Cap Fréhel
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Gert Lucas
Shoot with care
About this spot
Cap Fréhel is a headland on the Emerald Coast (Côte d'Emeraude) in northeastern Brittany. It is the northernmost point of the rocky promontory between the towns of Saint-Malo and Saint-Brieuc.
The promontory, which is located almost 8.5 km from the village center of Fréhel and 4 km from Plévenon, has been declared a protected nature reserve and is known for its steep cliffs and as a breeding ground for numerous bird species. The rock walls, with a height of 70 meters, consist of red sandstone, black slate and reddish granite stones. The lawns that run between and along the rock walls are part of a 300-hectare moorland landscape. Walking on the granite stones requires agility and balance, with the danger of falling between the rock crevices. The rough top layer of the stone provides a kind of anti-slip. When walking and especially when stamping, the almost round granite stones sound hollow. Especially at high tide, the sea water swirls, rumbles and rumbles between and under the stones. Some erratic shaped boulders, when viewed from a certain point, have peculiar shapes, yielding names such as "Emperor Napoleon's Hat" and the "Pig's Head".
Two lighthouses have been built on the cape. One dates back to the 1650s and was built under King Louis XIV by the famous general, fortress builder and architect Vauban. The second and newer lighthouse, which was raised in 1950, can be climbed at regular intervals. In case of favorable weather conditions, the Channel Islands can be seen from the tower.
The promontory, which is located almost 8.5 km from the village center of Fréhel and 4 km from Plévenon, has been declared a protected nature reserve and is known for its steep cliffs and as a breeding ground for numerous bird species. The rock walls, with a height of 70 meters, consist of red sandstone, black slate and reddish granite stones. The lawns that run between and along the rock walls are part of a 300-hectare moorland landscape. Walking on the granite stones requires agility and balance, with the danger of falling between the rock crevices. The rough top layer of the stone provides a kind of anti-slip. When walking and especially when stamping, the almost round granite stones sound hollow. Especially at high tide, the sea water swirls, rumbles and rumbles between and under the stones. Some erratic shaped boulders, when viewed from a certain point, have peculiar shapes, yielding names such as "Emperor Napoleon's Hat" and the "Pig's Head".
Two lighthouses have been built on the cape. One dates back to the 1650s and was built under King Louis XIV by the famous general, fortress builder and architect Vauban. The second and newer lighthouse, which was raised in 1950, can be climbed at regular intervals. In case of favorable weather conditions, the Channel Islands can be seen from the tower.
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