At a glance
46 km by car
All year round; heathland in bloom in late summer
About 1 hour, longer with a hike
Free; car park, then steps up to the chapel
Yes, a short climb, but the summit is very exposed to the wind
Yes, on a lead (fragile heathland)
A small chapel standing 381 metres above sea level, in the middle of the heathland: Mont Saint-Michel de Brasparts offers one of the widest panoramas in Brittany. It takes just a few minutes to walk up from the car park, 46 km by road from the Domaine.
A summit like no other in the heart of Finistère
Mont Saint-Michel de Brasparts, Menez Mikael in Breton, rises in the heart of the Monts d’Arrée, in the Armorique Regional Nature Park. At 381 metres, it is one of the highest points in Brittany. Nothing to do with its Normandy namesake: here there is no bay and no ramparts, but bare heathland, a vast sky and a lone chapel that can be seen for miles.
Despite its name, the hill lies in the municipality of Saint-Rivoal. It overlooks the Yeun Elez marshes, which old Breton legends described as a gateway to the underworld. This is the very spirit of the Monts d’Arrée: a landscape of heath and peat bog, austere and magnificent, very different from the coast around Plougasnou.
The Saint-Michel chapel, landmark of the Monts d’Arrée
The chapel was built between 1672 and 1679 and consecrated in 1679, on Saint Michael’s Day. For more than three centuries its squat stone walls have withstood the westerly winds that sweep the summit. It serves as a landmark for everyone crossing the Monts d’Arrée, on foot or by car.
In July 2022, a major fire started at the foot of the chapel and swept across more than 1,700 hectares of heath and peat bog. The chapel was spared. The Armorique Regional Nature Park has been monitoring the regrowth of the vegetation ever since: depending on the area, the heath grows back quickly or much more slowly, which makes staying on the paths all the more important.
Building the chapel
The building is raised on the summit and consecrated on Saint Michael’s Day 1679.
The great fire
The fire sweeps across the heathland around the hill; the chapel is spared.
A closely monitored site
The heath and peat bogs are regenerating, watched over by the Park’s teams.
A 360° panorama over inland Brittany
Once at the top, the view takes in the whole of inland Finistère. To the north, the rocky ridge of Roc’h Trévézel. To the east, the Yeun Elez peat bogs, Lake Brennilis and, further away, the wooded hills around Huelgoat. To the south, the line of the Montagnes Noires. On very clear days, you can see as far as the Bay of Morlaix.
Roc’h Trévézel
A ridge of schist and quartzite to the north, which you can reach the same day.
Lake Brennilis
A large lake at the foot of the hill, surrounded by peat bogs.
The Yeun Elez
Marshland of legends, the wild heart of the Monts d’Arrée.
The Montagnes Noires
Finistère’s other range of hills, closing the horizon to the south.
Domaine de Mesqueau, 870 route de Mesqueau, Plougasnou
Mont Saint-Michel de Brasparts, car park at the foot of the chapel, Saint-Rivoal
Getting there and what to bring
From the Domaine, head towards Morlaix, then take the D785, which crosses the Monts d’Arrée towards Pleyben. A small road then leads to the car park just below the summit. From there, a few minutes’ walk and a flight of steps take you to the chapel. Allow 46 kilometres by road.
The site is open to all, free of charge. There is no shade at the top and the wind often blows hard, even when the weather is fine on the coast. Waymarked trails also start nearby for those who prefer to walk up through the heathland.
When to go?
All year round. The best light comes at the end of the day, when the low sun skims the heath. In late summer, heather and gorse colour the slopes. On misty mornings, the hill sometimes rises above a sea of clouds: photographers’ favourite moment.
Good to know
- Bring a windproof jacket, even in summer: the summit is very exposed.
- Take water and good shoes if you set off on a hike across the heath.
- Stay on the paths: heath and peat bogs are fragile, especially since the 2022 fire.
- Dogs on a lead to protect wildlife.
- No fires or barbecues: the fire risk on the heathland is real.
A day in the Monts d’Arrée
Climb to the chapel and walk round the summit to enjoy the light.
Picnic out of the wind or a break by Lake Brennilis.
The Roc’h Trévézel ridge, or a walk in the Huelgoat forest.
From the Domaine de Mesqueau
After a day on the heath, come back to the calm of the Domaine, 46 km by road: wooded, pedestrian-only grounds, premium cottages and a heated indoor pool. The next day, Plougasnou’s wild coastline awaits, just minutes away. See also: our days out around Plougasnou and the tourist map of North Finistère.
Frequently asked questions
Allow 46 kilometres by road from the Domaine de Mesqueau, via Morlaix and the D785.
No. From the car park, a few minutes’ walk and a flight of steps are enough. Hiking trails also let you climb up on foot across the heathland.
No, the site is freely accessible all year round.
Yes, the climb is short. Keep them close at the summit, which is very exposed to the wind, and bring warm clothes.
None, apart from the name: both sites are dedicated to the Archangel Michael, who was often honoured on high ground.
Sources and useful links
