The Regional Parc d'Armorique is found in western Brittany, in the Finistère department of France. The Parc extends as a long thin area from inland Finistere out to the tip of the Crozon peninsula.
It is the diversity of landscapes that makes Armorique so interesting, with attractive rolling countryside and rugged rocky coastline, the attractive Aulne Estuary, several picturesque lakes and the Monts d'Arree (Brittany's highest mountains), among the sights of interest.
Explore the Natural Regional Park of Armorique
There are a multitude of small towns and villages set amongst the attractive countryside, and numerous museums within the parc boundaries that explain the rich heritage and nature of the park, explain traditional arts and crafts and explore traditional buildings.
Crozon peninsula and the south-west
The Crozon peninsula to the south-west of Armorique Parc contains much of the coastline of the park as well as several interesting towns and villages. Start perhaps with a visit to the village of Le Faou to the north-east of the peninsula, classed as one of the 'most beautiful villages of France'.
The scenery is ever more dramatic as you move westwards, culminating with the view at Pointe de Pen-Hir at the most westerly point of the peninsula.
it is perhaps the coastline scenery of the Crozon peninsula that is the highlight of the parc - craggy and cliffy, with quiet beaches (attention required - many beaches on the exposed coastline are not safe for swimming) found between the dramatic rock formations that jut out into the sea.
Crozon itself, Camaret (with the Chateau de Vauban out at the end of the quay) and Morgat are often used as bases by those exploring the region. Chateaulin, at the southern end of the Aulne estuary that crosses the parc, merits a detour to see the waterfront area of the town.
Following the Aulne river as it traverses the Armorique parc is also an interesting way to see picturesque countryside. To the north of the peninsula make the trip to Landévennec where the remains of a 10th century abbey are surrounded by some very pretty countryside and lovely views over the Aulne estuary.
Inland in Armorique Regional Parc
The inland region to the east of the Crozon peninsula, that extends north-east almost to Morlaix, is a quieter area of unspoiled countryside, centred around the Monts d'Arrée, lakes and small towns and villages such as Huelgoat (see the large boulders at the 'chaos granitique du Huelgoat' nearby).
The Monts d'Arrée hardly count as mountains, only reaching about 1000 feet altitude at the highest point, but are rather rocky outposts in lovely gorse and heather sprinkled countryside, and a good place to walk and see the wildlife of this quiet region of Brittany.
Parish Closes: One unusual architectural feature found in this part of Brittany is the so-called 'Parish Closes'. These are churches that are built with the cemetery around the church, surrounded by a stone wall to keep the animals out.
These have been constructed in various elaborate fashions, with some particularly impressive gateways set in the walls. Although there are many of these that you will come across, particularly try to seek out the most well known at Thégonnec, Guimiliau and Lampaul-Guimiliau.
Islands
The Molene archipelago and Ouessant Island, to the west of Le Conquet, are also part of the Armorique Regional Park - see Molene and Ouessant.
You can find more travel ideas in the Finistere guide and the Brittany guide.
Arrange a visit to Armorique Regional Park
Hotels in Armorique Regional Park
Booking.com: best prices
For great prices on car hire throughout France and Corsica please visit our recommended partner at RentalCars.com
Map of Armorique Regional Park and places nearby
Visit near Armorique Regional Park with France This Way reviews
Le Faou
The attractive harbour and traditional wooden houses explain why Le Faou is now listed amng the most beautiful villages in France
Le Faou guide
Landerneau
Among the highlights in the center of Landerneau, the medieval houses next to the bridge are our favourite
Landerneau guide
Crozon
The Crozon peninsula in western Brittany has an ideal combination of villages, coastline and beaches
Crozon guide
Morgat
The long sandy beach at Morgat has been the centre of activity here for more than 100 years, since the resort was first established
Morgat guide
Locronan
Locronan, listed among the 'most beautiful villages in France' is one of our favourite villages in Britany
Locronan guide
Douarnenez
Tourism based around the beaches and pleasure port have largely overtaken fishing as the principal industry at Douarnenez
Douarnenez guide... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Finistere
The French version of this page is at Armorique Regional Park (Francais)