La Pointe Saint-Mathieu

A sense of history and powerful symbols still surround Pointe Saint-Mathieu. The starting place for the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage, it is the most westerly point in mainland France. Impressive cliffs support the Saint-Mathieu lighthouse, its red and white colour-scheme contrasting with the deep blue ocean. Visible for 29 nautical miles, its light is a navigation aid to vessels as far away as the Brest narrows. It is open for visits, offering spectacular views from the top, 37 metres up, of a coastline plunging deep into the sea.

Beside it the Memorial to sailors who have died for France is a place for reflection, along with the ruins of the former 11th Century abbey, classified a historic monument, which was once an important place of worship and pilgrimage for the region. They say these remains bear witness to the presence of an even older abbey, founded by Saint Tanguy in the 6th Century. Our 4-star hotel is also the perfect base to explore Finistère on foot, following the GR34 footpath along the coast. Going back to 1791, some 1800 km of paths cross the moorlands to access sumptuous landscapes, some of the most beautiful views in Brittany, and stunning coastal panoramas of the islands.