Pointe de Pen-Hir: viewpoint, access and tips

One of the great sites of the Crozon peninsula, with high cliffs of Armorican sandstone, the vast ocean and the famous Tas de Pois rocks extending the headland.

Suggested time: 1 to 2 hours.
Type of place: Viewpoint
Atmosphere: Monumental, rocky and very exposed.
Getting there: Easy road access to the car parks in the area, then a short walk on natural ground.

Who this place suits

With family: 8/10
As a couple: 10/10
With friends: 9/10
Solo: 8/10
With a dog: 7/10
Reduced mobility: 3/10

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 de Pen-Hir is one of the great landscapes of the Crozon peninsula. Its cliffs of Armorican sandstone tower above the ocean and continue as the Tas de Pois islets. The site lies at the heart of the Armorique Geopark and the Crozon geological nature reserve. The coastal grassland is home to the red-billed chough, among other species. The nearby Lagatjar stone rows and the Battle of the Atlantic Memorial add a strong heritage dimension.

What you will see

Views over the Atlantic, the Tas de Pois and the cliffs of the Crozon peninsula.
The headland is part of the UNESCO Armorique Geopark.
The Tas de Pois are the iconic islets that extend Pen-Hir.
The cliffs are made of Armorican sandstone.
The Crozon geological nature reserve is right next door.
The red-billed chough frequents the coastal grassland.

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The Lagatjar stone rows are about 4,500 years old.
The landscape changes a lot with the light and visibility.

Practical information

Address: Pointe de Pen-Hir, 29570 Camaret-sur-Mer
Getting there: Easy road access to the car parks in the area, then a short walk on natural ground
Public transport: A car is recommended.
Services: Limited services on the headland; Camaret nearby
Parking: Car parks in the Pen-Hir and Memorial area.
Pets: Yes, on a lead, keeping off the coastal grassland
Accessibility: Only partly accessible: natural ground and rocky areas.
Pushchair: Only very partly, depending on the area
Difficulty: Easy for the main viewpoint; uneven natural ground around it
Safety: Very high cliffs; keep well away from the edge, especially in strong wind
Best time: Late afternoon, light after rain or a very clear morning.
Crowds: Very busy in high season
Photography: One of the best photo spots in Brittany for cliffs and the Tas de Pois
Ideal for: Photography, couples, careful families, geology, big landscapes
Nearby: The Tas de Pois, the Lagatjar stone rows, the Battle of the Atlantic Memorial, Camaret-sur-Mer, Veryac’h beach

Tips on the spot

Never sit on the edge of the cliffs for a photo, and never cross a fence or safety marking.
Bring a windproof jacket whatever the season; umbrellas are useless in strong wind.
Aim for late afternoon for the Tas de Pois.
Combine Pen-Hir with Lagatjar and the Memorial.
Stay on the paths to protect the coastal grassland and nesting areas.

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In thick fog, visit something else and come back later: the view is the whole point.
Check the weather before you set off, as on any exposed headland.
Wear good shoes: after rain, expect mud and wet rocks.
With children, keep a constant eye on them in exposed areas.
Come early if you want a quieter visit.
Use the official car parks rather than the roadside.
In rough seas, keep well back from the waves and spray.
Binoculars are useful for the birds and the islets.

Frequently asked questions

Why is it worth the trip?

It is an iconic Breton panorama where geology, cliffs and ocean create a true end-of-the-world landscape.

What can you see from here?

Views over the Atlantic, the Tas de Pois and the cliffs of the Crozon peninsula.

What is the atmosphere like?

Monumental, rocky and very exposed.

How much time should I allow?

1 to 2 hours.

Is the site free?

Access to the viewpoint is free; some nearby heritage visits may be paid.

Can I come with a pushchair?

Only very partly, depending on the area.

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Photograph: Selmoval · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons