Pointe du Raz – Grand Site de France
Pointe du Raz, also known as Raz Beg ar in Breton, stands as the furthest western point of France. Designated as a Grand Site of France, it beckons over a million visitors annually.
This rugged promontory boasts 70-meter-high jagged cliffs, evoking the prow of a ship thrusting into the tumultuous waters of the local sea passage known as Raz de Sein.
Situated on Cap Sizun, the westernmost tip of Cornouaille (referred to as Kerne, Kernev, or Bro Gerne in Breton, and Cornugallia in Latin), it once served as a pivotal political and religious hub in Brittany, nestled within the department of Finistère.
Offering a breathtaking panorama of Raz de Sein and the Phare de La Vieille (the lighthouse off Pointe du Raz), this extraordinary site also affords views of the Phare de Tévennec, perched on an islet near Ile de Sein.
Completing the maritime landscape, Phare Ar Men stands proudly at the terminus of Chaussée de Sein, a 25-kilometer-long granite formation extending from Pointe du Raz.
Pointe du Raz, Raz de Sein … What is a raz?
In Breton maritime the term raz refers to narrow passages or underwater canyons where strong sea currents rush, and are renowned for their dangerous nature among sailors and fishermen.
These razor-like currents pose a significant risk to ships, as the narrowness of the canyon amplifies the force of the tides, potentially propelling vessels against reefs and cliffs.
The tides of Raz de Sein collide with the coastline around Pointe du Raz, sculpting its iconic jagged cliffs, making it one of the most photographed natural landmarks in Brittany.
Pointe du Raz marks the northern boundary of Baie d’Audierne and the southern edge of Baie des Trépassés, aptly named the Bay of the Dead, which encompasses a long, untamed beach.
Along this coastline, you’ll encounter several other striking rocky formations, including Pointe du Van, Cap de la Chèvre, and Pointe de Penmarc’h, each adding to the region’s rugged beauty.
Raz and legends
The raz and their perilous waters have spawned countless legends among sailors and fishermen.
During stormy nights, it is said that the prayers of those lost at sea echo through the air, with their souls emerging from the depths of the raz to tap on the windows of nearby houses.
In reverence to the dangers of the sea, sailors and fishermen venerate the statue of Notre-Dame-des-Naufragés, Our Lady of the Shipwrecked, who watches over them from afar.
They rely on the semaphore, once part of the Phare de la Pointe du Raz, to navigate the treacherous waters. Erected in 1839, the lighthouse eventually became obsolete and was replaced by the Phare de La Vieille.
The untamed beauty of Pointe du Raz has long inspired ancient folklore as well as renowned French authors like Gustave Flaubert and Victor Hugo, contributing to its fame as a unique natural landmark.
However, this popularity has come at a cost, leading to environmental degradation over the years due to the influx of tourists. To mitigate these issues, Pointe du Raz has been designated a protected area under the Grand Site de France label. Visitors are now required to stick to marked paths to allow the local flora, predominantly heather, to rejuvenate.
Funded by the French government and various patrons, an ambitious environmental program was implemented between 1996 and 2000, which included the removal of two hotels and the relocation of seasonal tourist trades that marred the site. Furthermore, the car park has been relocated 1 kilometer inland, ensuring minimal impact on the coastal ecosystem.
Department of Finistère
Coordinates: Lat 48.039989 – Long -4.740395
Photos via Wikimedia Commons: Photo1 and Header by Renegade Public domain – Phare de la Vieille by Zairon CC BY-SA 4.0 – ND des Naufragés by Fanfwah CC BY-SA 4.0
