Cape Fréhel

Located between Saint-Malo and Saint-Brieuc, Cape Fréhel counts as one of the most impressive natural monuments of Brittany.

The headland at the Côte d'Émeraude extends from the Pointe du Grouin up to the Ile de Bréhat and covers over 400 hectares of heathland. Created by the wind are these spectacular cliffs made of red sandstone, black slate and rose-coloured granite, which drop steeply into the water. Nature lovers can admire a pure symphony of colours between May and October. Numerous plants such as yellow gorse, pink and purple thrift, heather, hyacinths, daffodils, cloves or violet heather, shine in vivid colours and transform the heathland into a yellow, pink or violet sea of blossoms, according to season. You have an especially nice view over the cape at dusk from the Pointe du Jas.

The lighthouses at the Cape

At Cape Fréhel you will discover two lighthouses that tower majestically over the emerald green sea. The older one (Phare Le Premier) was built by master builder Vauban and stems from the 17th century. In the middle of the 20th century the second lighthouse, the Phare du Cap Fréhel, was created. The latter is 33 meters high and was supposed to replace the old one. At certain times you can climb the top of the Phare from where you have a beautiful view that reaches as far as the Norman peninsula Le Manche on a clear day.

A paradise for birds

The promontory at the emerald coast is a nature reserve for birds, which harbors many different breeding birds. 70 meters over the sea, shags, guillemots, oystercatchers, various seagulls, puffins, great crested grebes, northern fulmars and ravens find shelter in the grey-pink sandstone cliffs. Along its inhabitants are also hundreds of rare birds. For example, you can spot around 20 different specimen of the Tordalk penguin.

Fort la Latte – a mighty castle

The ancient castle Fort la Latte lies around four kilometers south-east of Cape Fréhel and is within about one and a half hours walking distance. It is a beautiful walk along the coast towards the historic monument, which is often used as a movie set. The castle, dating back to the 13th century, impresses with its thick towers and a drawbridge. What is more, from the wall-walk you have a breathtaking view over the entire Côte d'Émeraude (emerald coast).

By car:

Saint-Brieuc is located around 50 kilometers from Cape Fréhel. Follow the E50 out of the city and just after Yffiniac, change onto the D786. This leads you over Planguenoual, Saint-Alban and Pluiren to Fréhel. In Fréhel, turn onto the D117, which leads to Plévenon. For the last bit to the cape, take the D34. From Saint-Malo it is around 45 kilometers to the tip of the headland. Follow the D168 (later D768) over Ploubalay until Le Guildo. There, the street merges into the D786. Drive past Matignon until Sainte-Aide and turn right onto the D34. This brings you to your destination.