huelgoat tourist information

Lost high in the Parc d’Armorique in central Finistère, the village of Huelgoat looks sleepy at first sight, and its lake peaceful. However, descend into the Argent Valley and you suddenly find yourself amidst a mass of magical mossy boulders that have stirred the Breton imagination in fabulous ways.

• Spend the night Huelgoat – it’s worth it! In addition to walking on the many paths that meander through the forest, it would be a shame to miss the former Girls’ School , which is now a very popular exhibition and summer events venue. It would also be a shame to miss taking a break at Café Librairie Sur la Route and, why not, flying over Monts d’Arrée in a microlight!
• Are you a fan of the Gallo-Roman period? Then keep going to Carhaix. Did you know that no less than 10 roads used to converge near the ancient Vorgium?  Discover them at the archaeological interpretation centre

Where to sleep in Huelgoat                                          Where to sleep in Carhaix

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Huelgoat tourism and travel guide

Visit Huelgoat: highlights and tourist information

France This Way comment: The walk through the ancient forest that is accessed from Huelgoat town centre is very popular with visitors

Huelgoat is situated in the Finistere department and Brittany region.

Important note

This page features a summary of highlights that you might like to explore near Huelgoat. For detailed visitor information see the Huelgoat travel guide .

Below you can see some of the places that we have visited and reviewed and can recommend when you are sightseeing close to Huelgoat in Brittany.

Popular places to visit nearby include Morlaix at 24 km and Plouezoch at 31 km.

Huelgoat, France: places to visit and attractions

Note that all distances below are 'direct' and real driving distances will be greater!

Guerlesquin

Armorique Regional Park

Saint-Pol-de-Leon

Saint-Pol-de-Léon cathedral

... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Finistere

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Map of places to visit near huelgoat, markets in and near huelgoat.

Market days in Huelgoat: weekly market: Thursday;

• Huelgoat: market Thursday (0km)
• Carhaix-Plouguer: market Saturday all day (16km)
• Callac: market Wednesday all day (24km)
• Morlaix: market Saturday all day (25km)
• Gourin: market Monday all day (27km)
• Landivisiau: market Wednesday all day (29km)
• Chateaulin: market Thursday all day (32km)
• Plestin-les-Greves: market Sunday (34km)
• Plouaret: market Tuesday (34km)
• Rostrenen: market Tuesday (35km)

More information about Huelgoat, Brittany

Tourist attractions near huelgoat, france.

What to do at Huelgoat? Some places with official tourist classifications and other places of interest to visit nearby that should provide inspiration if you are visiting Huelgoat.

Enclos paroissial churches

• Lannedern (13km)
• Plouneour-Ménez (14km)
• Commana (17km)
• Brasparts (17km)
• Plougonven (18km)
• Pleyben (22km)
• Saint Thégonnec (23km)
• Guimiliau (23km)
• Sizun (25km)
• Locmelar (26km)
• Lampaul-Guimiliau (26km)
• La Martyre (33km)
• Bodilis (33km)
• La Roche Maurice (36km)
• Argol (44km)

Most beautiful villages in France

(see also beautiful French villages )

• Locronan (45km)

National Monuments

• Cairn de Barnenez (31km)

Regional Natural Parcs

• Armorique (39km)

Remarkable gardens

• Arboretum de Poërop (0km)
• Parc du château de Trévarez (24km)
• Jardin du Grand Launay (39km)
• Jardin exotique (44km)
• Jardin Delasselle (47km)
• Jardin du prieuré de Locmaria (48km)
• Jardin du château de Lanniron (48km)
• Jardin du château de la Roche-Jagu (60km)

Sites of natural beauty

• Mont Saint-Michel de Brasparts (15km)
• Menez-Hom (40km)
• Menez Bré (40km)

Towns of Art and history

• Quimper (49km)

Villages d'etape

(recommended place to break a long journey)

• Saint-Thegonnec (23km)

Villages in bloom 4* (fr: ville fleurie)

• Lannion (46km)
• Pontrieux (57km)

Geography and distances

Huelgoat is in the north-west of France at 48 kilometres from Quimper, the department capital (general information: Huelgoat is 451 kilometres from Paris).

