4.7
(165)
865
hikers
Tour of the Roscanvel Peninsula
03:42
13.8km
180m
Hiking
Hike a moderate 8.5-mile loop from Roscanvel to La Pointe des Espagnols, offering coastal views and historical fortifications.
Last updated: February 26, 2026
Tips
Your route passes through a protected area
Please check local regulations for:
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
Get Directions
4.01 km
View of Brest and its roadstead from the Pointe des Espagnols
Highlight • Viewpoint
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Tip by
6.00 km
Fort Robert
Highlight • Castle
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Tip by
6.07 km
Command post
Highlight • Other
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Tip by
10.3 km
Fort des Capucins
Highlight • Historical Site
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Tip by
13.8 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
6.61 km
2.62 km
2.25 km
1.56 km
705 m
Surfaces
6.58 km
2.53 km
2.00 km
1.49 km
1.14 km
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Elevation
Highest point (80 m)
Lowest point (20 m)
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Weather
Powered by Foreca
Monday 25 May
32°C
20°C
0 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 13.0 km/h
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This route was planned by komoot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I park to start the La Pointe des Espagnols loop?
The loop typically starts from Roscanvel. You can find parking in the village of Roscanvel, which serves as a convenient starting point for this coastal hike.
Is the La Pointe des Espagnols loop dog-friendly?
Yes, the trail is generally dog-friendly. However, as parts of the route follow the GR®34 coastal path, it's advisable to keep dogs on a leash, especially near cliffs, livestock, or protected areas within the Parc Naturel Régional d'Armorique.
What is the best time of year to hike this loop?
Spring and autumn are often ideal for hiking this trail. The weather is usually milder, and the coastal scenery is beautiful. Summer can also be pleasant, but it might be busier. Always check the local weather forecast before you go, as coastal conditions can change rapidly.
Are there any permits or entrance fees required for this trail or the Parc Naturel Régional d'Armorique?
No, there are no specific permits or entrance fees required to hike the La Pointe des Espagnols loop or to access the Parc Naturel Régional d'Armorique. It is freely accessible to the public.
How long does it typically take to complete this hiking loop?
Hikers generally complete this moderate loop in about 4 to 4.5 hours, depending on their pace and how much time they spend exploring the historical sites and viewpoints along the way.
What kind of terrain can I expect on the trail?
The trail primarily follows the rugged coastline, often utilizing sections of the GR®34 coastal path. You'll encounter rocky outcrops, some sections with coastal vegetation, and impressive cliffs. While mostly coastal, there are also parts that venture slightly inland before returning to the sea.
What historical sites and viewpoints can I see along the route?
This trail is rich in history and offers stunning views. You'll pass numerous military fortifications, some dating back centuries, including Fort Robert and Fort des Capucins. The highlight is undoubtedly the View of Brest and its roadstead from the Pointe des Espagnols, offering panoramic vistas of Brest harbor, the city, and surrounding peninsulas.
Does the trail intersect other well-known paths?
Yes, a significant portion of this loop follows the famous GR®34, also known as the "sentier des douaniers" (customs officers' path), which traces the Breton coastline. You'll also find sections that coincide with the Chemin des Douaniers, Lanvéoc - Pentrez, and the Sentier Côtier.
Is this loop suitable for families with children?
Given its moderate difficulty, modest elevation gain (around 150-180 meters), and well-maintained paths, this loop is generally accessible for families with children who are accustomed to hiking. The historical sites and coastal views can also be engaging for younger explorers.
What is the origin of the name "Pointe des Espagnols"?
The name "Pointe des Espagnols" (Spanish Point) dates back to a significant historical event in 1594 during the Wars of Religion. Spanish forces attempted to establish a fort here to control access to Brest harbor, leading to a prolonged conflict. While no original Spanish fort remains, the name commemorates this strategic historical battle.
Are there any facilities like restrooms or water sources along the trail?
While the trail itself is a natural coastal path, you'll find facilities like restrooms and potentially water sources in the village of Roscanvel at the start/end of the loop. It's always recommended to carry enough water for your hike, especially on warmer days.
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Trail Reviews
The northern tip of the Crozon Peninsula. More splendid and varied landscapes... Loop from Roscanvel via the Pointe des Espagnols.
With wonderful weather ☀️, one last big tour here in the Betagne, tomorrow it's supposed to be bad weather 🌧️. So we decided to really make the most of the nice weather. Conclusion in advance: it was worth it! 😍 This tour was also very varied and beautiful. This time, however, with a special focus on fortifications ⚔️🏰. These are practically everywhere on the north and west coast of the Roscanvel peninsula. At times you get the impression that one fortress flows into the next without a break, or that the whole island is one single fortress. It depends. The fortresses range from observation posts to camps to battle stations and cover at least the period from the 17th to the 20th century. It is often a mixture of everything, so old structures have been rebuilt and expanded again and again. The fact that there are so many facilities is mainly due to their location directly in or on the strait through which you enter the Bay of Brest. This area and the bay were and are always strategically of extraordinary military importance. Some of the facilities are freely accessible and some are also exciting to explore, some are now cordoned off and/or access is prohibited. Unfortunately, this applies to some of the most exciting facilities, such as the Fort des Capucins, which is located on a small offshore island. This is particularly hard because the fort is so easy to see from above and therefore just begs to be visited... 😩 Despite the exciting exploration, it is sad what efforts people make to fight each other. As a German, this has a particularly sad dimension for me, as you can always see the facilities we added during the Second World War. In recent years I have often asked myself why we humans seem to be able to achieve so much more than usual in the course of oppressing others. At least that is the impression I get from the gigantic amount of military facilities that we Germans have built here in such a short time. 😣 The tour also includes a number of wonderful views 🏞️ and a lot of nature 🌿, which is also reclaiming the man-made buildings. In some cases you can no longer even recognize the buildings because they are so completely overgrown! In contrast to the tours directly on the coast, such as at Penn Hir, there is significantly more vegetation here, even a large number of trees 🌳, to admire. Some pine trees, especially in Roscanvel, are huge! The path at the end along the stream is also very pretty. Here too there are old (civilian) facilities to discover, such as the ruins of what is probably an old mill and an old dam. If the creperie "Ty Billig" in Roscanvel is open, this is also a wonderful place to stop 😋. Unfortunately, it was closed when we were there. 🥹 All in all, a highly recommended tour!