discover the charm of Plomelin, Finistère, Bretagne

This walk takes you on a tour of Bénodet: from the Anse de Penfoul, it follows along the coast up to the Mer Blanche. It’s a change to explore the varied coastline with its mudflat, boat cemetery, ports, the mouth of the River Odet, the beaches and Letty lagoon. The walk returns via the cove of the little mill and cuts through narrow streets and pathways, bringing you back to your starting point.

From the village of La Forêt-Fouesnant, walk along the Allée du Mesmeur and admire the Cornouaille Golf Course and the 18th-century Manoir de Mesmeur. Then cross the footbridge at Port-La-Forêt and take the path that leads to the Vieux Port, a charming and picturesque spot. Enjoy the view over La Forêt cove. The path is suitable for pushchairs. Around 50 per cent of the route is lined with trees.

Paths to discover : Kerlaz church, Nevet woods, St Even fountain. Discovery route : stages of sacred places around Douarnenez.

This route offers superb views over the Minaouët inlet, as well as beautiful woodland crossings. Along the way, you can admire the church of Notre-Dame de Lorette and its calvary, the Kerichard cross and the Kerblaise wash-house. Start in the village of Lanriec, opposite the cemetery. Footpath: 46 Track: 14 Roa 40% of the route

This part of Porzay rises up to hide the Aulne Valley and Châteaulin. You can’t miss this new permanent trail at the foot of the wind turbines just after the town of Cast. You’re no longer on the coast, you’re at the foot of the mountains and the forests that go with it (Bois de St Gildas). From the start, you’ll be aware of fantastic local heritage, including St Gildas chapel and its fountain. This trail through the woods beckons you to enjoy a wonderful walk with your family, which might not be relaxing for your legs, but will certainly relax your mind.

This circuit follows along the coast, offering wonderful viewpoints of the sea facing the Glénan archipelago, then winds its way to the 15th century village of Kercanic with its thatched cottages. For more information on walks, visit the Tourist Office website: http://www.nevez.com/randonnees-nevez

This circular route follows ancient sunken paths bordered by trees and crosses through the pretty village of Kerascoët with its thatched cottages. For more information on the walks and the nearby area: http://www.nevez.com/randonnees-nevez

From Rosporden to Roscoff, Green Way n°7 opens up a world of possibilities. It has a sandy surface that’s fairly flat throughout, with plenty to look at and discover along the way and it’s open to everyone from hikers to cyclists and those out for a stroll, creating a friendly, accessible atmosphere. Please note: a route of 1.9km surfaced to make it suitable for those of reduced mobility covers part of the Green Way, but also the banks of the River Isole, accessible on foot, by bike, with a pushchair or other non-motorised scooters. Starting point: the car park of the municipal campsite in Scaër.

In the heart of the Black Mountains, the Penn ar Pont circuit will take you to Nantes-Brest canal, an integral part of Brittany’s history. You’ll notice the remains of a slate quarry, whose tunnels are now home to some of the largest bats in Brittany, the Greater Horseshoe Bat. You’ll pass two locks before leaving the tow path and heading in to the countryside around Châteauneuf, with its woodlands and streams. The path then joins up with another trail ‘In the footsteps of Paul Sérusier’, which is dedicated to the painter who lived in Châteauneuf du Faou. You’ll cross a street named after him and discover this painter’s ’green valley’.

In the heart of the Black Mountains, the Penn ar Pont circuit will take you to Nantes-Brest canal, an integral part of Brittany’s history. You’ll notice the remains of a slate quarry, whose tunnels are now home to some of the largest bats in Brittany, the Greater Horseshoe Bat. You’ll pass two locks before leaving the tow path and heading in to the countryside around Châteauneuf, with its woodlands and streams. The path then joins up with another trail ‘In the footsteps of Paul Sérusier’, which is dedicated to the painter who lived in Châteauneuf du Faou. You’ll cross a street named after him and discover this painter’s ’green valley’.