Geographical Information

Commune: Huelgoat

Canton: Huelgoat

Arrondissement: Châteaulin

Department: Finistere

Region: Brittany

Postcode: 29690

Distance to Huelgoat

from Quimper (prefecture): 48 km

from Paris: 451 km

from Calais: 495 km

from Nice: 994 km

from Bordeaux: 461 km

from Strasbourg: 847 km

Getting here

Most visitors Most UK visitors arrive by car from one of the many cross-channel ports along the Brittany and Normandy coast. These are typically within 2 hours drive. For driving distances to Huelgoat from anywhere in France see driving distances and route planner .

We have 3 other places listed as being close (less than kilometres from ): Berrien , Locmaria-Berrien and Plouye .

This page in French: Visiter Huelgoat

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Not to be missed under any circumstances when you visit the Heart of Brittany is the village of Huelgoat. Located in the Parc Naturel Régional d’Armorique, in the very heart of the Monts d’Arrée, you will be charmed by the natural beauty of this unspoiled site, its legendary forest, huge chaos of boulders and rocks, archeological sites, the lake and rivers.

Others before you, like the painter Paul Sérusier and men of letters like Victor Ségalen fell under the spell of Huelgoat, a place of calm and serenity lending itself to inspiration.

As you will discover, the magnificent chaos of huge boulders which leads from the edge of the lake beyond the rocky caverns along the Rivière d’Argent and through the forest, arouses both the surprise and admiration in the visitor.

You may well wonder how this amazing rock formation was created.

Legend has it that the giant, Gargantua, furious because of the poor welcome he was given by the local inhabitants, threw huge boulders from the area of Léon in the north of Finistère to Huelgoat. Another explanation, geological this time, claims that the rocks were formed in the depths of the earth from the fusion of liquid masses and then moved up through the earth’s crust. The rocks solidified when they cooled down and then split.

As you walk in the forest you will discover many geological curiosities.

Do you know how to move the famous “Roche Tremblante”? If you know where to find the right pressure point and push against the rock with your back, even a child could move this 100 ton “stone”. You just have to know exactly where to lean.

Do you have the nerve to go down into the Devils’ Cave (La Grotte du Diable)? As it leaves the lake, the Rivière d’Argent falls 20 metres and disappears under the boulders of Le Chaos, into a cavern that you can visit.

Contact : Office de Tourisme des Monts d'Arrée Huelgoat : 02 98 99 72 32 Brasparts : 02 98 81 47 06 Mail :  [email protected] Internet :  www.montsdarreetourisme.bzh

• The Nantes – Brest canal
• The valley of the saints

Huelgoat magical forest – Rock formations

Huelgoat, an antic mining town.

Huelgoat sits on the edge of a large man-made lake.

The name Huelgoat comes from the Breton huel meaning high and goat for wood .

The Celts and Romans already exploited the area’s lead and silver mines.

However, the local mining industry reached its heyday in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Around 1,600 miners indeed extracted up to 700 tonnes of lead and nearly 2 tonnes of silver per year.

These mines left their name to the river Argent that flows from the 15h lake that sits at the centre of Huelgoat.

German miners constructed two canals in the 16th century in order to run the hydraulic machinery at the old lead and silver mine, which is nestled in the heart of the forest.

All that is left of it, though, are old mine workings, the wheel and ruined master’s house.

Le Chaos De Rochers – Eccentric rock formations

The Arboretum du Poërop – Les arbes du monde au Huelgoat indeed boasts about 3,600 types of trees and shrubs from five continents.

It is well worth a visit particularly during the spring and autumn.

However, Huelgoat is mostly renowned for its 1000ha forest which is littered with heaps of strange rock formations.

The huge granite boulders (some 20m high) of Le Chaos De Rochers border the sparkling river Argent.

La Roche Tremblante – Trembling or Shaking Rock

La Roche Tremblante, also known as Logan stone, is one of the most impressive boulders in the forest.

The 137 tonnes and 7m long granite boulder is pivoted in such a way that it can be moved if you know the right place to push… the pivot point!

These types of stones are also known as roulers.

Druids considered them a symbol of universal balance.

Le champignon – Mushroom

Le Champignon is another well named boulder!

This huge 200 tonnes boulder is balanced on a smaller rock to form the shape of a mushroom.

You’ll need to leave the forest to see it, as it is located in a little wooded area across from the Intermarché supermarket on the road that links Huelgoat to Berrien.

If you can’t see it from the road, look for the pointed finger signpost opposite the supermarket car park.

However, you might find that dense foliage obscures it during the spring and summer.

