified as a historic monument since 1914. Passing towards the chapel, you can admire 2 fountains: Saint-Mathieu and Saint-They.
Past the chapel, continue all the way south until you arrive at the small port of Vorlen! This is the only shelter port in Cléden built in 1892 and the favorite place for underwater divers. By following the GR 34, discover the Baie des Trépassés, a magnificent natural site which contains one of the most beautiful beaches in Finistère!
Leave the Bay and go up towards the village of Kerguioc’h using a stone path. Then, turn right towards Kertanguy and go down to Kerogel! They are all 3 calm and quiet hamlets, typically Breton. Before arriving at Kerogel, turn right until you reach the Saint Tugdual Chapel, a very simplistic religious building which dates from the 18th century.
Then head north, then at the first intersection, turn right towards Kerléodin. Continue north to the D7, then turn left taking the path signposted “pointe de Castelmeur”. Finally, following the path, you will find yourself at your starting point, the Moulins de Trouguer car park.