Stay in Audierne, Bay of Douarnenez: Accommodation and Must-See Attractions Audierne, nestled in the stunning Bay of Douarnenez, is the perfect destination for a getaway combining nature, relaxation, and exploration. This Breton gem will captivate you with its authentic charm and variety of activities. Accommodation in Audierne Audierne offers a wide range of accommodations to suit all budgets: seaside hotels with breathtaking views, cozy guesthouses, and traditional cottages. There are also vacation rentals ideal for families or groups of friends. Must-See Attractions Bay of Douarnenez: Perfect for swimming, fishing, or boat trips. Audierne Harbor: A great spot to sample local specialties and enjoy the lively quayside. Esquibien Lighthouse: Enjoy stunning views over the Atlantic Ocean. Pointe du Van: A natural site with breathtaking panoramas. The Fishing Museum: Learn about the region’s maritime history. Book your stay in Audierne and experience an unforgettable getaway in the Bay of Douarnenez!

Urban development usually gives rise to clean travel, using more and more green spaces and nature. Here, a stabilized path runs along Pont er Ber stream which rises in this area and joins the river Scave, one of the main tributaries of the river Scorff. Majestic birch trees with pearly white bark grow alongside willows, a reminder of the wetland which with the Pont er Ber, plays a fundamental role in the water cycle. The wetland acts like a sponge, storing rainwater in winter. It limits flooding and returns the water to the river during dry periods. Acting like a natural filter, the soil and plants that develop here help to improve the quality of the water by eliminating pollution.  

A comparison of aerial views of the town of Gestel in 1950 and in 2020 reveals how much the place has changed. In 1960, the village boundaries were drawn around the church and the town hall, the roads and the railway, surrounded by meadows and cultivated fields surrounded by embankments. Then, like communes near the main traffic routes, bordering Lorient and the seaside, Gestel grew rapidly, especially in the second half of the 20th century. Ranging from 400 to 500 people between 1793 and 1968, the population rose rapidly after 1975. It passed the 1,500 mark in 1982 and currently has 2,700 inhabitants. The various phases of construction can be seen in the architecture of the areas passed through. From 1960 onwards, many housing estates with detached houses with large gardens grew up on this side of the railway. Urban renewal continues today on the outskirts of the town with a variety of individual houses on smaller plots, and private and collective social housing for single-parent families and individuals.

Passing along the raised railway tracks and using the stone structure to cross it, it is easy to see how much this infrastructure has divided the rural territory of Gestel in two. On this side, the open landscape, with its meadows where cows graze and vast cultivated plots, offers a panoramic view of the countryside. It is a sign of farming and how it grew over the second half of the 20th century. While the patchwork of fields and hedges is still visible, smaller plots once surrounded with wooded embankments planted with apple trees, have been merged into larger fields, and the embankments flattened to make way for large farm machinery. Agriculture is no longer the primary activity in Gestel, which mainly has secondary and service jobs, although a third of the territory remains listed as Useful Agricultural Surface. The town is committed to limiting future urban growth, to preserving land and farm buildings, to encouraging diversified agricultural activities, farm sales, tourism, etc.

Probably dating from the end of the 17th century, the second cross, also on a monolithic base and an ashlar plinth with a step, is also chamfered and ringed. The crosspiece has a carved Christ on the front and a skull and crossbones on the back. Passing through the villages of Kerlédan and Penfrat, you will perhaps see what remains of the old stone farms of the 18th and 19th centuries, a house with living rooms upstairs, a barn with its cart door, an oven, a well and a trough. Under the Ancien Régime, Penfrat was the seat of one of the three seigneuries of Gestel. It belonged to the du Plessis family, also found in Kerouarc'h and Kermartin in Guidel. There are no remaining signs of this past, except perhaps the path to the windmill which you will take shortly. Less common than water mills, windmills located on the heights, were the property of the nobility.

