First certified occupation Ier siècle (≈ 150)
Traces of pre-Roman-cut houses and flint
Ve siècle
Period of late occupancy
Period of late occupancy Ve siècle (≈ 550)
Possible redevelopment of fortifications
2 mars 1921
Historical Monument
Historical Monument 2 mars 1921 (≈ 1921)
Official Site Protection
Fin XIXe siècle
Archaeological excavations
Archaeological excavations Fin XIXe siècle (≈ 1995)
Lead by Paul du Chatellier
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
L'oppidum Gallois (cad. AB 32; ZB 22): by order of 2 March 1921
Key figures
Paul du Chatellier - Archaeologist
Searches and site studies in late 19th century
Origin and history
It is located on the north side of the village of Kernot (Cléden-Cap-Sizun), 150 metres long, and 61 metres above the sea. Accessible by a narrow roadway of 50 meters, it housed 95 houses dug in the slopes, protected by four pits and sloped at the entrance. This site, typical of barred spurs, combines natural defense and human development, with traces of occupation prior to Rome (cut silex).
The excavations of Paul du Chatellier in the late 19th century revealed pre-Roman objects, but fortifications suggest further, potentially medieval, redevelopments. Ranked a Historic Monument in 1921, the oppidum is now managed by the Conservatoire du Littoral. Although traversable via GR 34, its access is restricted to preserve local biodiversity, while allowing the study of its archaeological heritage.
The site illustrates the Gaulish adaptation to geographical constraints: a clustered habitat, protected by erosions, and oriented towards coastal activities (fishing, trade). Its gradual abandonment after the fifth century may reflect political or economic changes in Armorica, although archaeological evidence is lacking to clarify the causes. The current conservation balances historical heritage and ecology, characteristic of the management of Breton coastal sites.
