At a glance
About 45 min to the Monts d’Arrée
All year round; heather in bloom at the end of summer
From 1 hour to a full day, depending on the walk
Free access, waymarked paths, small car parks
Yes, several summits a few minutes from the car park
Yes, on a lead on the moorland
Schist ridges, the largest expanse of moorland in Brittany and the region’s highest point, the Roc’h Ruz, at 385 metres: the Monts d’Arrée show a completely different side of Finistère, about 45 minutes’ drive from the Domaine.
A landscape unique in Brittany
The Monts d’Arrée cross Finistère from east to west, at the heart of the Armorique Regional Nature Park. They are not very high, but they feel like mountains: rocky ridges rising out of the moorland, a vast horizon, wind and very few trees. These landscapes are often compared to Ireland or Scotland.
In the past, this poor land supported only a few crops. Today it forms the largest expanse of moorland in Brittany, dominated by gorse and heather and dotted with peat bogs. It is a fragile environment, sensitive to trampling and to fire, as the great blaze of summer 2022 around Mont Saint-Michel de Brasparts showed.
About 45 minutes from Plougasnou, the contrast with the coast is striking. It is an excellent idea for a grey day on the coast, or whenever you feel like a complete change of scenery.
The summits to know
Several summits compete for the title of roof of Brittany, within a few metres of each other. According to the Armorique Regional Nature Park, the two highest points are the Roc’h Ruz and the Tuchenn Gador.
Roc’h Ruz
385 m, the highest point in Brittany, in the commune of Plounéour-Ménez.
Roc’h Trévézel
384 m, the most spectacular ridge, right next to the D785 road.
Tuchenn Gador
384 m, a discreet summit overlooking the Yeun Elez.
Mont Saint-Michel de Brasparts
381 m, with its 17th-century chapel.
The Roc’h Trévézel is the easiest to reach: a short climb from the pass is enough to get to its schist needles and its view over the Léon. The Roc’h Trédudon, 383 metres, is easy to spot from afar thanks to its mast. As for Mont Saint-Michel de Brasparts, its solitary chapel is the emblem of the Monts d’Arrée.
Domaine de Mesqueau, 870 route de Mesqueau, Plougasnou
Roc’h Trévézel, Trévézel pass, Plounéour-Ménez
Where to hike in the Monts d’Arrée
Many waymarked paths criss-cross the hills, for all levels. The Armorique Regional Nature Park offers detailed routes, and the GR 380 goes all the way round the massif for long-distance walkers.
For a first visit
Climb the Roc’h Trévézel from the pass, then Mont Saint-Michel de Brasparts: two summits, two atmospheres, less than an hour’s walking in all. Ideal with children.
For a proper hike
The ridge paths link several roc’hs between Plounéour-Ménez and Botmeur, with uninterrupted views over the moorland and the Yeun Elez. Allow half a day to a full day, with good shoes: the rocky sections are slippery in wet weather.
For the legends
At the foot of the summits lies the Yeun Elez, a vast marsh that people once considered a gateway to the Underworld. This is where the home of the Ankou, the figure of death in Breton tradition, is said to be. On a misty day, you can see why.
Villages, ecomuseum and heritage
The Monts d’Arrée are also stone villages and a very lively rural culture. The Monts d’Arrée ecomuseum brings together two sites: the Moulins de Kerouat in Commana, a former millers’ village, and the Maison Cornec in Saint-Rivoal, built in 1702 and preserved in its original state. Check before you set off, as opening periods vary and one of the sites has undergone works.
Further east, the Huelgoat forest and its jumble of boulders round off a day in the Monts d’Arrée perfectly.
Good to know
- Bring a windproof jacket and a warm layer, even in summer: the summits are very exposed.
- Walking boots recommended: slippery schist and waterlogged ground in the peat bogs.
- Stay on the waymarked paths to protect the moorland and peat bogs.
- No fires, no barbecues: the risk of wildfire is real.
- Few shops on site: bring water and a picnic.
- In fog, landmarks disappear quickly: avoid off-path routes.
A typical day in the Monts d’Arrée
Roc’h Trévézel, then a walk along the ridges.
Picnic facing the Yeun Elez or on the shore of Lake Brennilis.
Mont Saint-Michel de Brasparts, or the Huelgoat forest.
From the Domaine de Mesqueau
After a windy day on the moorland, come back to the calm of the Domaine, 45 minutes’ drive away: wooded, pedestrian-only grounds, premium cottages and a heated indoor pool. And the next day, the wild coast of Plougasnou is about ten minutes away.
Frequently asked questions
The Roc’h Ruz, at 385 metres, in the Monts d’Arrée, in the commune of Plounéour-Ménez. The Tuchenn Gador and the Roc’h Trévézel follow very closely, at 384 metres.
Allow about 45 minutes’ drive to reach the Monts d’Arrée, via Morlaix and the D785 road.
The climb up the Roc’h Trévézel from the pass, then up Mont Saint-Michel de Brasparts: two summits, each reached in a few minutes’ walk.
All year round. Late summer colours the moorland with heather and gorse; winter brings misty, very photogenic atmospheres.
Yes, on a lead, to protect the ground-nesting wildlife on the moorland.
Sources and useful links
