Monts d'Arrée
Mountains Rugged moorland hills in western Brittany
High moorland in central Brittany with rocky tors and peat bogs, the Monts d’Arrée suit walkers and cyclists seeking open trails, small Breton villages and expansive sky views.
The Monts d’Arrée are a compact range of rounded hills in western Brittany, France, forming part of the Armorican Massif. The range includes Brittany’s highest point, Roc’h Ruz, at 385 metres.
The hills are a geological remnant of the Armorican Massif and have been shaped by long-term weathering and peat formation. Human use has included grazing, small-scale peat cutting and the siting of chapels and waymarkers over several centuries.
Situated in central Finistère in western Brittany, the Monts d’Arrée sit within the Parc naturel régional d’Armorique; nearby small towns include Brasparts and Huelgoat.
- Park protection: Area lies largely within the Parc naturel régional d'Armorique, offering marked trails and protected moorland habitats.
- Terrain and clothing: Peat bogs and acidic heath dominate the landscape, so sturdy footwear and weatherproof clothing are recommended for hikes.
What to See #
- Roc'h Ruz: Highest point of the range and of Brittany at 385 metres, forming a rocky skyline of exposed granite tors and heathland that is a focal point for walks and views.
- Mont Saint-Michel de Brasparts: Prominent summit with a small chapel and panoramic viewpoints over the surrounding moors; a common start or end point for local circular walks.
How to Get to Monts d'Arrée #
The Monts d’Arrée are in central Brittany; access is by regional roads from towns such as Morlaix and Carhaix. Public transport is limited-driving gives the best access to trailheads and village inns.
Tips for Visiting Monts d'Arrée #
- Visit Roc'h Ruz at dawn for low cloud and light that gives the moorland an otherworldly glow.
- Look for Breton legend markers and stone menhirs on exposed ridges - the hills are steeped in local folklore.
- Wear windproof clothing; the exposed plateaus can be surprisingly cold and gusty even in summer.
Best Time to Visit Monts d'Arrée #
The Monts d'Arrée are best in late spring and summer when trails are passable; autumn offers dramatic skies and quieter moorland walks.
Weather & Climate near Monts d'Arrée #
Monts d'Arrée's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 3°C to 20°C. Abundant rainfall (1134 mm/year), wettest in January.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 8°C and lows of 3°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (137 mm).
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February
February is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (111 mm).
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March
March is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 4°C. Regular rainfall (98 mm).
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April
April is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (76 mm).
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May
May is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (76 mm).
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June
June is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (59 mm).
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July
July is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (51 mm).
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August
August is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (62 mm).
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September
September is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 11°C. Regular rainfall (87 mm).
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October
October is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 9°C. Significant rainfall (107 mm).
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November
November is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (133 mm).
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December
December is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 4°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (137 mm).