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Finistère: the ultimate guide to places to visit and discover
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Finistère embodies the end of the world, a place where winds and tides shape the landscape and where Breton culture finds its deepest roots. As a tourist destination, The region's diversity of landscapes, heritage and activities is sure to appeal to everyone's taste buds, whether they're looking for nature, culture, gastronomy or adrenaline.
This multi-faceted department promises unforgettable discoveries. Our guide invites you to explore Finistère from north to south, from its rugged coasts to its remote lands, from its mysterious islands to its imposing mountains. You'll see the highlights of North Finistère, from the Côte des Légendes to Pointe Saint-Mathieu, not forgetting South Finistère, from Quimper to the Cornouaille borders, as well as the unique natural sites and attractions that dot this wild territory.
With our tips and tricks, personalize your trip to suit your preferences and budget. Ready for adventure? Follow our guide and let yourself be charmed by Finistère, a department rich in character!
Vacation Accommodation Direct
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Treasures of North Finistère: from the Côte des Légendes to Pointe Saint-Mathieu
Having explored the delights of South Finistère, let's move on to North Finistère, a region rich in character and full of fascinating surprises. From the bustling port of Brest to the imposing Pointe Saint-Mathieu, across the mysterious Côte des Légendes and the charming inhabited bridge of Landerneau, discover with us the must-see wonders of your North Finistère getaway.
Brest: a forward-looking port
Finistère's second-largest city and France's main military port, Brest is a dynamic, forward-looking metropolis, having successfully recovered from the bombings of the Second World War. It is famous for its Océanopolis, an ocean discovery park. featuring over 10,000 marine animals. Every four years, Brest becomes the scene of the International Maritime Festival, an event that brings together hundreds of boats from the four corners of the globe. Brest is also the starting point for excursions to the Ponant islands, including Ouessant, Molène and Sein.
The mysterious Côte des Légendes
Stretching from Brignogan to Plouguerneau, the Côte des Légendes is a remarkable stretch of Finistère's northwest coastline. Its poetic name is inspired by numerous local legends, including those of the Île Vierge and the dragon of the Vallée de l'Élorn. This wild coastline boasts spectacular scenery, with cliffs, beaches, dunes and intriguingly silhouetted rocks. Don't miss a visit to Meneham, a restored fishing village, the Pontusval lighthouse, one of the jewels of Brittany, or the Lagatjar alignments, an impressive series of over 80 menhirs.
Landerneau and its famous inhabited bridge
Located along the River Élorn, twenty kilometers from Brest, Landerneau stands out for its 16th-century inhabited bridge. This unique construction, lined with half-timbered houses, is the oldest inhabited bridge in Europe and is listed as a historic monument. A city of culture, Landerneau regularly hosts art exhibitions, notably thanks to the Fonds Hélène et Édouard Leclerc pour la culture. Landerneau is also known as the birthplace of the Leclerc family, founders of the Leclerc chain.
Pointe Saint-Mathieu and its ruined abbey
At the westernmost tip of North Finistère, Pointe Saint-Mathieu offers sublime views of the sea and neighboring islands such as Ouessant and Molène. This is a site rich in history, marked by the remains of an 11th-century Benedictine abbey destroyed by the English in the 16th century. Nearby, a 19th-century lighthouse stands proudly 37 metres above the ground, and is still active. Pointe Saint-Mathieu is also a place of remembrance, with a memorial dedicated to sailors who died for France.
Discover Heritage and Activities
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The beating heart of South Finistère: from Quimper to the edge of Cornouaille
A natural transition from North Finistère, South Finistère is a destination with many attractions. This region, characterized by its gentle way of life, rich cultural heritage and diverse landscapes, is a true delight. From historic Quimper to the spectacular Pointe de la Torche, from Concarneau to the picturesque village of Pont-Aven, every step of the way is a must-see when visiting South Finistère.
Quimper, capital of Cornouaille
Quimper, a city of art and history, is the prefecture of Finistère and the historic capital of Cornouaille. Its name evokes the Cornovii, an ancient Celtic people. The town is particularly renowned for its magnificent Saint-Corentin cathedral, a jewel of Breton Gothic art. It is also famous for its traditional earthenware factory, a testament to centuries-old know-how maintained since the 17th century.
Quimper is also known for its festive atmosphere, notably through the Festival de Cornouaille, an annual celebration of Breton culture. A visit to Finistère also means discovering the cultural elements of Cornouaille.
Concarneau and its walled city
Concarneau, Finistère's third-largest town and one of France's leading fishing ports, has a charming, authentic history. Its walled town, a veritable citadel on an islet, preserves a rich past and houses the Fishing Museum, a veritable ode to Concarneau's maritime history.
The town is also a pleasant vacation destination, offering sandy beaches and a variety of water sports.
Pointe de la Torche, a surfer's paradise
To the south of Audierne Bay, the Pointe de la Torche marks the meeting point between the Bigouden country and Cap-Sizun. This natural site offers breathtaking scenery, with waves, dunes and tulip fields. It's a spot favored by surfers for its optimal conditions.
