Trekking in Brittany on the Crozon peninsula
The Crozon peninsula is truly a paradise for all who wish to explore the outstanding countryside on foot. There is an old custom's officer footpath which takes one around the entire peninsula. It provides a continual view of the sea with ever changing panoramas of beautiful beaches, dune landscapes, small coves and bays, pebbly beaches and craggy, rocky islands on which the Atlantic waves crash..
Walking here is a sheer pleasure for the senses - admire crystal-like clearness of the water, wonder at the natural colours of the flora and fauna of the region; the lilacs and mauves of the heath landscapes, the shimmering turquoise green of the sea, the amber tones of the beaches and the salty scent of the air...
Or simply trek the interior; discover hidden treasures - like menhirs, dolmens and other mysterious witnesses of long lost and forgotten times, hidden stone villages and tiny hamlets, old chapels, churches and impressive caves and grottos waiting to be explored at low tide...
Trekking on the Crozon peninsula is an unforgettable experience of discovery in an environmental conservation area of outstanding natural beauty and character. Walking is surely the finest way to experience the coastal landscapes - who else would have a better view of beaches and cliffs than the hiker trekking the coastal path? Fresh sea air and healthy exercise negotiating the lighter or more challenging trails, whatever suits the individual...
The French hiking association recommends a variety of walks ranging from easy to difficult on signed trails around the peninsula; they vary in time from 2 to 6 hours. Some of the trails incorporate parts of the long distance trail GR34, a distance trail in the French network of footpaths, which run the entire length of the Brittany coastline. The colour-coding of these trails is as follows: Yellow indicates walks and hikes, white and red show distance trails. There are good hiking guides available, albeit in French language. However, the guide maps are generally very good and should enable trouble-free use, even if your knowledge of French should be limited.
Numerous sights extend an invitation to take a welcome break and take a closer look. Discover, for example, the old historic fishing port of Camaret and after continue on coastal path up to the beautiful Pointe de Pen Hir, and from there enjoy unforgettable views of the roaring Atlantic. If the weather is good, in the evening at twilight one can witness the illumination of numerous lighthouses marking the many rocky islands out at sea. Lying along the way is the small, but highly interesting bunker museum of Camaret, the impressive memorial of the battle Atlantic high on the rocks of Pen Hir and the geology museum which provides an insight into the geological history of the unique rocky coastline of the Crozon peninsula.
Enjoy the wonderful countryside, revitalising physical exercise, sharing evenings with your friends over a glass or two of good wine in one of the many bars - that's the definition of a perfect walking holiday on the Crozon peninsula.
The best walking maps of the region are the topographical maps TOP 25, issued by the Insitut Géographique National, to a scale of 1:25 000 (1cm = 250m). The Crozon peninsula is covered by the map 0418 ET. The neighboring region to the east of the peninsula (Menez Hom, Chateaulin, Locronon and Douarnenez) is covered by map number 0518 OT. The maps can be ordered online from the IGN website, and are also available for purchase in shops and from the various tourist centres in the area. The PR walking guide issued by the French walking association is very recommendable. The explanations are in French, but the maps are excellent.
Tracing the footsteps of the King's Marc'h .....
is a walking guide with a difference. It traces the journeys of the legendary King Marc'h (King of Kernow) around the Crozon peninsula. In his book, Marc'h gives an account of his excursions, his impressions, deviations and errors. An expedition of discovery and adventure to philosophize about - albeit in French language!