Legends of the Forest of Huelgoat

As you can guess, these eccentric rock formations gave rise to numerous legends, many linked to the Arthurian Tradition .

However, there are many different versions, so here is a selection of our favourites.

Le Camp d’Artus and La Grotte D’Artus

Le Camp d’Artus, a large Iron Age hill fort.

It is said that King Arthur was buried with his servants in the natural cave La Grotte D’Artus.

Legend has it that Merlin the Wizard helped Arthur to find a fabulous treasure in the Valley of no Return, and that this treasure is hidden in this cave.

However, beware that demons who fly around in the form of Willo-the-wisps guard it.

La Grotte du Diable – Devil’s Grotto

La Grotte Du Diable plunges 10m below Huelgoat’s lake.

Access is easy, as you can park in town and walk to the entrance to the chaos, by the bridge at the end of the lake.

It’s also a few 100m from Le Moulin du Chaos, a working water mill dating from 1339.

A flight of slippery metal steps with a handrails lead down to the grotto.

However, be aware that it’s quite dark and a torch is much welcome!

Apparently, the grotto is the gateway to Hell…

Legend has it that it is at the end of the Chemin de l’Enfer – Path to Hell , a street lined with bars.

The devil will indeed allow anyone, who manages to reach the last bar in the street in a sober state, to return home; he will even spare his evil doings.

La Rivière de Sang – River of Blood

In the 4th century, Gradlon Mawr – Gradlon the Great, King of Cornouaille, fell in love with a beautiful half-woman/half-fairy.

They had a daughter, Dahut, who was raised by her father after her mother left him.

Her mother eventually returned and took possession of Dahut’s mind.

Dahut therefore became a cruel princess who took a new lover each night.

However, in the morning she would throw them into the River Argent from the Kastell Guibel, which stood on a bluff above the river.

In high winds, it is said that you can hear the cries and complaints of her dead lovers coming from the depths of the abyss.

If ever you hear them, you must say the ritual phrase “May God forgive the Dead” and pray for their eternal rest.

Le Chaos d’Huelgoat

In ancient times, a giant called Garguantua stopped in the forest of Huelgoat where he was suddenly struck by a terrible hunger.

The locals were very miserable (or perhaps just poor) and only offered him a thin porridge which, one suspects, did not sate his hunger.

He thus continued on his way to Léon region and found some more people who served him a hearty meal.

However, later as he was strolling along the coast, he lost his temper and hurled some large rocks that he found on the shore towards Huelgoat.

He thus formed the fantastic chaos of moss covered boulders that you can see in the forest today!

La Mare aux Sangliers – Wild Boar Pool

It is said that the fairy of the forest gave healing powers to the crystal clear pool.

A first legend says that the Lady of the Lake came to see Arthur, while he was bathing here, and healed his wounds with magic water from the pool.

Another legend says that, one day St. Peter and God descended to earth, dressed respectively as a lumberjack and a labourer.

However, a pregnant sow accompanied them.

The holy figures came across a house inhabited by an old baker woman.

They told her that the sow was about to give birth and that they would give it to her on the condition that they would have half of its litter when they returned.

The woman agreed.

They said that they would be back in a week.

The woman therefore built a hut for the beast and cared for her.

The following day the sow gave birth to eight piglets.

The woman thought that St. Peter and God would not know how many piglets the sow gave birth to.

She therefore decided to tell them that only four had been born, and hid four of the piglets in the unlit oven.

When the travelers returned they asked how many piglets had been born.

“Four” said the baker’s wife.

God and St. Peter asked “What about the ones in the oven, do they not count?”

The woman quickly apologized for the lie and St. Peter opened the oven and the four piglets scampered off into the forest.

However, the warm ashes had singed their coats.

Since that time locals say that pigs from Huelgoat have brown hair.

La Mare aux Fées – Fairies Pond

Legend has it that during the day fairies would paint their long hair with combs of gold and use the pond as a mirror.

However, if a fairy was caught talking to a boy she was thrown into the pond as a punishment and would drown!

You can indeed see the fairies at the bottom of the pond by moonlight.

However, beware!

They turn into the ugly toothless witches who can cast an evil spell on you!

Le Ménage de la Vierge – Virgin’s Household

Local folklore identifies this as the site of the Virgin Mary’s first house.

The piled up boulders indeed create a shelter with oddly shaped rocks resembling everyday utensils.

