At a glance
42 km by car
All year round; the forest stays cool in summer
Half a day to a full day
Free; car parks in the village and near the boulder field
Yes, short trails; a few steep sections
Yes, on a lead
Giant moss-covered granite boulders, a river that disappears beneath the rocks, a stone of more than 100 tonnes that moves under your hand: the Huelgoat forest is one of the most magical walks in Brittany, 42 km from the Domaine.
The “high wood” of the Monts d’Arrée
Huelgoat means “high wood” in Breton. This small village in the Armorique Regional Nature Park is known for its forest, where granite boulders pile up along the Argent river amid moss, ferns and tall trees. The site is a Natura 2000 area for the richness of its habitats.
It is a world apart from the coast: here, shade and coolness prevail, paths wind between house-sized rocks, and every corner has its legend. An ideal outing for a cloudy day or a very hot one.
The highlights of the boulder field
The Chaos du Moulin
The entrance to the site from the village: a spectacular heap of rocks where you can hear the river flowing underneath.
The Grotte du Diable
You climb down a ladder between the boulders, towards the sound of the water. A thrill for children.
The Roche Tremblante
A boulder of more than 100 tonnes that rocks slightly when you push it in the right place.
The Ménage de la Vierge
A pile of rocks with evocative shapes that inspired its traditional name.
Deeper in the forest, the Camp d’Artus, a vast Iron Age hillfort, is linked to the legends of King Arthur. Local tradition also says that Gargantua, angry with the villagers, threw all these rocks here. Geologists, for their part, speak of the slow erosion of granite over millions of years.
Which walk to choose?
From the village, a short loop takes in the Chaos du Moulin, the Grotte du Diable and the Roche Tremblante: this is the classic walk, easy to do with children in one to two hours. Keen walkers can then head deeper into the forest towards the Camp d’Artus or follow the Argent river.
On the way back, the Huelgoat lake, at the entrance to the village, is a peaceful spot for a picnic or a stroll. The village has kept its shops, handy for an afternoon snack or lunch.
With children
- The Grotte du Diable and its ladder: a highlight, holding the youngest ones firmly.
- The Roche Tremblante challenge: who will manage to make it move?
- Rocks to climb, under supervision.
- A picnic by the lake.
Domaine de Mesqueau, 870 route de Mesqueau, Plougasnou
Huelgoat, village and entrance to the boulder field
Good to know
- Closed shoes are essential: the rocks can be slippery.
- The way down into the Grotte du Diable is by ladder: take care with young children.
- Pushchairs are not recommended in the boulder field; use a baby carrier instead.
- Stay on the marked paths to protect the mosses and ferns.
- Dogs must be kept on a lead.
A day between Huelgoat and the Monts d’Arrée
Boulder-field loop: Moulin, Grotte du Diable, Roche Tremblante.
Picnic by the lake or lunch in the village.
Drive on to Mont Saint-Michel de Brasparts and its panorama. See also: hiking in the Monts d’Arrée.
From the Domaine de Mesqueau
After the cool of the forest, head back to the Domaine, 42 km by road: wooded, pedestrian-only grounds, premium cottages, a private hot tub and a heated indoor pool. The sea is only minutes away to end the day looking out to the open water. See also: our days out around Plougasnou and the tourist map of North Finistère.
Frequently asked questions
About 42 kilometres by car from the Domaine de Mesqueau.
No, access to the trails is free.
One to two hours for the classic boulder-field loop; a full day to explore the forest as far as the Camp d’Artus.
Not in the boulder field, which is too rough. The lake circuit is more suitable; for the boulder field, bring a baby carrier.
Yes, this boulder of more than 100 tonnes rocks slightly when you push it in the right place. Finding the spot is part of the fun.