The village of Kerlédan has two ancient crosses. Although we no longer no the reason they were erected, it is certain that the villagers and travellers believed they protected them or commemorated some long-forgotten event. The first at the roadside, has a date, probably 1702, written upside down on the base. It has a chamfered and ringed shaft on a monolithic base, set on a square ashlar plinth with a step. The cross bears a Christ on the Cross with protruding ribs on the west side and a Virgin and Child on the reverse.

The name of Gestel supposedly comes from the Breton “Guestel” or “Yestel” which means “house of deer”. Modest in size with 625 hectares, in the 14th century, Gestel was part of the nearby parish of Quéven before becoming a part of the parish of Lesbin Pont-Scorff in the 15th century. Since the third quarter of the 17th century at least, it has had its own church and minister who exercised his functions without the title of rector. In 1790, Gestel was promoted to the status of a commune attached to the canton of Pont-Scorff and on 26th January 1820 became an independent parish. In 1814, the roads converged in a star towards the church and cemetery, surrounded by a few buildings. The village stretches to the north-east with a dozen buildings along the road to Pont-Scorff. There are also about fifteen small hamlets.

In September 1863, the railway arrived in Gestel with the opening of the Lorient-Quimper section of the Savenay - Landerneau line. Passing through the town, it gave Gestel a railway station. From then on, farmers of the area used it to supply the markets of Lorient with fresh produce: butter, eggs, apples, etc. The single-story building is in keeping with the style used in sixteen of the line's stations, alternating red brick and white tufa stone. It also has a goods shed and a platform shelter built with the same materials. During the Second World War, a second track was created to transport construction materials to Kerlin Bastard airport, now known as Lann Bihoué. These additions were spared by the Allied bombing. The track to Lann Bihoué, repaired urgently and then restored in 1955, was removed in the 1980s and redeveloped as a hiking trail, the one you are on now. The arrival of the TGV Atlantique and the electrification of the line in 1991 and 1992 also brought much change. The overflow tracks were removed, the station and its hall destroyed, and all freight traffic has ceased. Gestel is now a small SNCF stop served by the local TER Bretagne train.

The church of Notre-Dame des Fleurs was built in 1959 reusing the columns from the choir and aisles, the base of the choir and the sacristies of a building destroyed during the war in 1944. The latter was built in 1896 on the site of a Latin cross church from the third quarter of the 17th century which included a porch on the south side and an ossuary for human bones. We do not know its former name, but we do know that in 1773, the new master of Lain, Julien-Louis Monistrol, had his private chapel blessed. The enclosure from this period remains, formerly around the cemetery, the monumental sculpted cross with Christ dating 1660 and some ruins, around the building and in the presbytery garden: tombstones and fragments of columns. Inside the church, you can also see a 17th-century Holy Family. This carved representation of Joseph, Mary and Jesus, from a long-gone altarpiece, is quite rare in Brittany. Also not very common, this 17th-century nursing Virgin called N.D. de Kergornet, coming from the chapel of the same name, very famous for its pardon when nursing mothers would come on 1st May to pray to her for Good Milk. With the railway, this pilgrimage, as well as the one to Notre-Dame des Fleurs, was very popular. The moment of the arrival of a train has been immortalized on a 20th-century postcard: a crowd of pilgrims disembarks from the carriages to join the festivities. Adjacent to the church, the presbytery of the ternary type, was built in 1828, as carved on the lintel over the main door. An inscription on the outbuilding used as a woodshed and built at right angles to the north reads “LA MAISON ND DES FLEURS FAIT PAR P. REMONT”. This priest's house replaces an older building, listed on the 1818 land registry with an oven on the western gable. It was extended by one bay in 1892.