Apparently, you can work out a cauldron, ladle, butter dish, butter churn, some bellows, armchairs and a bed!

Supposedly you can even spot Jesus’ cradle!

Departement of Finistère Coordinates: Lat 48.364725 – Long -3.745646

Source photos and text: © Maria Richardson www.lostinfinistere.com – Wikimedia Commons header

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One of the legendary sites to discover in the forest of Huelgoat

Huelgoat travel guide

About huelgoat.

Huelgoat in Brittany is a secluded village, nestled in the Monts d'Arrée, that is home to the magical Forêt d'Huelgoat where unusual rock formations and fascinating myths and legends abound.

Meaning 'high wood' in Breton, Huelgoat was once the home of a Celtic Iron Age settlement and archaeologists have uncovered the ancient Celts' defences in the woods. Part of the Armorique Natural Regional Park, the Forêt d'Huelgoat is looked after by the French National Forest Authority. A remarkable area of amazing geology and rich in discoveries of prehistory, the forest is a mystical place associated with Arthurian and Christian myths and legends as well as some magical creatures. The village lies on an artificial lake which was built to provide water for the silver and lead mining industries that took place nearby. Today, it is a great place to go fishing with carp, pike, tench and perch among the species to be found here. On its bank sits an 18th century watermill that leads into the forest.

Places to visit

The Forêt d'Huelgoat is an enchanting forest where the River Argent splits into rushing streams and pretty pools with stepping stones, and waterfalls. At La Mare aux Fées, the fairy pool, it is said that fairies comb their hair with golden combs beside the pool to see their reflections, whilst the boars' pool is so-named as the wild boars of the forest used to come here to drink. The forest is strewn with moss-covered boulders, said to have been hurled by the giant Gargantua who did not appreciate the boiled buckwheat broth the villagers gave him to stave off his hunger. Several striking rock formations have earned intriguing names such as the Devil's Grotto, Arthur's Cave, where it is said he left some of his treasure, and a cave where a little imagination will open your eyes to the home of the Virgin Mary with a cauldron, ladle, bed and butter churn amongst other objects said to have been created from the rocks. The Celtic defences are also known as the Camp d'Artus, Arthur's camp.

Ever wanted to move a 100 tonne rock? La Roche Tremblante, or trembling rock is a huge megalith that pivots when weight is applied in a certain place - even a small child can move it! Little ones will also love Le Champignon, two boulders resembling a giant mushroom. If you look closely, perhaps you'll see fairies or korrigans, Breton spirits, moving about the beeches, oaks, and chestnuts or hiding amongst the ferns. Silver firs and Scots pines can also be found here. There is a circular signposted path from the watermill on the lake to explore the forest, or you can also take a tour to learn about the myths and legends of the forest. Writers and artists alike have been inspired by this bewitching place and there are many craftsmen and artisans in the town including ceramicists, leather makers, jewellers and enamellers.

The Atelier Bozoc in one of the village's oldest buildings, is the workshop of Sylvie Bozoc, a painter and sculptor who opens her workshop to the public. The 15th century Chapel of Our Lady of Heaven was restored in 2006 and is made from local granite. The chapel's sacred fountain was built in the 17th century and can be found near the Arboretum de Poërop. The arboretum contains 1000s of trees and shrubs from around the world, including eucalyptus from Australia and medicinal plants from the Himalayas, and has beautiful views of the traditional Finistère countryside.

Shopping and eating

The village has lots of quaint shops, cafés, and crêperies - including one in a clearing in the woods! Try some locally made jams and marmalades, mushrooms such as chanterelles and padfoots, and local honey. Crêpes and their savoury buckwheat versions, called galettes, are extremely popular here. The traditional Breton dish of kig ha farz, meaning meat and stuffing, is also well worth a try. Made from a stuffing mixture, the farz is simmered in a broth whilst inside a cloth bag and the dish is served with a variety of meats and vegetables. Like many traditional recipes, the exact ingredients vary from cook to cook depending on how their families cooked it! Along with restaurants across Brittany, fish and seafood from the coast also feature on the menus in Huelgoat. Enjoy your meal with some cidre Breton, the local cider, or a glass of locally produced mead.

If you’re looking to visit Huelgoat, the easiest route is from Roscoff which lies just an hour away by car. Alternatively, you can get to Huelgoat from St Malo in just over two hours. Brittany Ferries offers ferry routes to St Malo from Portsmouth and to Roscoff from Plymouth.

