Viewpoint
Pointe des Guettes
Hillion · Côtes-d’Armor
A lookout in the heart of the Baie de Saint-Brieuc Nature Reserve, with a viewpoint indicator and an exceptional panorama over the whole bay, its tidal channels and mussel farms.
- Suggested time
- 45 minutes to 1 h 30.
- Type of place
- Viewpoint
- Atmosphere
- Nature-focused, open and very instructive.
- Getting there
- Along the Hillion paths; generally easy ground, with parking nearby depending on your route.
Who this place suits
- With family
- 9/10
- As a couple
- 9/10
- With friends
- 8/10
- Solo
- 9/10
- With a dog
- 8/10
- Reduced mobility
- 8/10
These scores are calculated from what the page records: official rating, facilities, difficulty, duration and location. They are a guide, not a substitute for contacting the venue, especially about accessibility.
About
The Pointe des Guettes is on the Hillion peninsula, in the heart of the Baie de Saint-Brieuc Nature Reserve. A viewpoint indicator helps you read the landscape. At low tide, the mussel farms stand out clearly; the sea can draw back up to about 7 km. The tidal channels, the mussel posts and the migrating birds make this panorama very different depending on the time of day and the season.
What you will see
- A view over the whole bay of Saint-Brieuc, its tidal channels, the foreshore and the mussel farms.
- A viewpoint indicator helps you read the panorama.
- At low tide, the mussel farms are clearly visible.
- The sea can draw back up to about 7 km in the bay.
- The bay is home to large mussel farming concessions.
- The reserve attracts many migrating birds.
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- The Pointe des Guettes is one of the main panoramas promoted by the Saint-Brieuc tourist board.
Practical information
- Address
- Pointe des Guettes, 22120 Hillion
- Getting there
- Along the Hillion paths; generally easy ground, with parking nearby depending on your route
- Public transport
- Car or bike are the most practical
- Services
- The Maison de la Baie nearby; services in Hillion
- Parking
- Several car parks on the Hillion trails; choose the best starting point
- Pets
- Yes, on a lead and away from wildlife
- Accessibility
- Good access at some points
- Pushchair
- Partly possible, depending on the path
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Safety
- Stay on the marked paths and do not go down onto the foreshore without knowing the tides
- Best time
- Low tide for the mussel posts; a rising tide to bring the birds closer; all year, with autumn and winter especially good for birds
- Crowds
- Moderate
- Photography
- Excellent for wide panoramas, birds and the mussel farms
- Ideal for
- Families, birdwatching, photography, understanding the tides, easy walks
- Nearby
- The Maison de la Baie, Lermot beach, the Bon Abri dunes, the Baie de Saint-Brieuc Nature Reserve, Hillion
Tips on the spot
- Check the local weather on the day; in fog or very poor visibility, postpone if the view is your main aim.
- Come in the morning or late in the day for softer light and fewer people.
- Bring a windproof and waterproof layer: the wind makes it feel much colder.
- Wear shoes with good grip; after heavy rain, paths can be muddy or slippery.
- Never cross a fence or safety marking for a better photo, and stay back from the cliff edge in strong wind.
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- With children, be especially careful near cliffs, rocks and exposed areas; keep dogs on a lead.
- Stay on the paths to limit erosion, and take all your litter home.
- Do not count on toilets at the viewpoint, and bring water if the site is isolated.
- Do not fly a drone without checking the rules, and do not disturb seabirds.
- For sunset, plan your walk back after dark and bring a small torch.
- Bring binoculars to watch the migrating birds.
- Visit the Maison de la Baie nearby to learn more about the reserve.
Frequently asked questions
Why is it worth the detour?
A very instructive viewpoint for understanding the bay’s huge tides and watching birds and mussel farming.
What can you see from it?
The whole bay of Saint-Brieuc, its tidal channels, the foreshore and the mussel farms.
What is the atmosphere like?
Nature-focused, open and very instructive.
How much time should I allow?
45 minutes to 1 h 30.
Is the site free?
Access to the viewpoint is free; some nearby heritage visits may be paid.
Can I come with a pushchair?
Partly possible, depending on the path.
Stay in Hillion
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Read in the journal
- ChristmasWhat to do in Côtes-d’Armor during the Christmas holidaysDinan in winter, scallops, the birds of the bay and Cap Fréhel in the wind: our ideas for the 2026 Christmas holidays in Côtes-d’Armor.
- SeasonWhat to do in Côtes-d’Armor at All Saints’Pink granite, Cap Fréhel, Bréhat, the scallop season and castles: our ideas for the 2026 All Saints’ holidays in Côtes-d’Armor.
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Traveller reviews
Nobody has reviewed this place yet.
Photograph: Kev22 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons