Walled town of Concarneau
Ville close de Concarneau en finistère - Discover the history and ancient heritage of the pearl of Kon-Kerne in Cornouaille in southern Finistère.
Ville close de Concarneau en Finistère - Discover this historic site and travel back in time to Concarneau.
What is the walled town of Concarneau?
It's a fortified town dating from the 15th and 16th centuries, built on a small island facing the historic and modern town of Concarneau. It is accessible via a pedestrian bridge leading to Rue Vauban.
Where is the walled town of Concarneau?
The walled town of Concarneau is located in the town of Concarneau in Finistère, between the fishing port and the marina, opposite the town center and the Halles de Concarneau, and more precisely opposite the Quai Peneroff.
What to see in the walled city
The walled town forms the historic center of Concarneau. You won't be able to resist the sight of this island surrounded by well-preserved ramparts, with its gates and access to the Concarneau harbor.
Inside, you can admire architecture dating from the 15th and 16th centuries, as well as typical Breton houses.
You can also stroll past the many stalls and souvenir and other stores.
Location Vacances Concarneau proche de la Ville Close - Our favorites in and around Concarneau!
How do I get to the walled town of Concarneau?
To reach the walled town, enter Concarneau and drive down to the port. You can take rue de Quimper, then avenue de la gare and finally avenue Pierre Guéguin.
Another way to get into the walled town is to take a shuttle bus (le bac du passage), which will take you across Concarneau's harbor for a small fee. To do this, go to rue Mauduit Duplessis, direction passage Lanriec.
Where can I park to visit the fortified town of Concarneau?
If you access the walled town on foot, the best place to park is in one of the parking lots on avenue Pierre Guéguin, the Peneroff parking lot, or the Concarneau tourist office parking lot. Please note that on market days, part of the Peneroff parking lot is not accessible. The parking lot is subject to a charge, depending on the period and day of the visit.
The walled city of Concarneau, Things to do
Here is a non-exhaustive list of things to do in the walled town of Concarneau
Take a walk on the ramparts:
Many tourists and locals enjoy strolling along the ramparts of the walled town in fine weather. It's possible to take this walk free of charge, but you won't have access to all areas, or you'll have to pay for it, which will enable you to get the most out of your visit.
Have a drink in front of Place Saint Guénolé :
In the walled town, you can take advantage of the many terraces to enjoy a drink (a glass of cider, for example) while watching the tourists stroll by. A pleasant spot is Place Saint Guénolé, for example.
Bathing in the walled city?
It's not possible to swim in the walled town of Concarneau, as there are no beaches. However, you can find pretty beaches in the commune of Trégunc, for example at the pointe de Trévignon, or in the commune of Névez, for example the beach at Port Manec'h.
Closer to home, you can enjoy the beaches of Le Cabellou, or Les Sables Blancs, in the commune of Concarneau. You can also find out more about Concarneau thalasso centre for a moment of pure relaxation!
Go fishing:
You can fish in the walled town of Concarneau, for example by setting up on the quay outside the walled town, via the Porte au Vin.
Eating a crêpe in the walled city:
The walled town is packed with restaurants and crêperies, where you can enjoy sweet and savoury crêpes at any time of day.
Shopping in the walled city :
If you'd like to take home a souvenir of your visit to Concarneau, you'll be delighted by the many shops in the walled town. You're sure to find what you're looking for, at any price. Stores are concentrated on Rue Vauban, but don't hesitate to venture into the narrow streets...
History of Les Glénans :
The Glénan archipelago has long been a haven for pirates. They would seek refuge in the archipelago, then attack merchant ships passing close by or attempting to reach the mainland.
It wasn't until the 18th century, on the recommendation of Emmanuel-Armand de Vignerot du Plessis, the new governor of Brittany, that the construction of Fort Cigogne was envisaged to prevent pirates or privateers from returning to the archipelago. Construction was no easy task.
In the 19th century, fish dryers were established, and economic activity spread throughout the archipelago.
What to do near the walled city
Thatched cottage village - Kercanic
The thatched cottage village of Kercanic is located in the commune of Névez, between the villages of Raguénez, the lieu-dit de Célan and Dourveil beach, just a few kilometers from Trevignon.
From the town of Névez, take the road leading to the village of Raguénez, then turn right at Célan, following the signs. You can park in the small square in the center of the village.
The village of Kercanic comprises just under 10 thatched cottages. They are grouped together along the main axis, a small road that leads to the Dourveil beach and the Trévignon road.
Discover the region
The town of Névez
The town of Névez is famous for its fine sandy beaches and unspoilt blue waters. It's ideally situated between Trégunc and Pont-Aven.
From Port Manech or from the pointe de Trévignon, you can set sail for the Glénan archipelago, or Pont-Aven, the town of painters.
Of course, as explained above, you can take advantage of its beaches - Rospico beach, Port Manech beach, Tahiti beach, Raguénez beach, Kersidan beach, Dourveil beach - as well as its many activities and market...
But don't forget to take the time to (re) discover the architecture of the neo-Breton houses, the thatched cottages (de Kerascoet or Kercanic), or the cultural elements of Breton heritage.
Port Manech'
Port Manech' is a village in the commune of Névez, at the mouth of the river Aven. It boasts a beautiful beach, with a breathtaking view over the mouths of the Aven and Belon rivers, and a port that was once home to sardine fishermen. Port Manech' enjoyed its heyday during the Belle Epoque, and the wooden bathing cabins still bear witness to this glorious past.
Here again, a well-known painter, Paul Gauguin, liked to come and paint fishermen or women in Breton headdresses when he stayed at Pont-Aven.
Locate your next vacation rental in Concarneau, close to the walled city
It's so much easier!
Concarneau Konk-Kerne is a pretty town in southern Finistère, Brittany, France, on the Atlantic coast. It's located on the Cornouaille coast, between Quimper and Lorient, ideal for a live-in Concarneau vacation.
A change of air
Other French destinations to discover
Discover other must-see destinations in France: Saintes for example with its abbey or Meschers sur Gironde with its famous Nonnes beach or Royan and Cordouan lighthouse.
