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.

Main image

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.
Monts d'Arrée
48.4333, -3.9167

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.

Late spring-summer
May-August · 10-22°C
Milder weather for walking the open moors and visiting small villages.
Autumn-early winter
September-November · 5-14°C
Dramatic skies, migrating birds and moodier light across the peatlands.

Weather & Climate near Monts d'Arrée #

Climate

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.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
20°
Warmest Month
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coolest month with highs of 8°C and lows of 3°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (137 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature

Weather

137 mm
Rainfall
5.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

February

February is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (111 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature

Weather

111 mm
Rainfall
5.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

March

March is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 4°C. Regular rainfall (98 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
10°

Weather

98 mm
Rainfall
5.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

April

April is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (76 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
12°

Weather

76 mm
Rainfall
5.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

May

May is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (76 mm).

Comfort

12°
Feels Like Cool
12°C
Temperature
15°

Weather

76 mm
Rainfall
4.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

June

June is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (59 mm).

Comfort

14°
Feels Like Cool
14°C
Temperature
10° 18°

Weather

59 mm
Rainfall
4.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

July

July is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (51 mm).

Comfort

16°
Feels Like Cool
16°C
Temperature
12° 20°

Weather

51 mm
Rainfall
4.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

August

August is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (62 mm).

Comfort

16°
Feels Like Cool
16°C
Temperature
12° 20°

Weather

62 mm
Rainfall
4.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

September

September is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 11°C. Regular rainfall (87 mm).

Comfort

15°
Feels Like Cool
15°C
Temperature
11° 18°

Weather

87 mm
Rainfall
4.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

October

October is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 9°C. Significant rainfall (107 mm).

Comfort

12°
Feels Like Cool
12°C
Temperature
15°

Weather

107 mm
Rainfall
4.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

November

November is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (133 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
11°

Weather

133 mm
Rainfall
5.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

December

December is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 4°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (137 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature

Weather

137 mm
Rainfall
5.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

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