A mooring where boats tie up to tree trunks and the highest cliffs in Brittany give Plouha a distinctive profile. Coastal scenery, medieval chapels and Second World War memorial sites offer different points of interest. Planning also means considering which experiences depend on conditions or timing: access at Pors Moguer is tide-dependent, kayaking excursions are available seasonally, and sailing lessons take place year-round.
Cliff Coast, Circular Trail and Port
The rocky coast of the Falaises de Plouha stretches for 14 kilometres; these are the highest cliffs in Brittany. Pointe de Plouha reaches a height of 104 metres. The 15.79-kilometre Randonnée des Falaises de Plouha circular trail can be divided into two sections. It passes Plage Bonaparte, the site of Alphonse’s house, the Royal Air Force memorial stele, Chapelle Saint-Samson, Port de Gwin Zégal, Pointe de Plouha and Plage du Palus. Check the route distance locally before setting out.
Port de Gwin Zégal is a historic mooring dating from the 5th century and is still in use. Boats are secured there to tree trunks with ropes and chains. Access is via a staircase leading down. As conditions of use may change over time, it is worth checking for current information before your visit.
Plage Bonaparte is also known as Anse Cochat. Its name comes from a Second World War codename; the beach is reached through a tunnel cut into the rock. At Plage de Pors Moguer, by contrast, the tide is the key factor: the beach can be explored at low tide, while the access path is submerged as the tide rises. Conditions can change with the tide and weather, so check the tide level when planning your visit.
Chapels and Historical Traces
Chapelle Kermaria An Iskuit contains a medieval mural depicting the Dance of Death, one of the rare wall paintings of this art form in France. The oldest parts of the chapel date from the 13th century. For an immersive visit, the “L’Évasion Shelburn” audio guide is available from the tourist office. Check its availability in advance.
Chapelle de la Trinité also offers a distinct historical point of interest: it stands at the highest point in Plouha and is mentioned in a document dating from 1354. The Stèle Bonaparte commemorates acts of resistance during the Second World War. Together, these sites offer different ways to explore Plouha’s history, from medieval art and architecture to memories of the war.
Kayaking and Sailing: Different Timeframes
The Centre nautique de Bréhec offers seasonal 1.5-hour kayaking excursions to Plouha’s cliffs and caves. A qualified instructor accompanies the tour. If you would like to plan this activity, check whether it is offered during your travel dates.
The Centre nautique de Bréhec also offers supervised sailing lessons with a qualified instructor on Wednesdays and Saturdays throughout the year. Participation depends on age and skill level; check the operating days again before your trip. Kayaking excursions have a set duration of 1.5 hours and are seasonal, while sailing lessons are tied to specific days of the week, as well as age and skill level. This lets you choose a water-sports focus based on the available timeframes without treating the two activities as equivalent.
For your travel dates, three differences are especially useful to keep in mind: the tide level at Plage de Pors Moguer, the seasonal availability of kayaking tours and the days of the week when sailing lessons take place. Cultural sites and the coast add their own places to visit. This makes it easier to choose what you want your trip to Plouha to focus on.
Discover more destinations: Plouagat, Léhon, Louannec, Magoar, Trébry, Saint-Igeaux, Pouldouran, Tréguier
For the broader travel overview: Côtes-D’armor.