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Life in the land of legends

The Magical Forest of Huelgoat

Everyone has a special place that speaks to them. For some, it is a sandy beach. For others, it’s the hustle and bustle of a big city. For me, it’s the peace and tranquility of a forest. I love the smell of the moss and earth. I love listening to the sweet whisper of the trees. I love the perfect mix of stillness and the constant movement of wildlife. There’s always something to discover in a forest. Sometimes, it’s a little flower peeking out from between the rocks, or an interesting looking mushroom. Occasionally, you can spot an animal’s den made from fallen branches, sticks, and dried leaves.  There’s no shortage of magic in most forests, but as I found out last year, some have a little more magic than others….

One of the many reasons I love Brittany is the weather. Some may scratch their heads at this statement, as they’ve heard stories of how rainy and chilly it is in Brittany. Not true, I say! Brittany lies in a temperate climate, and therefore temperatures usually range between 40 to 70 degrees F. When I’m in Brittany, I can go out for a hike in January or June and get my fill of fresh air and green foliage. This may not seem like a very big deal to most people, but when you’ve grown up in a place that resembles Alaska from November to April, it is pretty special to be able to take a long stroll in January. With the proper shoes and some waterproof outerwear, I can trek through the woods 12 months a year for as long as my heart desires.

Last year, my dear friends took me to Huelgoat, a little village with a magical forest, located in the Finistere department of Brittany. Finistere means “end of the Earth” and Huelgoat means “high wood” or “the wood from above” in Breton. Even the names got me excited, especially since I hadn’t seen much of that area of Brittany. It became even more intriguing after my friends mentioned that this area is a land full of legends, some of which mention a certain King Arthur.

I had to find out more. I stumbled upon this website:   http://www.finisterebrittany.com/gigantic-boulders-huelgoat-forest and couldn’t wait to see the Devil’s Cave, Fairy Pond, and Boars’ Pool mentioned, all located in the forest that I would see with my friends. This and other sites described massive boulders scattered throughout the forest, deposited during the Ice Age. Or were they? According to the link above, the legend of Huelgoat forest offers another explanation:

Legend has it that Gargantua stopped at Huelgoat, struck by hunger, and asked the locals for something to eat. They only offered him boiled buckwheat broth that barely eased his hunger. Furious, he swore revenge and went elsewhere. Once he reached the richer lands of Léon, he satisfied his appetite then he took some of the round boulders from the sea and hurled them towards Huelgoat. They fell all along the river and throughout the Forest, creating the spectacle we see today….

The quaint little town of Huelgoat was an easy 2-hour drive from Rennes. When we arrived, I first noticed the peaceful lake and lovely stone bridge. Across the bridge was a map of the town, and even that looked like it was fresh out of a storybook.

We stopped for lunch at a lovely creperie, Creperie la Grotte, that overlooked the entrance to the forest. We were very pleased with the friendly service, delicious food, and the view overlooking the river.

With bellies full, we were off to begin our trek. Upon entering the forest, we were immediately struck by the incredible rock formations, the ways in which water had carved the boulders over time. Some even resembled bones and skulls. It is no surprise that, over the centuries, these massive rocks and quiet steams would inspire tales of giants and magicians, fairies and nymphs.

A few minutes into our walk, we heard the faint sound of harp music. If the forest hadn’t felt magical before that, it certainly did then. The harpist asked not to be photographed or videotaped, but suffice it to say it was one of the most beautiful pieces of music I had ever heard. Enchanting is the only word I can use to describe it.  Like us, others were moved by his craft, and chose to stop and listen, some standing in place, mesmerized, others sitting atop the boulders or on a log by the stream, being incredibly thankful to be in the forest at that moment in time.

Winding paths took us deeper into the forest, where I lost count how many shades of green lie in a single area. If I lived closer to Huelgoat, I feel sure that I would come here every day.

Several fellow travelers were stopped near a stream, listening to a storyteller recount one of the many legends that have sprung from this forest. Like the harpist, it wasn’t prudent to photograph her (or interrupt her to ask) but I do hope that she is here if you find your way here one day.

And after a good long walk through the wood, it was time to make our way back to the entrance of the forest.

If you are wondering what the Devil’s Cave was like, it was truly otherworldly …

First, one must climb down some very sketchy “stairs”. We climbed single file, as they are quite narrow. This did not leave room for photos, sadly. It is certainly worth a look about, but take great care if you do venture down.

