Pointe du Raz

The Pointe du Raz, located in the commune of Plogoff in Finistère, is one of Brittany's most iconic natural sites and part of the Grand Site de France network. This rocky headland juts nearly a kilometre into the Atlantic Ocean, with steep cliffs battered by strong winds and the notoriously treacherous currents of the Raz de Sein. From the point, views extend towards the Île de Sein and the Vieille lighthouse, long a symbol of the dangers these waters pose to sailors. The statue of Notre-Dame-des-Naufragés stands as a reminder of this maritime history. A waymarked path, part of the GR34 coastal trail, follows the shoreline through heathland and gorse, home to numerous seabirds. Car parks and the visitor centre were deliberately set back from the cliffs following restoration work in the 1990s aimed at reducing erosion. Nearby, the wild Baie des Trépassés adds to the dramatic scenery, drawing walkers and photographers alike. The windswept, ever-changing oceanic climate gives the headland its raw, striking character, often regarded as one of Europe's finest capes. The surrounding area remains largely rural, shaped by farming and traditional fishing.