Pointe du Raz et Enfer de Plogoff

Plogoff

At the end of the Cap Sizun, the pointe du Raz juts into the Atlantic at a height of about 70 m. In Breton Beg ar Raz, it takes its name from the Raz de Sein, the dangerous strait that separates it from the île de Sein. On the neighbouring islet, La Vieille lighthouse was lit in 1887 and automated in 1995. Very close by, the Enfer de Plogoff is a narrow spur above the waves, where, according to the Brittany tourist office, Princess Dahut got rid of her lovers. Dahut is the daughter of King Gradlon in the legend of the city of Ys, engulfed by the sea. The story formed late: Pierre Le Baud mentions Ys in 1480 without speaking of Dahut, whose name appears for the first time only in the 1680 edition of Albert Le Grand's Vie des saints de Bretagne. In most versions the city lies in the bay of Douarnenez, not at the pointe du Raz. The link with this cape therefore belongs to local tradition. The site has been protected since 1996 and listed as a Grand Site de France. At the entrance to the reserve, binoculars can be borrowed.

Getting there: ‘Grand Site de France’, secured paths along the cliffs; the Enfer de Plogoff is a narrow spur above the waves, dangerous in bad weather. Car park price, hours and exact access not verified: enquire at the Audierne – Île de Sein – Pointe du Raz tourist office. Coordinates of the point from Wikipedia (English); the exact location of the Enfer was not recorded.

Opening times and access details are given as a guide only: check before you set out.

Ambient sound