Finistère - 6 places not to be missed

Finistère 

Discover the hidden treasures of Finistère: An exploration of waterfalls, chaos, viaducts and more

The Finistère at the western end of Brittany, is a region rich in natural landscapes and cultural heritage. Often overlooked, this part of France abounds in wonders that capture the imagination.

In this article, we invite you to discover some of the region's most emblematic sites. Start with the Ellez waterfalls, a magical place where nature is revealed in all its splendour. Then explore the Chaos of Huelgoat, a place steeped in mystery and Breton legends. Cross the Morlaix Viaduct, an architectural feat with spectacular views over the city.

Continue with the Moulin Neuf pond, a haven of peace for fishing and hiking enthusiasts. You can also visit the Tourelle des Perdrix lighthouse, a maritime symbol that has guided sailors for over a century. Finally, climb the Monts d'Arrée, these majestic mountains dominate the landscape and offer breathtaking panoramas.

Prepare to be amazed by the beauty and diversity of the Finistère A region where every visit is an adventure and every discovery a treasure.

Ellez waterfalls

The Ellez, 28.1 km long, rises in the Monts d'Arrée at Saint-Rivoal and flows through the Yeun Elez marshes, supplying the Saint-Michel reservoir. It passes through the Saint Herbot hydroelectric plant and forms a famous waterfall, Ellez waterfalls, before flowing into the Aulne at Pénity-Saint-Laurent, creating a series of magnificent waterfalls.

Formerly known as Taël, the Ellez takes its present name from several possible origins, including "elestr" (iris in Breton) or "Ster an Elez" (river of angels). It is said that the Ellez rises in the sinister Yeun Elez, where the mountain people of the Arrée used to locate the gates of Hell, leading into a peat bog called the Youdig.

Chaos of Huelgoat

The Chaos of Huelgoat is an impressive natural site where giant blocks of granite are piled up in a seemingly random fashion, creating a chaotic and fascinating landscape. This geological phenomenon is the result of the erosion of rocks over thousands of years. Huelgoat is also associated with numerous Breton legends.

According to legend, Gargantua travelled through the region and asked the inhabitants of the forest for hospitality. Dissatisfied with receiving only buckwheat porridge, he went to the Léon. To take his revenge, he threw every rock he could find his way, creating what is now the Chaos of Huelgoat. What a mess!

Stroll among the rocks and discover formations such as the Roche Tremblante and the Gouffre, where the Rivière d'Argent mysteriously disappears underground.

Morlaix Viaduct

The Morlaix Viaduct, the Morlaix Viaduct, an impressive structure inaugurated in 1865, is one of Finistère's most emblematic architectural symbols. Built between 1861 and 1864 to accommodate the railway line linking Paris to Brest, this stone viaduct dominates the town of Morlaix with its majestic arches. Measuring 292 metres in length and culminating at a height of 58 metres, it offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the town and its surroundings.

On 29 January 1943, Royal Air Force bombers dropped 43 bombs on the viaduct, killing 39 children and their teacher at the Sisters' school. 75 years later, questions remain about the necessity of this bombing in the middle of the town centre, and every year a ceremony commemorates this tragic event.

The viaduct is still in use today and is a living testimony to the railway engineering of the last century.

Moulin Neuf pond

 Moulin Neuf pond, located near Plounéour-Ménez, is an ideal place to relax for nature lovers and anglers. This artificial pond, created to power an old mill, is surrounded by picturesque walking trails. Visitors can observe a rich biodiversity, with many species of birds and aquatic plants. The pond is also a popular spot for fishing, offering a variety of catches in a peaceful, leafy setting.

Tourelle des Perdrix lighthouse

The ports of Loctudy and Île-Tudy, which were once simple haul-out ports, developed in the 19th century thanks to the boom in maritime trade and fishing. The first quay at Loctudy was built in 1848, followed by the one at Île-Tudy in 1868. In Pont-l'Abbé, the towpath was built between 1848 and 1907 to enable boats to reach the town's port. In 1863, the Langoz lighthouse was built to improve navigation, following a project begun in 1848. However, the erection of a lighthouse on the Partridge reef did not begin until 1914, after many years of debate and study.

The Monts d'Arrée

The Monts d'Arrée, forming the backbone of Finistère, are a mountain range offering wild and spectacular scenery. The highest point, Roc'h Ruz, reaches 385 metres. The Monts d'Arrée are famous for their heather moors and mysterious peat bogs, as well as their many hiking trails. Visitors can explore sites such as Mont Saint-Michel in Brasparts, offering panoramic views of the surrounding area.

Yeun Elez, located in the heart of the Monts d'Arrée in Brittany, is steeped in fascinating and mysterious legends. This vast peat bog, known for its wild landscapes and deep marshes, has fed the collective imagination for centuries.

The Ankou

One of the region's most emblematic figures is the Ankou, often described as a skeleton draped in a black cloak and carrying a scythe. He is the collector of souls, responsible for escorting the dead to the afterlife. Legend has it that he travels the Monts d'Arrée at night, driving his funeral cart with squeaky axles, announcing the approach of death.

The Gates of Hell

Yeun Elez is also home to the legendary Youdig, a shifting mire considered to be one of the gates to Hell. This sinister place was feared by the inhabitants, who believed that damned souls were imprisoned there. Natural phenomena such as will-o'-the-wisps and spontaneous peat fires reinforced these beliefs (Wikipedia, the free encyclopaedia) (Tourisme Monts d'Arrée).

The Washerwomen of the Night and the Korrigans

Legends also tell of the washerwomen of the night, female spirits who wash shrouds near streams, and the korrigans, mischievous little goblins who dance on the moor at night. These mythical beings add a magical dimension to the already enchanting landscapes of the Monts d'Arrée.

The Devil's Cave

Another legend tells of a revolutionary pursued by the Chouans who took refuge in a dark cave in Yeun Elez. When he lit a fire to keep warm, the Chouans, believing they saw the Devil because of the shadows created by the light, named the place the Grotte du Diable (Devil's Cave).

Yeun Elez, with its stories of the Ankou, mysterious marshes and legendary creatures, remains a place of mystery and fascination, attracting lovers of legends and enthusiasts of Breton nature.

Explore these hidden gems of Finistère for an experience rich in history, legend and natural beauty. Each site tells a unique story, ready to be discovered.