Monts d’Arrée Circuit

i Image by Bernard 63

How would you rate Monts d’Arrée Circuit?

Tap a star to share your experience and help other hikers.

Monts d’Arrée Circuit: Brittany’s Wild Moorland Day Loop

Published 17 July 2025 Updated 1 July 2026

506

Ranked #506 of 974

See the Top 100 →

HikeList Score

Monts d’Arrée Circuit scored 80/100 on HikeList's trail-quality metrics.

Very Good

See score breakdownHide breakdown

Ideal length 55
Balanced challenge 100
Scenery & wildness 71
Varied terrain 89
Accommodation 75
Food & support 88
Path quality 98
Season flexibility 89

Computed from length, challenge, scenery & wildness, terrain variety, accommodation, food & support, path quality and season flexibility.

The Monts d’Arrée Circuit is a moderate 14.5 km day loop in inland Finistère, within Brittany’s Parc Naturel Régional d’Armorique. Starting and finishing near Brasparts, it links Ménez Mikel, the Chapelle Saint-Michel de Brasparts, the Yeun Elez peat bog and Lac Saint-Michel. It suits hikers looking for a short but wild-feeling route in France: the climbs are modest, but the moorland is exposed, often muddy, and can be hard to navigate in mist.

Route Overview

The classic circuit starts and ends at Brasparts, with free parking near the base of Ménez Mikel on rue Saint-Michel or at the Antéa car park. It is a loop, so no return transport is needed. The route climbs towards Ménez Mikel and the Chapelle Saint-Michel de Brasparts, reaches the high point at Menez-Kador / Tuchenn Kador at about 383 m, then crosses moorland and bog-edge paths around the Yeun Elez and Lac Saint-Michel before returning via hamlets such as Kernévez. For a different French protected-area feel, compare it with Ballons des Vosges Park Trails or the coastal history of the D-Day Beaches Circuit.

History of the Monts d’Arrée

The Monts d’Arrée form part of the ancient Armorican Massif, where long erosion has left hard sandstone and quartzite ridges above softer ground. Historically, the range marked the boundary between Cornouaille and Léon. The chapel on Ménez Mikel stands on a hilltop associated with Celtic and druidic worship, while the Yeun Elez bog is central to Breton folklore. The wider landscape is protected within the Parc Naturel Régional d’Armorique, created in 1969.

Notable highlights

Chapelle Saint-Michel de Brasparts (c.381 m): A small granite chapel on the Ménez Mikel summit, built from 1672 and consecrated in 1677. It is the route’s landmark viewpoint and is visible across the moor.
Menez-Kador / Tuchenn Kador (383 m): The high point of this loop. It gives the walk its upland character without becoming a high-mountain route.
Yeun Elez peat bog and Vénec nature reserve: A wet, atmospheric peatland crossed on boardwalks and planks. In Breton folklore, the Youdig is linked with the souls of the dead and a gateway to Hell.
Lac Saint-Michel: The Brennilis reservoir sits in the Yeun Elez basin, fringed by moor and bog. The route uses its shores for broad, open views and birdwatching potential.
Open heather moorland: The Monts d’Arrée hold Brittany’s largest expanse of moorland, roughly 8,000 ha. Heather, gorse, peat and rocky crests make the landscape feel wilder than its altitude suggests.
July 2022 wildfire scar: A major wildfire burned more than 2,200 ha of moorland, but the flames stopped just metres from the chapel, which was later restored.

Challenges to expect

Expect wet ground, muddy sections and boardwalks over peat rather than sustained climbing. Waterproof boots are strongly recommended. The ridges are exposed, and mist or low cloud can reduce visibility quickly, so carry a map or GPS and do not rely only on sightlines. There are no huts or on-trail services; plan it as a self-sufficient day walk. For bigger French mountain terrain, see the Cirque de Gavarnie Trails or Chartreuse Trail GR9 Segment.

506

Ranked #506 of 974

See the Top 100 →