A biodiversity treasure trove
A sanctuary between land and sea
As you’d expect from a natural sanctuary, the Pointe du Raz (pronounced ‘pwon-du-rah’) is home to a truly amazing array of flora and fauna, and the first conservation initiatives date back to the 1990s. Our commitment to preserving biodiversity in this unique spot has only intensified over time, earning the coastal point the prestigious label of ‘Grand Site de France’ in 2004. Steep cliffs, moorland scattered with heather and the open marine environment provide a favourite habitat for many species, many of which are rare. You can see seabirds nesting on the rock face alongside resilient plants that are perfectly adapted to these windy conditions. Over the last 50 years, Finistère’s local government has been pursuing a policy of protecting, managing and opening up the region’s natural areas to the public so that the quality of life can be preserved to benefit everyone in Finistère. It has acquired more than 12,000 acres spread over nearly 130 sites that encompass dunes, wetlands and moors as well as woodland and forests.
An open-air laboratory
At the far western tip of Brittany, the Pointe du Raz is a natural laboratory, ideal for observing and studying unique ecosystems that have adapted to extreme conditions, and making this site a prime environment for research. Geologists, climatologists and oceanographers study ancient rock formations, complex marine dynamics and the impacts of climate change.
These landscapes are born from an ever-changing history and geography. The morphology of the coastline and the particular climatic conditions of Cap Sizun (the zone at the very tip of western Brittany) have enabled exceptional natural habitats to develop on the reefs, cliffs and dunes here. The Cap Sizun Reserve covers the communes of Cléden-Cap-Sizun and Goulien, and is part of this protection programme, offering a range of activities for visitors. Out at sea, the Iroise Natural Marine Park monitors and studies the local marine environments and works to protect them.
A dream-come-true for botanists
Some truly fascinating plant species thrive here on the windswept moors, cliffs and meadows. Rock samphire (Crithmum maritimum) and the carnation-like flowers of sea thrift (Armeria maritima) colonise the rocks, while rare species such as lax-flowered sea lavender (Limonium humile) and sea carrot (Daucus carota subsp. gummifer) have also adapted well here. This vegetation on the coast echoes the scientific monitoring of other sites in Finistère, where various other species flourish: Pylaes’ Sphagnum or clubmoss in the Arrée Mountains, the moors of Menez Meur in Hanvec and Cragou, and the Glénan Narcissus (Narcissus triandrius subsp capax) found in the Glénan archipelago. These fragile environments, rich in endemic species, require special attention to preserve their exceptional biodiversity.
The kingdom of seabirds
Every spring, the Cap Sizun welcomes back familiar seabird species such as the Common Murre, Black-legged Kittiwake, Northern Fulmar and European Herring Gull, coming to nest on its steep cliffs. The coastline of the Grand Site is one of the biggest breeding grounds for seabirds in France, so it’s an ideal place to observe these beautiful and fascinating birds. As well as seabirds, you can spot remarkable species such as the Peregrine Falcon, the Common Raven and the Red-billed Chough, living here all year round. This ornithological heritage is part of a rich mosaic of natural habitats in Finistère: Vénec nature reserve is home to the Northern Harrier, Trunvel lake is home to both the Bearded Reedling and the Eurasian Reed Warbler, and the Glénan islands are home to Roseate and Sandwich Terns. This part of western Brittany really is a dream come true for birdwatchers!
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