Heading up the rue de Quéven, on the right you can see a washhouse fed by a spring now hidden in a covered semi-circular structure. Once used as a watering place for the inhabitants, this fountain, forming a stream that joins the Lain, was probably extended by a washhouse at the end of the 19th century or at the beginning of the 20th century, a favourable time for these constructions, partly financed by the State in order to develop hygiene. Consisting of two basins, a small one for rinsing and a larger one for washing, this structure of cement and stone, has undergone several transformations. In 2020, the site was refurbished with shale paving and landscaping. Higher up, you can see several two-story houses, built in front of the old station between the last quarter of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th century. These houses are of the ternary style, i.e. formed of three bays, and have the same characteristics: symmetrical rectangular bays in segmental arch ordered with a door and two windows on the ground floor, three windows on the first floor. Two of these buildings have six bays and several doors, one of which is a carriage door. These were old hostels built to accommodate travellers, recalling the impact of the arrival of the railway on the town. New visitors also led to the opening of many inns and a post office at the corner of the streets of Kergornet and Moustoiric. This is when Théophile Viollet du Breuil, inspector of the Ponts et Chaussées, in charge of the railway line, bought the Château du Lain in 1871.

Restaurant, brasserie, fish of the day and home-made desserts. Daily specials and pizzas available to eat in or take away.

Situated in the historic market town on a pretty pedestrian square, the crêperie offers traditional cuisine: crêpes, galettes and salads. A large terrace where children can stretch their legs in complete safety. Recommended by the Label Famille Plus.

"Les Ventripotes" offers a choice of burgers, sandwiches, foccacia, poke bowls, ice creams and waffles to eat in or take away.

A place not to be missed, with 100% Breton charm, this crêperie with character welcomes you on its terrace in summer and by its open fireplace in winter. On the menu: crêpes, galettes and ice creams made with fresh local produce, in the traditional way.

Right in the centre of Piriac, this warm and friendly bar brings together locals, holidaymakers and sailors. Take a break with friends or family. .

In a warm and modern atmosphere, the chef offers you by the fireplace : A traditional restaurant for lunch and dinner Pancakes and afternoon tea You can also enjoy LAB 1852's range of 6 craft beers.

Opening 30/04/2020 > 30/09/2020 Lovers of nature, water activities, the ocean, and tranquillity will be right in their element at Huttopia Douarnenez campsite, ideally located at the tip of Brittany. Relax and enjoy the breathtaking views from the pool over Douarnenez bay.

Stay in Audierne, Bay of Douarnenez: Accommodation and Must-See Attractions Audierne, nestled in the stunning Bay of Douarnenez, is the perfect destination for a getaway combining nature, relaxation, and exploration. This Breton gem will captivate you with its authentic charm and variety of activities. Accommodation in Audierne Audierne offers a wide range of accommodations to suit all budgets: seaside hotels with breathtaking views, cozy guesthouses, and traditional cottages. There are also vacation rentals ideal for families or groups of friends. Must-See Attractions Bay of Douarnenez: Perfect for swimming, fishing, or boat trips. Audierne Harbor: A great spot to sample local specialties and enjoy the lively quayside. Esquibien Lighthouse: Enjoy stunning views over the Atlantic Ocean. Pointe du Van: A natural site with breathtaking panoramas. The Fishing Museum: Learn about the region’s maritime history. Book your stay in Audierne and experience an unforgettable getaway in the Bay of Douarnenez!

The Les Flots Bleus campsite welcomes you for nature holidays in a friendly, family atmosphere. Between Brittany and Pays de la Loire, don't hesitate to book our mobile homes or a pitch for your tent, caravan or motorhome. Our major advantage is our location, since Camping Les Flots Bleus is 200m from the sea and 500m from the centre of Piriac sur Mer. And last but not least, come and relax in a calm and peaceful place, with no entertainment and no swimming pool, on a human scale... We look forward to seeing you!

Charming little stone house in the center of Piriac, well decorated, ideally situated to discover the little town bursting with character.

Comfortable house, very nice, well-situated, close to the center, shops and beaches.

Independent flat, renovated in 2017 with a surface of 50m². 200m from the beach and 300m from the market. Well equipped : living-room, kitchen, 2 bedrooms, bathroom, terrace, barbecue... Ideal for a young family.