Brittany truly is a land of legends. In my opinion, it is the best of all worlds. In one region alone, you will find castles, sandy beaches, large cities and charming villages. There is so much to see and do, and something to suit everyone’s tastes. But every now and then, it’s important to take some time away from the world and immerse yourself in nature. For me, there’s nothing more magical than that.

General information:

Address: 892 Rue de la Roche Tremblante, 29690 Huelgoat, France

Website: https://www.tourismebretagne.com/destinations/les-10-destinations/coeur-de-bretagne-kalon-breizh/la-foret-de-huelgoat/

Tourist office: https://www.france-voyage.com/cities-towns/huelgoat-8964/tourist-office-huelgoat-6065.htm

Note: there is a parking area by the lake where you can park your car and stroll about the town before or after your trek through the forest.

Things to know before you go:

Signs indicate to exercise caution and the area may not be suitable for young children or those with limited mobility. While the path through the forest is relatively clear, the areas around the rock formations are, as you can imagine, uneven, and getting through to the forest paths can be tricky. The area around the boulders can be slick, especially when wet. If you choose to explore this beautiful area, make sure you are wearing shoes with good traction. Watch your step, and enjoy!

Restaurants

Creperie la Grotte

25 rue des Cendres (3,741.25 mi) Huelgoat 29690

Open Tuesday through Friday 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Closed Sunday

Additional information and photos here:  https://www.facebook.com/Cr%C3%AAperie-Bar-La-Grotte-1564495043795889/

Creperie les Myrtilles

26 Place Aristide Briand, 29690 Huelgoat, France

Open 12 – 2 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, Saturday 12 – 2 p.m. and 7 – 8:45 p.m., Sunday 12 – 2:00 p.m. Closed Monday and Tuesday.

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11 comments.

Great article about a very beautiful part of Brittany! Thanks for sharing this!

The Time Traveler's Guide

40-70 degrees year round sounds perfect! I could suffer with that. 😉

That’s exactly how we feel! Perfect weather, in my book! 🙂

ISABELLE GAUTHIER

Whouaaaa….. envie d’y retourner …….

Moi aussi!! Allons-y! 🙂

Wow! I really enjoyed seeing this. It looks like such a magical place and you have truly captured it. I think it would be a wonderful place to explore. Thanks for sharing it.

Thank you! I’m so glad that you enjoyed it!

Oh my goodness! This is a beautiful post and the pictures are breathtaking! Great Job!

Thank you so much! I love taking photos, so it’s nice to have a place to display them.

Michelle Coates

This looks like such a beautiful area. Can’t wait to get back to Europe someday!

It really is a beautiful region. So much to see and do! What was your favorite place to visit in Europe?

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• Brittany France
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• Huelgoat Forest

Key information: Huelgoat Forest

• Fine, fascinating and somewhat other-worldly ancient forest on the flanks of the Monts d’Arrée, around the deep gorge of the river Argent.  
• The bottom of the gorge is a crazed jumble of enormous boulders, all covered in moss and ferns, with beech and other trees growing cheerfully between them .

Walkopedia rating

• Walkopedia rating 86
• Natural interest 15
• Human interest 12
• Charisma 29
• Negative points 0
• Total rating 86
• Note: Negs: Crowded in good months

Vital Statistics

• Length: Your choice
• Maximum Altitude: N/A
• Level of Difficulty: Variable

WALK SUMMARY

This ancient forest on the flanks of the old-rocked Monts d’Arrée in central Brittany south of Morlaix is marvellous and fascinating – and somewhat other-worldly.

It is a rough, steep land around the deep gorge of the river Argent, and is mostly covered in truly timeless and ethereally beautiful mixed forest which has presumably survived because of its inaccessibility.

The bottom of the valley is a crazed jumble of enormous boulders, all covered in moss and ferns, with beech and other trees growing cheerfully between them and glowing vivid green in the shafts of sunlight (we can only imagine the beauty in Autumn).

 You will meet deep grottoes below unthinkably large pinioned boulders, waterfalls and meltingly pretty brown-watered pools.

Explore on good trails deep into the valley, half the way along the lip of a little and old, but still busily water-carrying, canal. Climb up a side-valley to a cave and camp associated with the Arthurian legend – although the camp you will meet was in fact a Celtic camp which was later used by the Roman army.

