Viewpoint
Pointe de Beg-Meil
Fouesnant · Finistère
A headland in Fouesnant with fine views over La Forêt Bay, Concarneau and the Glénan islands, along a coastal path where some stretches depend on the tide.
- Suggested time
- 45 minutes to 1 h 30.
- Type of place
- Viewpoint
- Atmosphere
- Seaside, maritime and very photogenic, between coves and wide horizons.
- Getting there
- Easy access to the Beg-Meil area; take care on the coastal stretches, steps and rocks affected by the tide.
Who this place suits
- With family
- 8/10
- As a couple
- 9/10
- With friends
- 8/10
- 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 Beg-Meil is one of Fouesnant’s finest stretches of coast. Around the semaphore, the view reaches Cap-Coz, Port-la-Forêt, Concarneau, the Pointe de Trévignon and, when visibility is good, the Glénan archipelago. A coastal path runs through the area, but some historic stretches between the semaphore and the slipway have long meant crossing beaches and rocks: before a continuous walk, check the tide and the state of the path.
What you will see
- A view over La Forêt Bay, Cap-Coz, Port-la-Forêt, Concarneau, Trévignon and, on clear days, the Glénan islands.
- The Beg-Meil semaphore dates from the 19th century.
- The area has long kept watch over the bay of Concarneau and the approaches to the Glénan islands.
- The headland gives a beautiful frame on La Forêt Bay.
- Some historic coastal stretches depend heavily on the tide.
- The small coves add to the area’s photographic appeal.
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- The panorama is widest in dry weather after a front has passed.
Practical information
- Address
- Pointe de Beg-Meil, 29170 Fouesnant
- Getting there
- Easy access to the Beg-Meil area; take care on the coastal stretches, steps and rocks affected by the tide
- Public transport
- Car or bike are the most practical
- Services
- Services and restaurants in Beg-Meil, depending on the season
- Parking
- Parking in Beg-Meil, depending on your access point
- Pets
- Yes, on a lead, subject to local beach rules
- Accessibility
- Very limited on the natural paths
- Pushchair
- Not well suited to the uneven coastal stretches
- Difficulty
- Easy to moderate; some coastal stretches can become tricky
- Safety
- Check the tide before crossing beaches or rocks; do not go on if the sea is rising
- Best time
- Late afternoon, or low to mid-tide for the coastal stretches; spring to autumn, and outside the season for a wilder feel
- Crowds
- Fairly busy in summer
- Photography
- Excellent for the coves, the bay and the coastline silhouettes
- Ideal for
- Coastal walks, photography, couples, careful families
- Nearby
- Cap-Coz, Fouesnant, Mousterlin, Concarneau, the Glénan archipelago
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.
- Check the tide times before walking between the semaphore and the slipway.
- In summer, boats leave Beg-Meil for the Glénan islands.
Frequently asked questions
Why is it worth the detour?
A beautiful balcony over La Forêt Bay, especially good for the sea light and the coves of Beg-Meil.
What can you see from it?
La Forêt Bay, Cap-Coz, Port-la-Forêt, Concarneau, Trévignon and, on clear days, the Glénan islands.
What is the atmosphere like?
Seaside, maritime and very photogenic, between coves and wide horizons.
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?
Not well suited to the uneven coastal stretches.
Stay in Fouesnant
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Read in the journal
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Traveller reviews
Nobody has reviewed this place yet.
Photograph: Sxilderik · CC BY-SA 2.5 · Wikimedia Commons