A site steeped in history
A 480-million-year-old mountain
Full of sensations
Paragliding on the Menez-Hom: it's possible!
Land of legends
Can you find the dahut on the mountain?
At the entrance to the Crozon peninsula, in the heart of Menez-Hom Atlantique
Overlooking the Bay of Douarnenez, Menez-Hom, an extension of the Montagnes Noires, rises to just 330 meters. Yet the view from its heights is breathtaking. At 360 degrees, you can see all the landscapes of Finistère: from the sea to the moors, from the mountains to the Aulne valley. A must-see site in Brittany!
Le Menez-Hom
An exceptional site
Once you've reached the summit of Menez-Hom, you'll have a perfect view of the Bay of Douarnenez, the Pointe du Van in Cap-Sizun, the Crozon peninsula and the Bay of Brest.
Turn towards Argoat (= the land), and the landscape changes: the blue of the ocean gives way to the warm colors and green of the moorland. The Nantes-Brest canal can be seen in the distance, La Roche du Feu points skywards and, on a clear day, you can make out the bell tower of thePleyben parish church.
Did you know?
The Menez-Hom site straddles 4 communes: Plomodiern, Saint-Nic, Dinéault and Trégarvan.
Historical focus
Menez-Hom has been a sacred mountain since prehistoric times, as evidenced by the numerous Celtic monuments found there since the beginning of the last century. It was also a strategic location during Viking, pirate and British invasions. The "yed" ("watchtower" in Celtic) served as an observation post. In the event of an invasion, the lookout would light a fire, which was relayed to the peaks of the Monts d'Arrée, to warn the population of the enemy's arrival.
In the 19th century, Sainte-Marie du Menez-Hom, located at the foot of the mountain, was the site of cattle fairs four times a year, said to be the largest in the region. Transactions were carried out for the benefit of the chapel, which explains its splendour and wealth, which can still be seen today!
During the Second World War, the mountain top served as an observation post for the German army during the occupation. Nearby, 18 British and American airmen hid in the Sainte-Marie chapel between September and October 1943, before managing to reach England on fishing boats, aided by the local population. The Forces Françaises de l'Intérieur (French Interior Forces) retook Menez-Hom by force in 1944, proudly planting the French flag.
At the bottom of the hill, near the chapel, you can see a stele in memory and glory of the Finistère resistance.
"Pronunciation tutorial!
How to pronounce "Menez-Hom"
If you want to speak local, keep the "z" silent and pronounce "Ménéom"!
The astonishing legend of King Marc'h
Since time immemorial, Menez-Hom has been a place of legends. It is said that a powerful king, who reigned supreme over Cornouaille, was cursed with horse ears ("Marc'h" in Breton). Furious, he committed numerous acts of violence that led to his death. Condemned by God to hell, Saint Mary, to whom he was devoted, interceded on his behalf. King Marc'h was able to reach paradise the day his tomb at Menez-Hom was high enough to allow a view of the bell tower of the Sainte-Marie chapel.
Another well-known legend has it that the dahut, an imaginary animal similar to the fox, only comes out on the night of August 15th to roam around Menez-Hom. Whoever found the dahut would become very rich! How to recognize it: two of its legs are shorter to walk on the mountainside...
August 15 is also the day of the Festival du Menez Hom, which has been held since 1959 and features a wide range of events. Although it now takes place in the village, it was once held at the top of the mountain, where you can still see the podium slab! If you're passing through, take the opportunity to check it out... Who knows, maybe fortune is just around the corner?
Every summer
To find out all about the many legends surrounding Menez-Hom, take part in our summer storytelling walks! To register, contact the tourist office.
Le Menez-hom
As you'll see, Menez-Hom boasts a rich... but fragile... biodiversity. Mainly made up of moorland with gorse and heather, and peat bogs, it is home to some rare species of flora and fauna. The site has been classified as a Natura 2000 site since 2007, and as a natural heritage site since 2014. Activities are still possible, but regulated.
Menez-Hom is located in the Parc Naturel Régional d'Armorique and is the subject of a "Life Landes" program designed to restore over 200 hectares of heathland and peat bogs on three emblematic sites. These environments are threatened by the effects of climate change, visitor numbers and changes in forestry and farming practices.
A few tips:
To enjoy the beautiful landscapes of the Menez-Hom in the long term and preserve its biodiversity, follow these few tips:
- Park only in reserved spaces
Stay on marked trails - Don't collect any animal or plant species - just take a photo!
- Keep your garbage with you.
Exceptional wildlife...
If you're observant and lucky, you may be able to spot some rare species such as the Flooded Lycopod, Quimper Snail, Hen Harrier, European Nightjar or Pitchou Warbler.
Living the menez-hom
Looking for a crazy and memorable experience on the Menez-Hom? Now's the time to take a paragliding course! An incredible feeling of freedom, a breathtaking view, accessible thanks to schools that offer introductory courses. Are you tempted?Model aircraft enthusiasts will also find the summit of Menez-Hom an exceptional playground!
Explore Menez-Hom
On foot or by bike:
To discover the Menez-Hom, you can park in the parking lot and reach the summit in just a few minutes, or decide to go on foot. The signposted hiking trail "Vers le sommet du Menez-Hom " is rated as difficult (19 km, approx. 5 hours), but for seasoned walkers, it's the best way to explore this unique site, discovering the landscapes and views that unfold as you gain altitude. 2 mountain bike trails on the Menez-Hom also provide access to the summit and its splendid panoramas.
Photo credits: Vincent Edwell, Emmanuel Berthier, Yannick Derennes, Le Saint Photographie, Guillaume Prié.