Cape Saint-Mathieu is a cape located on the Atlantic coast of France, in the Finistere department, on the outskirts of Brest.
Pointe Saint-Mathieu, formed by steep cliffs swept by the wind and the sea, is a cape jutting out into the Atlantic Ocean, an extension of the cliffs that form the northern limit of the bay of Brest and facing the island de Béniguet, which is part of the Molène archipelago
The “pointe” has many rock coves. The deep lower beaches can be reached via steps cut into the rock walls. These beaches are enclosed between the high cliff rocks.
Pointe Saint-Mathieu, formed by steep cliffs swept by the wind and the sea, is a cape jutting out into the Atlantic Ocean, an extension of the cliffs that form the northern limit of the bay of Brest and facing the island de Béniguet, which is part of the Molène archipelago
The “pointe” has many rock coves. The deep lower beaches can be reached via steps cut into the rock walls. These beaches are enclosed between the high cliff rocks.
At present, only a few houses have survived, grouped around the ruins of the abbey. But earlier the settlement consisted not only of a monastery and monastic buildings. At one time it was a whole village, with an eye to sea trade and ship repair.
A true must-see in the area, this place will introduce you to the unique natural heritage, the historical heritage ,museums and lighthouses.
A true must-see in the area, this place will introduce you to the unique natural heritage, the historical heritage ,museums and lighthouses.
Access : Coordinates: 48.33, -4.773333 / The pointe Saint-Mathieu is a headland located near Le Conquet in the territory of the commune of Plougonvelin in in north-western France. / Access: From Brest, take the D789 towards Le Conquet. About fifteen kilometers, at the Lannou roundabout, turn left towards Pointe St-Mathieu.
Contents
Cape Saint-Mathieu is a cape located on the Atlantic coast of France, in the Finistere department, on the outskirts of Brest.
Pointe Saint-Mathieu, formed by steep cliffs swept by the wind and the sea, is a cape jutting out into the Atlantic Ocean, an extension of the cliffs that form the northern limit of the bay of Brest and facing the island de Béniguet, which is part of the Molène archipelago
The “pointe” has many rock coves. The deep lower beaches can be reached via steps cut into the rock walls. These beaches are enclosed between the high cliff rocks.At present, only a few houses have survived, grouped around the ruins of the abbey. But earlier the settlement consisted not only of a monastery and monastic buildings. At one time it was a whole village, with an eye to sea trade and ship repair.
A true must-see in the area, this place will introduce you to the unique natural heritage, the historical heritage ,museums and lighthouses.
Highlights :
- According to an ancient Breton legend, the engulfed city of Ys is said to be here off the coast.
- Photosphere on Pointe St Mathieu : The “Maison du Libre” association has developed a panoramic shooting system and online virtual tour tool under the name of the Open Path View project.
- Lighthouse of Saint-Mathieu : The point also contains a lighthouse, built in 1835, 37 meters high and rising 56 meters above sea level. “It is a rotating light lighthouse, whose eclipses follow one another for half a minute. It has been classified as a Historic Monument since November 2010.
- memorial to the sailors who died for France : This national monument dedicated to the memory of sailors who died for France was built in 1927 ,Commissioned by Émile Géprette and Georges Leigue after World War I, this memorial was built following the passage of the relevant law on July 26, 1923.Since 2005, the memorial has been open to the public and offers an exhibition of photographs of missing sailors.
- The Abbey Saint-Mathieu de Fine-Terre and its museum : At the Pointe Saint-Mathieu there is an impressive ruin of an abbey church from the 13th century. This abbey with church was dedicated to Saint-Mathieu.
- semaphore : The first semaphore was built in 1806. In the white lighthouse, with a red hood from 1835, are large copper lamps to guide the ships at night, to the sea channel of Brest and on to the north side of the English Channel.
- Hiking : Pointe Saint-Mathieu is a stage for hikers on the GR34. It is also a starting point for pilgrims to Santiago de Compostela, just 1958 km away!
- Bike lovers can start on the An Envor circuit, an 18 km loop.
Activities : sightseeing / photo opportunities, From here one has a panoramic view over the Atlantic Ocean and north over the south side of the Channel and the Gulf of the Manche / trekking,Brittany – The Saint-Mathieu Route, Difficulty : moderate.Distance : 8.2 km
Go next : the picturesque Breton village of Plougonvelin / Camaret‑sur‑mer and Crozon , spectacular cliff scenery with deep blue sea and beautiful beaches / the beaches of Trez-Hir, Bertheaume, the Fort de Bertheaume.
