In the extreme southwest of the Crozon peninsula, in the heart of Finistère in Brittany, discover the tip of Pen-Hir, a natural place with an unmissable view of the Iroise Sea and its islands legendary, which you can find just 1h30 drive from the Nature & Résidence Loisirs Le Kervastard campsite!
Pointe de Pen-Hir: everything you need to know
The tip of Pen-Hir, Beg Penn Hir in Breton, is a rocky point of the Crozon peninsula and one of its western extremities which are located southwest of the commune of Camaret-sur-Mer. It is called this in reference to its shape, Penn Hir means long point in Breton. However, other versions assure that this rocky advance was named in the past Penn Tir which means tip of the wasteland in ancient Breton.
The tip of Pen-Hir offers a breathtaking view of the ocean, but especially of the Tas de Pois, Ar Berniou Pez in Breton, rocky massifs which stand motionless below the cliff and which give the impression of advancing on the Iroise Sea. In the past, sailors feared them. But today, they are well tamed and bear the following names: Grand Dahouët, Petit Dahouët, Penn-Glaz, Chelott, Ar Forc’h and Bern-Id.
In good weather, you can see in the distance to the left the Pointe du Raz, the Pointe de Beuzec as well as the Bay of Douarnenez. To the right, on a clear day, you can admire the tip of Saint-Mathieu, Île-Molène or even the island of Ouessant.
Pen-Hir Point: History
If today the site seems deserted to you and represents only a pile of uncultivable stones, it still contains a history that goes back many centuries. The Lagatjar alignments dating from 3000 BC, for example, provide evidence that the point was particularly regarded as an important place of worship.
But what we know for sure is that in the 17th century, there was a lot of trouble very close to Pen-Hir. The English, who were seeking access at all costs to the military port of Brest, decided to transit through the point. The Battle of Trez-Rouz which took place in 1694 bears witness to this period of strong tension between France and England.
During the Second World War, Brittany played an important role in the liberation of France. To pay tribute to all the Bretons who proudly fought during the war and to all the sailors who responded to the call of June 18, 1940, General de Gaulle inaugurated on July 15, 1951 an immense granite cross of Lorraine at the Pointe de Pen-Hir, on the site of the semaphore destroyed during the war. It bears the inscription “Monument to the Bretons of Free France”. Since 1996, it has been classified as a historic monument.
Pointe de Pen-Hir: What to do?
The tip of Pen-Hir is above all a place for walks which allows you to contemplate the beauty of the landscapes and the majesty of the jagged cliffs which flow into the sea. In foggy weather, it looks like the end of the world. On a clear day, it allows a breathtaking view of the islands and other surrounding points. At dusk, it offers you the opportunity to take breathtaking photos of the Tas de Pois.
The tip of Pen-Hir also represents the meeting place for climbing thanks to its Armorican sandstone walls and its 70 meter high cliffs which will not leave thrill-seekers indifferent.
To best appreciate the tip of Pen-Hir, take the GR 34 path on foot and follow the coastal paths from Camaret-sur-Mer! Throughout your walk, you will be able to discover a magnificent bird reserve, the Lagatjar alignments, the International Memorial Museum of the Battle of the Atlantic, the Manoir Saint-Pol Roux and the Cross of Lorraine.
Pointe de Pen-Hir: How to get there?
By car, from the Le Kervastard campsite, taking the D34 to Quimper, then the D63 to Telgruc-sur-Mer and finally the D8 to Camaret-sur-Mer.
By bus, taking line 37 from Quimper to Camaret-sur-Mer.