Description
A volcano in Brittany
The extinct volcano Ménez-Hom is located in the middle of the Parc naturel régional d'Armorique. At 330 meters, the legendary mountain is one of the highest points in Brittany. It forms the westernmost peak of the Montagnes Noires and thus ends the mountain range. The sparsely vegetated volcano is made of weather-resistant quartzite. In the past, it served as an important strategic point for the surveillance of the Crozon peninsula and as a place of worship, as the megaliths and stone accumulations at Ménez-Hom testify.
Magnificent panorama
Once at the top, you have an exceptionally beautiful view over the whole area. From the top of the extinct volcano, you can see the Crozon peninsula, the bays of Brest and Douarnenez, the mountain massif of the Monts d'Arrée, the Pen-Hir headland and the mouth of the Aulne into the Atlantic.
Magical mountain of the Celts
There are many Celtic legends surrounding Ménez-Hom, which was revered as a sacred mountain. According to one legend, King Marc'h of Cornouailles, for example, fell victim to a curse there that gave the ruler the ears of a horse. He is also said to be buried under a stone pyramid on the side of the mountain. According to legend, the king's soul was released on the day when the pile of stones at his burial site was high enough to be seen from the top of the Sainte-Vierge chapel. Since then, it has been customary to throw a stone onto the cairn when visiting Ménez-Hom.
Activities around the Ménez-Hom
The Armorique Nature Park and the barren heathland on the flanks of the mountain are ideal for long hikes or bike rides. The Ménez-Hom is criss-crossed by an extensive network of marked hiking trails. There are various options to choose from for the ascent. The easiest routes are those on the flat east or south side. A narrow road even leads from the south side to below the summit, making this the easiest ascent. On the north side of the extinct volcano, you will find several more challenging hiking routes that lead to the summit region. At the foot of the Ménez-Hom, small picturesque villages invite you to visit. In Plomodiern, you can visit the small chapel of Sainte-Marie-du-Ménez-Hom from the 16th century. The Saint-Budoc church in Trégarvan also dates from this century. The small village also has a museum of the Breton agricultural school. Ménez-Hom, the highest point in the Département of Finistère, is also a popular launch site for paragliders and model airplanes.
How to get there
By car
From Brest or Quimper, follow the E60 (N165) to Port-Launay. There, change to the D887 and drive via Châteaulin to the foot of the Ménez-Hom.