La Pointe de Pen-Hir
Bretagne
La Pointe de Pen-Hir, located on the Crozon peninsula in Brittany, France, is a striking promontory featuring cliffs reaching up to 70 meters high. It offers panoramic views of notable landmarks such as Pointe du Raz, the islands of Sein and Ouessant, and Pointe Saint-Mathieu on clear days. The cliffs are composed of light-colored Armorican sandstone dating back approximately 460 million years, shaped by erosion to form a remarkable horizontal plateau. Below the point lie the 'Tas de Pois' rock formations, formerly known as 'Pézeaux' or 'Tas de Foin,' consisting of six notable stacks. The site is also renowned for the Cross of Pen-Hir, a monument inaugurated by General Charles de Gaulle in 1960 to honor Breton Free French fighters who formed the Sao Breiz group during World War II. The monument, created between 1949 and 1951 by architect Jean-Baptiste Mathon and sculptor Victor-François Bazin, bears inscriptions in French and Breton symbolizing resilience and patriotism. The point's geological significance is underscored by its position in the Mort-Anglaise anticline and the presence of quartzitic sandstone formations characteristic of the region. La Pointe de Pen-Hir is also a popular site for rock climbing due to its sheer cliffs and unique geological features. Its natural beauty combined with historical and cultural importance makes it a compelling destination for visitors to Brittany.
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Tip: The best time to visit La Pointe de Pen-Hir is during clear weather for optimal panoramic views of the surrounding coastline and islands. Visitors are advised to wear sturdy footwear due to rocky and uneven terrain. Advance planning is recommended to coincide with daylight hours for safety and photography. While the site is open to the public, checking local conditions and accessibility, especially during winter months, can enhance the visit. No specific ticketing is required, but visitors should respect the natural environment and the monument. Those interested in climbing should seek local guidance and ensure proper equipment.
Interesting facts
- •The cliffs of La Pointe de Pen-Hir reach up to 70 meters (230 feet) in height.
- •The Cross of Pen-Hir was inaugurated by General Charles de Gaulle in 1960.
- •The inscription on the monument includes a Breton motto meaning 'death rather than defilement'.
- •The 'Tas de Pois' rock formations below the point comprise six distinct stacks with Breton names.
- •The geological formation includes Armorican sandstone deposited in the Devonian period about 460 million years ago.
History
La Pointe de Pen-Hir has a rich geological history dating back approximately 460 million years to the Devonian period, characterized by the deposition of Armorican sandstone.
Over time, erosion sculpted the cliffs and horizontal plateau visible today.
The promontory gained historical significance during World War II with the establishment of the Cross of Pen-Hir monument, erected between 1949 and 1951 to honor Breton members of the Free French Forces.
The monument was inaugurated in 1960 by General Charles de Gaulle, symbolizing Breton patriotism and resistance.
The site has since become a symbol of regional identity and remembrance.
Place Guide
Cross of Pen-Hir Monument1949-1951
A monumental cross erected to commemorate Breton Free French fighters of WWII, featuring inscriptions in French and Breton symbolizing resilience and patriotism. Created by architect Jean-Baptiste Mathon and sculptor Victor-François Bazin between 1949 and 1951, inaugurated by General Charles de Gaulle in 1960.
Tas de Pois Rock Formations
A group of six notable rock stacks below the point, known locally as 'Ar Bernioù Piz' or 'An Daouioù'. These include Grand Dahouët, Petit Dahouet, Penn-Glaz, Chelott, Ar Forc'h, and Bern-Id. Formerly called 'Pézeaux' or 'Tas de Foin' due to their shape, renamed in the mid-19th century.