Fantastic, if busy near town; and its crossing by a road does diminish the remoteness! Particularly beautiful in Autumn.

Well written up in Walking in Brittany by Judy Smith.

See our Brittany  page for more general and practical information and photos .

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Safety and problems: All walks have inherent risks and potential problems, and many of the walks featured on this website involve significant risks, dangers and problems. Problems of any sort can arise on any walk. This website does not purport to identify any (or all) actual or potential risks, dangers and problems that may relate to any particular walk. Any person who is considering undertaking this walk should do careful research and make their own assessment of the risks, dangers and possible problems involved. They should also go to “ Important information ” for further important information.

Anyone planning an expedition to this place should see further important information about this walk.

• Key information
• Walk summary
• Research essentials

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Holidays and Activities

Walking with Trees: the Kumano Kōdō Kōhechi    - Stephen Barber's account and photos of one of Japan's great pilgrimage trails. March 2021

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THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Huelgoat

Things to do in huelgoat, tours near huelgoat.

Cani Rando, fun and original hiking, pulled by huskies

[Walking Tour] Discover the Best of Brest in 2 hours

Park & leisure access - single price

Let's go through the ribines: Brest off the beaten track

Private Prehistory Tour of the Pink Granite Coast

Private Tahitian Pirogue Ride in Douarnenez Bay

Private and Guided Wingfoil Course in Brittany

Tasting of seaweed cheeses

Private Day Trip at Sea Sailing

Top attractions in huelgoat.

Other Top Attractions around Huelgoat

What travellers are saying

• Foret de Huelgoat
• La Roche Tremblante
• Moulin du Chaos
• Arbres du Monde au Huelgoat
• Port du Lac

1-Day Huelgoat Itinerary

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• Huelgoat in 1 day

Table of contents

1-day itinerary, huelgoat forest.

Office de tourisme des Monts d'Arrée

Poërop Arboretum

Where to eat, crêperie de la roche tremblante, hôtel restaurant le bretagne, l'aristide.

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Plan your trip. Keep your budget organized. Split the cost between tripmates. Wanderlog does it all.

What's the weather like in Huelgoat?

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA on what the weather is like in Huelgoat for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

• Weather in Huelgoat in January
• Weather in Huelgoat in February
• Weather in Huelgoat in March
• Weather in Huelgoat in April
• Weather in Huelgoat in May
• Weather in Huelgoat in June
• Weather in Huelgoat in July
• Weather in Huelgoat in August
• Weather in Huelgoat in September
• Weather in Huelgoat in October
• Weather in Huelgoat in November
• Weather in Huelgoat in December

Explore nearby places

• Le Cloitre-Saint-Thegonnec
• Plouneour Menez
• Plonevez-du-Faou
• Carhaix-Plouguer
• Pleyber Christ
• Saint-Hernin
• Saint-Rivoal
• Plourin-les-Morlaix
• Chateauneuf du Faou
• Guerlesquin
• Saint-Thegonnec
• Saint-Goazec
• St-Martin-des-Champs

All related maps of Huelgoat

• Map of Huelgoat
• Map of Plouye
• Map of Brennilis
• Map of Poullaouen
• Map of Loqueffret
• Map of Botmeur
• Map of Le Cloitre-Saint-Thegonnec
• Map of Plouneour Menez
• Map of Plonevez-du-Faou
• Map of Carhaix-Plouguer
• Map of Commana
• Map of Brasparts
• Map of Carnoet
• Map of Plougonven
• Map of Pleyber Christ
• Map of Saint-Hernin
• Map of Saint-Rivoal
• Map of Spezet
• Map of Plourin-les-Morlaix
• Map of Chateauneuf du Faou
• Map of Guerlesquin
• Map of Pleyben
• Map of Saint-Thegonnec
• Map of Saint-Goazec
• Map of Plouigneau
• Map of Guimiliau
• Map of Plevin
• Map of Callac
• Map of Morlaix
• Map of St-Martin-des-Champs
• Map of Sizun

Huelgoat throughout the year

• Huelgoat in January
• Huelgoat in February
• Huelgoat in March
• Huelgoat in April
• Huelgoat in May
• Huelgoat in June
• Huelgoat in July
• Huelgoat in August
• Huelgoat in September
• Huelgoat in October
• Huelgoat in November
• Huelgoat in December

Day itineraries for nearby cities

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Tourism around Huelgoat

Guide, holidays & weekends in huelgoat.