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Pointe du Raz

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City
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Pointe du Raz (France)
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Practical info — Pointe du Raz

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • Wear windproof and waterproof clothing, even in summer, as the coastal weather can be very changeable.
  • Check the tide times. The scenery is dramatically different at high tide with crashing waves or at low tide with exposed rocks.
  • The car park is paying and is located about a 15-20 minute walk from the point. A shuttle bus is available for those who prefer not to walk.
  • Be careful on the paths, especially in wet or windy weather, and stay behind the safety barriers.

🍽 Food

🍽
Seafood Platter ('Plateau de fruits de mer')

Enjoy a platter of fresh seafood at a restaurant in the nearby port of Audierne.

🍽
Far Breton

Try this traditional, custard-like cake with prunes. You can find it in bakeries throughout the region.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Breton Stripe Shirt ('Marinière')

Buy a classic Breton stripe shirt, an iconic fashion item from the region.

🛍
Local products from Cap Sizun

Look for local produce such as biscuits, honey or cider at the visitor centre or in the shops of surrounding towns.

🧘
Baie des Trépassés (Bay of the Dead)

Walk away from the main point to this beautiful beach set between Pointe du Raz and Pointe du Van for a quieter atmosphere.

🧘
Coastal Path (GR 34)

Hike a portion of the GR 34 long-distance trail to escape the crowds and find private views of the cliffs.

Pointe du Raz is one of France's most iconic natural landmarks, holding the 'Grand Site de France' designation. The cape rises 70 meters above the Atlantic Ocean, offering dramatic views of the 'Raz de Sein,' a strait notorious for its dangerous currents, and the famous 'La Vieille' lighthouse. On clear days, the view stretches all the way to the island of Sein. The landscape is dominated by heather and ferns, which glow in shades of purple and yellow in late summer. A well-maintained network of hiking trails leads along the cliffs, providing spectacular photo opportunities. Despite the rugged nature, the site is well-equipped with a visitor center that provides insights into the region's geology and rich maritime history. Nearby is the fishing village of Plogoff, an excellent spot to enjoy fresh seafood. Pointe du Raz is a place of extremes where the power of the tides and the wind can be felt firsthand. A visit during a storm is particularly impressive, as massive waves crash against the towering rock faces.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C88911131618181614119
Rain mm112937257575556574798115117

Live webcam – Pointe du Raz

See what it looks like near Pointe du Raz right now.

Plogoff: Pointe du Raz · 0.1 km · Open webcam on Windy · Webcams provided by Windy.com

Geography

Population
1,649
Coordinates
48.03883, -4.73200

Facts

  • Designated as a 'Grand Site de France'
  • 70-meter high granite cliffs
  • Views of the La Vieille lighthouse
  • Dangerous Raz de Sein sea current
  • Hiking trails along the Atlantic coast
  • Covered in heather and gorse plants
  • Informative visitor center on site
  • Located near the village of Plogoff

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Pointe du Raz (9)

Lighthouse la Vieille📍 landmark

The La Vieille lighthouse at Pointe du Raz, built in 1882, is heritage-listed.

Pointe du Raz🌿 nature

Dramatic headland with crashing waves and a lighthouse, one of the westernmost points of Brittany.

Sémaphore de la pointe du Raz📍 landmark

Maritime semaphore station on the cliffs of Pointe du Raz.

Notre-Dame des Naufragés📍 landmark

Notre-Dame des Naufragés, a chapel built in 1904 for shipwreck victims on the Pointe du Raz.

Maison de Site de la Pointe du Raz🏛 museum

Interpretive center with exhibits on the nature and culture of Pointe du Raz.

🕒 Mo-Su,PH 10:30-18:00🆓

Menhir du Village🏺 historical

Neolithic standing stone in the village of Pointe du Raz.

Vue sur Arche dans la roche🌿 nature

Natural rock arch at the tip of Pointe du Raz, visible from the coastal path.

Chapelle Saint-Michel⛪ religious

Chapel dedicated to Saint Michael on the windswept cliffs of Pointe du Raz.

🕒 10:00-18:00

Plage des Trépassés🎡 recreation

Wild sandy beach on the Baie des Trépassés with strong waves.

Frequently asked questions

Is Pointe du Raz the westernmost point of France?
Almost, it's the most famous western point, but Pointe de Corsen is actually slightly further west.
Is there a visitor center?
Yes, there is a 'Maison du Site' with exhibitions, shops, and restaurants, as well as large parking lots.
What is Phare de la Vieille?
A famous lighthouse standing on a rock in the middle of the stormy sea off the point.
Can you hike anywhere on the cliffs?
No, you must stay on the marked paths to protect the fragile heathland vegetation.
How far away is Île de Sein?
The island is about 8 km offshore and clearly visible from the point in clear weather.
Pointe du Raz: where is it located?
Pointe du Raz is located in Bretagne, France.
Pointe du Raz: what is there to see?
Highlights include Lighthouse la Vieille, Pointe du Raz, Sémaphore de la pointe du Raz.
Pointe du Raz: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.
Pointe du Raz: why is it worth visiting?
Pointe du Raz is one of France's most iconic natural landmarks, holding the 'Grand Site de France' designation.
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