Pointe de la Torche is also steeped in history, home to a Neolithic dolmen.
The picturesque charm of Pont-Aven
On the banks of the Aven, the village of Pont-Aven has charmed and inspired many artists such as Paul Gauguin and Émile Bernard, contributing to the birth of the Pont-Aven school. The village is also renowned for its delicious galettes, a local specialty.
With its mills, bridges, art galleries and typically flower-filled houses, Pont-Aven is an exceptional place that has retained its charm of yesteryear.
Crafts and local trade
Natural monuments and curiosities: discovering Finistère's wild coasts and islands
Finistère, an emblematic département, is a land rich in natural wonders and sites of interest, among which the wild coasts and islands of Finistère take pride of place. These places offer spectacular panoramas and an unrivalled cultural and historical heritage.
From the undeniable charm of the Crozon peninsula to the imposing beauty of the Pointe du Raz, not forgetting the idyllic setting of the Glénan archipelago and the unique character of the islands of Ouessant and Sein, visiting Finistère is an invitation to marvel at this jewel of the Breton coastline.
The Crozon peninsula: a haven of unspoilt nature
At the heart of the Armorique regional nature park, covering more than 100,000 hectares, the Crozon peninsula boasts a wild and diverse natural environment: steep cliffs, dreamy beaches, moors and forests. It's also rich in history, with the Lagatjar alignments, the Crozon fort and various chapels and calvaries. The pointe de Pen-Hir, with its view of the Iroise Sea, the pointe des Espagnols overlooking the Brest roadstead, and the beach of the île Vierge, one of the most beautiful in Europe, are not to be missed.
Pointe du Raz and Cap Sizun
Brittany's most visited site, the Pointe du Raz offers a breathtaking panorama, with its 70-metre-high cliffs facing the onslaught of waves and winds. Located at the tip of Cap Sizun, this region is a sanctuary for flora and fauna, protected by the Iroise Marine Park. It is rich in culture and tradition, home to the Vieille lighthouse, the Keriolet mill and the Tréouzien manor house and its rural heritage museum.
The Glénan archipelago, a taste of paradise
A natural treasure trove off the coast of Concarneau, the Glénan is a wonderland of white sandy beacheswith its turquoise waters and lush vegetation. A hotbed of biodiversity, it is home to a bird sanctuary, a nature reserve and Europe's largest sailing school. The island of Saint-Nicolas, inhabited all year round, and islands such as Penfret and Cigogne, with their historic heritage, bear witness to the richness of this archipelago. A visit to Finistère also means a visit to one of its most emblematic islands.
The mysterious islands of Ouessant and Sein
The islands of Ouessant and Sein stand out for their wild beauty and legends, and are an integral part of the Iroise Marine Park. Ouessant offers a granite landscape, alternating between moors and cliffs, and is home to sites such as the lighthouse and beacon museum, and the sailors' cemetery. The island of Sein, with its dunes and beaches, is a symbol of resistance and spirituality, with the Saint-Corentin chapel and the Men-Brial menhir bearing witness to its rich and singular history.
Events
Conclusion
Finistère, with its many attractions, is undoubtedly a department that has everything to please. Whether you're looking for wild nature, cultural treasures, gastronomic delights or new sensations, this rich and varied department is sure to meet your expectations.
From its rugged coastline to its lands steeped in history, from its mysterious islands to its imposing mountains, Finistère boasts an incredible variety of landscapes, heritage and activities to explore. It's time to give in to the call of adventure and discover Finistère, an invitation to escape to the ends of the earth!
FAQ
When is the best time to visit Finistère?
The ideal time to visit Finistère is from May to October. During this season, you'll enjoy a mild climate and lush landscapes, perfect for outdoor activities. Discover the charming historic towns, pleasant seaside resorts and lively ports of this region of Brittany.
What means of transport are available to get around Finistère?
To get around Finistère, there are various means of transport at your disposal: bus, train, car-sharing, bike and car. Buses offer a practical and economical way to navigate between towns and villages. Trains cover most of the département, with stops in all the main towns. Carpooling is an excellent way to share travel costs. Cycling is a charming option for those wishing to explore at their own pace, while the car remains the most flexible means, although be aware of fuel and parking costs.
What are the must-see sites in Finistère?
Visiting Finistère means discovering many fascinating sites. These include The Crozon peninsula, offering breathtaking panoramas with its beaches and cliffs; Le Guilvinec, France's leading artisanal fishing port, where you can witness the return of the boats and the direct sale of seafood products; Notre-Dame-de-Tronoën, famous for its Calvary, the oldest and most impressive in Brittany, and a symbol of the rich local religious heritage; And the Bay of Morlaix, with its breathtaking scenery, islands and the Château du Taureau.
What are Finistère's culinary specialities?
Finistère's culinary specialities are diverse and delicious. Don't miss : Kouign-amann, the gourmet butter and sugar cake emblematic of Douarnenez; Kig ha farz, a traditional Breton stew with meat, vegetables and a unique farz; Wheat and buckwheat crêpes, fine, light and perfectly garnished to your taste; And don't forget the seafood platter, a veritable feast of marine freshness.
