Le Grand Bleu: Discover Penmarch, Finistère, Brittany

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 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

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.

Discover the GR 34 and its customs house. Yellow signposted walking loop No. 1

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.

Leaving from the port of Doëlan, explore the most beautiful scenery in this cove and discover all that this site with its many stories has to tell. Between sea views and protected paths, the port of Doëlan lets you discover its past. To help you on your walk, the Yellow No. 1 signposts will also be able to guide you.

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!

La Réserve naturelle géologique et ornithologique François Le Bail, with an area of 99 hectares was created in 1982. The southeastern part, from Pointe des Chats to Loqueltas, is devoted to geology and protection of rocks and minerals. The western part, which runs from Pen Men to Beg Melen, aims at protecting colonies of nesting seabirds. The reserve also aims to manage and conserve sea lawns and moors. Thank you for respecting this natural environment.

At the end of the 19th century, in the port of Le Couregant, whose slipway was built in 1894, very large quantities of fish and tons of salt were landed. This part of the Ploemeur coastline is also of strong ecological interest, explaining the existence of two protected natural areas, one at the Pointe du Talud towards Kerroc'h and the other near the Courégant. Existing heathlands are classified in the inventory of heathlands in France. The presence of several regionally interesting species has been recorded, such as Asphodelus macrocarpus, the marsh Gentian, the green-winged orchid, clumps of tor-grass, western gorse and bell heather and dorset heath. This site is an observation area for many sea birds (gannets, shearwaters, penguins, terns) and wading birds keeping to the creeks including the purple sandpiper which is quite rare. The diversity of shapes of the cliffs, creeks, beaches, dunes, moors and lawns, makes this coastline a very beautiful maritime landscape in the Pays de Lorient.

Neolithic standing stone.

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.

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.  

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.

Washhouse used by the villagers of Kerlo.

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.

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.

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.

Pizzas, burgers, French cuisine Lovely garden with hidden terrace!

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

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

Bar, brasserie and crêperie located in the centre of the village, in a pedestrian zone in summer, so you can enjoy the terrace in peace and quiet. Le Malyga also offers continuous oyster tasting throughout the day. Crêpes and galettes are also available all day long, so you can enjoy them during your snack breaks. Daily menu at €14.50 (main course, dessert) and children's menu at €8.50.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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

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

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.