Monts d'Arrée Mountains

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.

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.

• 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.