Cap Frehel
When we arrive at Cap Fréhel, it doesn't seem like anything. You don't have to reveal everything and let the magic happen.
Let yourself be caught up in nature and the landscapes that unfold there. Cap Fréhel, a set of pink sandstone cliffs dominating the sea at a height of more than 70 m, offers a panorama that you will never tire of and which will remain forever etched in your memories.
Discover Cap Fréhel out of season
In winter, Cap Fréhel takes on a wild and mysterious beauty. The pink sandstone cliffs are adorned with more intense colors, contrasting with the gray of the sea and the sky. The windswept moors provide a changing spectacle, where heather and gorse persist despite the harsh conditions.
6 advantages of visiting Cap Fréhel in winter
- Take your time away from the crowds on the GR34🧘
- More beautiful colors 🍂
- Observe more seabirds 🐦
- Contribute to sustainable tourism by visiting the site out of season 💚
- Benefit from more advantageous rates 🛏️
- A Grand Site de France, just for you 😉
Each season has its own painting
In turbulent weather,
where wind and sea spray “slap” you, it’s a real spectacle that is offered to you: a rough sea that slams against the cliffs, dark weather then a clearing and a sea that changes color almost on demand: sometimes blue- gray, sometimes green with gradients and nuances. The color that juggles between blue, green and gray typical of winter landscapes in Brittany is called "glaz" (it's blue-green in Breton)!
In spring and summer,
the pink/purple sandstone of the cliffs presents itself to you, accompanied by its 400Ha of moorland and flowering heather.
You then attend a festival of colors, a real color chart that cannot be described.
It's up to you to get there!
Cap Fréhel, unique landscapes protected and labeled Grand Site de France
Le Cap Fréhel associated with Cap d'Erquy presents a remarkable territory from a landscape, natural and cultural point of view. They were recognized iconic sites » by the General Council of Côtes d’Armor then “ Great Site ».
With 1.6 million visitors each year, you have to know how to reconcile the large flow of visitors and the preservation of natural sites and their environment. “It is a joint project in favor of the inhabitants and local actors, to preserve and enhance the spirit of the caps” (Source: Website www.grandsite-capserquyfrehel.com)
Concerned about protecting these natural resources, as exceptional as they are fragile, local stakeholders have been working for more than 30 years to reconcile welcoming visitors and preservation:
- The decline of the Cap Fréhel car park and the reconquest of these spaces by the moor
- The development of cycle lanes
- Restoration of heaths through eco-grazing
- Raising visitor awareness of the fragility of the site
These actions were rewarded by obtaining the prestigious and demanding Grand Site of France label. This is awarded by the Ministry of Ecological Transition only to totally or partially classified sites and for a period of 6 years. In September 2019, the territory of the Erquy and Fréhel caps thus became the 19th Grand Site of France!
Anxious to protect these exceptional and fragile natural resources, the actors of the territory have been working for more than 30 years to reconcile welcoming visitors and preservation.
Access Cap Fréhel using soft mobility
On vacation, slow down to make the most of the landscapes you pass through. Leave the car, instead favor gentle mobility and get around on foot, by bike or by bus!
By bus or shuttle: an ecological option
direct lines take you to Cap Fréhel all summer long!- Departing from Saint-Brieuc or Saint-Cast-Le-Guildo with the line BREIZHGO 2 (which passes Plévenon and Sables d'Or, where it is easy to park).
- Departing from Saint-Malo with the line BREIZHGO 14.
- From Dinan, with the free shuttle DINAMO SUMMER 1
By bike on the Caps road
By VélomaritimeThe Vélomaritime - EuroVelo 4 makes it possible to reach Cap Fréhel and reach various tourist sites:
- Sables-d'Or-les-Pins - Cap Fréhel: 9.5 km
- Plévenon - Cap Fréhel: 4.5 km
- Cap d'Erquy - Cap Fréhel: 18 km
- Loop starting from Fréhel : 26 km
All information and steps on www.lavelomaritime.fr
Cycling is prohibited on the coastal path (GR34) and on the tip of Cap Fréhel. Dedicated spaces allow bicycles to be parked in the Cap Fréhel car park.
Bike rental services near Cap Fréhel:Additional info: have your bike delivered to the town of Plévenon with Cap Bike and go explore the natural site! 🚲
Coming to Cap Fréhel on foot
Some indicative distances and durations for a walker performing 4 km/h (one way only):
From the town of Plévenon, take rue du Pont Tirant (on the left after the town hall): 4.5 km, approximately 1h15
By the coast, following the GR 34, enjoy magnificent views from:
• Sables-d'Or-les-Pins: 11.5 km, about 2h30
• Fort La Latte: 4.5 km, about 1h15
• Pléhérel Beach: 6.5 km, about 1h45
• Port à la Duc: 12.5 km, about 3h15
In summer, take the bus from Sables d'or to reach Cap Fréhel and return on foot via the GR 34!
Discover Cap Fréhel
Hiking, fauna, flora and heritageWhen you arrive there, several options are available to you for visiting this Great Site of France: hiking on the GR34, observing the wildlife of the Cap Fréhel ornithological reserve, climbing the steps of the lighthouse, present since 1950...
Two walking loops are achievable on the tip of the cape:
• Loop 1: about 1 km and 30 min walk
• Loop 2: about 2 km and 1 hour walk
Disabled : access to the lighthouse is possible thanks to a small path that connects the car park to the old road leading to the lighthouse. On the other hand, the paths between the lighthouse and the tip are not suitable for wheelchairs. They remain accessible but difficult to navigate (8% slope and stony paths) for other people with reduced mobility.
