What to do · Pointe du Raz
Baie des Trépassés
Information
- Price
- Independent visit · free
- Duration
- 2 h
- Who it's for
- Families, surfers
What it is
The Baie des Trépassés is the long sandy beach linking the Pointe du Raz and the Pointe du Van, at the far west of the Cap Sizun, between the communes of Plogoff and Cléden-Cap-Sizun. It faces due west, to the open Atlantic, and gets strong wind and swell almost all year: it is one of Brittany's known surf spots. Behind the sand is the Laoual pond, with its wash-house and its fountain.
The name, "Bay of the Dead", comes from a legend: the currents of the Raz de Sein and the west wind brought the bodies of shipwrecked sailors here. There are two other explanations, a mistranslation of the Breton Bae an Avon, "bay of the spring", and a Celtic tradition according to which dead druids set out from here for the Île de Sein. Popular belief says that on Christmas night the songs of souls in torment can be heard in the bay.
Getting there and parking
You get here by car from Plogoff or Cléden-Cap-Sizun, driving down to the sea between the two points. There are spaces near the beach and some visitors park on the verge; respect the signs and, in summer, arrive early. On foot, the GR 34 goes down from the Pointe du Raz in 2.5 km (about an hour and a half) and continues to the Pointe du Van for another 3 km.
Swimming and safety
The tourist office does not publish the beach's supervision calendar on its website: ask at the Maison de site at the Pointe du Raz or at the Audierne tourist office before swimming.
Surfing
Next to the beach a surf school operates, which appears on the official map of the natural site. In big seas, surfing here is for experienced people; if you are starting, go with a school and on days of small waves. Bring a wetsuit: the Atlantic water in Finistère is cold even in August.
When to go
In summer, for surfing and a walk on the sand; sunset, with the sun falling between the two points, is the best time. In winter, in a storm, the waves are impressive from above. Check the tide: at low tide the beach is much wider.
With children
For playing on the sand it works well, but keep an eye on the children in the water: it is not a calm beach. With a dog, respect the signs at the entrance.
To round it off
The beach is the natural stop between the Pointe du Raz and the Pointe du Van; if you want to do it on foot, see the entry on the GR 34 from the Raz to the Van. To sleep next to the sand, the Hôtel de la Baie des Trépassés.
Tips
- Go at sunset The sun sets in the sea between the two points.
- Swim only with supervision It is a beach open to the Atlantic, with swell and currents.
- Arrive on foot from the Raz It is 2.5 km along the GR 34 and you leave the car in the car park at the point.
Frequently asked questions
Can you swim in the Baie des Trépassés?
With caution and only where there is supervision: it is a beach with strong swell and currents.
Why is it called Trépassés?
From the legend of the shipwrecked sailors whom the currents brought to the beach; another explanation has it come from a mistranslation of the Breton Bae an Avon.
How far is it from the Pointe du Raz?
2.5 km along the GR 34, about an hour and a half on foot.
As a family
