Prepare your visit: history and landscapes
Located in the heart of the Finistère, within the Regional Natural Park of Armorica, the forestHuelgoat is an enchanting site that seems to come straight out of a book of tales. This forest massif is known worldwide for its « Granitic chaos » : huge boulders of rock with rounded shapes that litter the bed of the Silver River And the undergrowth.
But how did such big rocks end up in the middle of a forest? If geology tells us about the erosion and cooling of the magma millions of years ago, the inhabitants of the cru prefer the much more heroic explanations featuring angry giants. Huelgoat will leave you beat in front of so many mysteries, offering endless possibilities whether you are a fan of hiking or simply bucolic walks.
Legends and must see on the way
Huelgoat is the cradle of many mystical stories. By walking through the shaded trails, you will walk on the tracks of the King Arthur or giants who would have populated these places.
The Tremblant Rock and Gargantua's Anger:
One of the most famous sites is probably the Trembling Rock. This impressive granite block weighs about 137 tons, yet it can be moved by one person! Apparently, it is enough to push it to a very precise place, with the back or shoulder... Will you find him?
Legend has it that the giant Gargantua, passing through the region, would have been furious about the inhabitants' bad reception. To get revenge, he would have picked up the rocks polished by the sea on the coasts of Leon to project them towards Huelgoat, thus creating the chaos we know today.
Mandatory must-haves:
- The Household of the Virgin : An accumulation of rocks where one guesses, with a little imagination, kitchen utensils carved in stone.
- Le Chaos du Moulin : The first spectacular contact with these giant rocks from the entrance of the forest.
- The Devil's Cave : Get down under the rocks by a ladder to discover an impressive gulf where the river's water roars.
My Practical Tips for Families
Huelgoat is the ideal playground for small adventurers. Here are my tips for a successful release:
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- Equipment : For a comfortable walk, I recommend sneakers or hiking shoes.
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- For children : If your kids like adventure, bring them boots. They will allow them to set foot in shallow streams safely.
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- Gourmet break : A small stop in the village is necessary. Treat yourself to a break at La Chouette Bleue, a ice bar located opposite the lake. For a budget of 5€ 10€, you will taste delicious artisanal ice cream in an authentic setting.
: Find the starting point via this Google Maps link
Photo gallery: the views not to be missed
Prepare your devices! The contrast between the soft green of the woods, the bluish grey of the granite and the living water of the river d Don't miss photographing the Mushroom, an unusual rock in balance, or the view from Camp d'Artus.
What I like:
The forest of Huelgoat is my favorite walk in the middle of nature, away from the city. Between its large trees and its river, one feels a total serenity. Filled with legends, one feels a particular atmosphere, as if enchanted beings were watching us, hidden in the groves. The sound of water and its waterfalls, accompanied by the song of birds, is so soothing. It is a concentration of mysterious places gathered in the same place, whether with the Tremblante Rock, the Moulin Chaos or the Artus camp. It is an adventure that lives on every path of the forest.