Hiking on the GR34
Personalized walking trails are achievable on the tip of the cape.
• Reach Pointe du Cap: approximately 1 km and 30 minutes walk from the Cap car park.
• Reach Fort La Latte: approximately 4.7km and 1h30 walk
Disabled : access to the lighthouse is possible thanks to the old lighthouse access road which connects the parking lot to the old road leading to the lighthouse. The chairs can pass next to the barrier which blocks access. However, the paths between the lighthouse and the point are not accessible for wheelchairs. They remain accessible but difficult to navigate (8% slope and stony paths) for other people with reduced mobility.
Free parking with the PMR parking card.
Hiking loop starting from PlévenonRespect the markings different paths: they prevent the heath from being trampled and thus allow the regeneration of this fragile and protected habitat 🌿
With a nature guide
This natural and protected site is home to a diversity of coastal environments where original and specific fauna and flora are born, live and develop: samphire, thistle, heather, gorse... The rock (shaped like a leaning tower) at the bottom of the Cape is a part of the Fauconnière ornithological reserve, second reserve of the Côtes d'Armor after the Sept-Îles, where hundreds of birds nest such as the Herring Gull, the Northern Fulmar, the Guillemot, the Shags and the Razorbills.
Hidden in its multicolored plant cover, a rare and singular fauna develops there with sometimes funny names like the sock tarantula.
Discover this discreet biodiversity accompanied by a guide from the Grand Site Cap D'Erquy-Cap Fréhel.
Consult the program of events at the Grand Site Cap d’Erquy-Cap Fréhel
Cap Fréhel lighthouse
We cannot talk about Cap Fréhel without mentioning its lighthouse, one of the 5 most powerful lighthouses in France. Its lantern located more than 100 m above sea level carries 53 km.
Do not hesitate to climb the 145 steps to reach its gallery and enjoy a panorama of the moor, Fort La Latte and the harbor of Saint-Malo. It is simply exceptional!
Check the lighthouse visiting hours below 👇
Observe the seabirds of Cap Fréhel
Cap Fréhel is one of the most exceptional ornithological sites in France. The associative ornithological reserve of La Fauconnière, recognized as being of national interest and managed by Bretagne Vivante, welcomes, each year between February and July, 8 species of birds during the time of their reproduction. Each species has its preferences and settles on the cliff according to its orientation and shape.
Did you know?Stand at La Fauconnière, on the belvedere facing the islets and observe! 🐧
According to legend, Gargantua was born in Plévenon, and the rock where the ornithological reserve is located is a pebble he had in his shoe.
Take a boat trip near Cap Fréhel
Discover Cap Fréhel differently, by sea! You will find all boat trips here.
Cap Fréhel: practical information
Parking lots, best visiting time, lighthouse prices...A place of great renown, Cap Fréhel welcomes many visitors every year, especially in the summer. Discover the essential information for visiting Cap Fréhel: parking times, best times to avoid crowds, and prices for the famous lighthouse, in order to fully enjoy this Great Site of France in Brittany.
Recommended visiting times and periods
To avoid crowds, especially in summer, it is advisable to visit Cap Fréhel:
- Before 11:30 a.m.
- Between 12h30 and 14h
- After 17 a.m.
Additional info: The sunset offers a particularly magnificent spectacle!
Parking and access for all
The Cap Fréhel car park is chargeable all year round, from 8 a.m. to 20 p.m. (parking meter – bank card or €1 or €2 coins only), in 3-hour increments. The 2024 prices are:
- Motorcycle: free
- Car: 3 €
- Motorhome, fitted van: €5
Free places are reserved for people with reduced mobility (PRM card), with adapted access to the site. An annual pass is available for sale at the Plévenon town hall.
By paying for parking, you contribute to the preservation of the site! 🌿
Free parking near Cap Fréhel
Park in dedicated areas to enjoy your visit more peacefully!
- Au town of Plévenon (4.5 km from Cap Fréhel): 3 free car parks (Place de la Libération, tourist office car park and village hall car park)
- On the road (C8) between Cap Fréhel and Fort La Latte, free seasonal parking (July and August only)
- Au Anse du Croc beach car park in Pléherel-Plage (Fréhel): 6,5 km - 1h45
Pedestrians and cyclists are vulnerable users, let's be vigilant, let's share the road! 🚴
Staying in a campervan
Motorhomes, an area including all the necessary services is at your disposal at the exit of Plévenon towards Cap Fréhel. You can then reach the cape on foot or by bike (4.5 km). You can also park at the Aire de la Ville Oie in Pleherel-Plage - Fréhel located on the Vélomaritime route.
Camping is prohibited in the Cap Fréhel car park, in the Cap Fréhel seasonal car park, on the sides of the C8 road and in the town.
By taxi to Cap Fréhel
A good way to reach different places without worrying about parking!
- Arvorek Taxis - 06 16 97 53 06
- Taxis du Cap – 02 96 72 32 32 (Erquy) / 02 96 41 40 09 (Fréhel, Plévenon, Sables-d’Or-les-Pins, Saint-Cast Le Guildo)
On-site services and amenities
- 6 dry toilets + 2 PRM toilets
- 90 parking
- Space to attach bicycles at parking level
If you would like to receive our activity suggestions and good deals around Cap Fréhel, it's this way !
Preservation and ecological commitment of Cap Fréhel
Eco-friendly actions to adopt on the Grand Site de FranceOn site, adopt responsible behavior 💚
- Stay on marked trails
- Do not pick plants
- Plan a picnic and take your trash away
- Respect the tranquility of wildlife
- Take a water bottle
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