Visit Pont-Aven and its treasures
A village that has always inspired artists
Pont-Aven made its mark by first becoming “the city of painters”. Building on this recognition and notoriety, other artists moved in to develop the town center and the surrounding area, which were increasingly rich in discoveries.
What to see in Pont-Aven
Did you know that Pont-Aven will be competing in the 2020 election for “France’s favorite village”? Well, this pretty town in the Pays Bigouden region has everything to please visitors. Here’s an overview.
The museum in the “City of Painters
Gauguin, Bernard, Sérusier or Filiger, … these names will no doubt be familiar to you. The love affair between this pretty Breton town and painters began in the 1860s. In 1886 and again in 1888, Paul Gauguin and Emile Bernard met at the Gloanec boarding house, and went on to create the Pont-Aven School, in which Paul Sérusier played a key role. Pont-Aven thus became an emblem of art history.
Today, Pont-Aven is still a playground for painters, whose colors can be found on canvases, each as beautiful as the next. To discover and contemplate these works, come and visit the Musée de Pont-Aven (formerly the Ecole de Pont-Aven), where the evolution of this art is presented, and where many artists open their galleries to you.
The narrow streets of this city of art and history
There’s a well-known saying about the town and its history: “Pont-Aven, town of renown, 14 mills, 15 houses”. Indeed, thanks to its privileged location with the river Aven running through the town, Pont-Aven once had 14 working mills.
As you stroll through the narrow streets of Pont-Aven, you’ll come across secret footbridges: the Xavier Grall Promenade. As you venture along, you’ll pass from one bank to the other, past wash houses and discover the few remaining mills. These are part of the commune’s cultural and historical heritage. It’s here that you’ll contemplate the pretty vistas of mimosas, cherry trees and other flowering riverbanks.
Stroll on the Aven
You’ll arrive at the Pont-Aven marina, once one of Cornouaille’s most important ports. Today, motorboats and sailboats grace the landscape. At low tide, you’ll see one of the rocks nicknamed “Gargantua’s hoof”, reminding you of the shape of the legendary giant’s shoe.
The marina is also the starting point for excursions with the Vedettes Aven-Belon to enjoy the green setting between land and sea. From here, you’ll cruise along the banks of the river Aven, where you’ll discover pretty thatched-roof houses and sumptuous manor houses. You’ll pass through the port of Kerdruc and then Port Manec’h, where the Aven and Bélon rivers flow into the Atlantic Ocean. You’ll pass along pretty beaches of fine white sand.
Walk in the Bois d’Amour
Follow the banks of the Aven for an enchanted stroll where the scenery under the beech trees will transport you into a mysterious and vibrant world. The Bois d’Amour, Pont-Aven’s mythical site, has seen many artists draw inspiration from its colorful palette. It was here, for example, that Paul Sérusier painted Le Talisman, later to become one of the founding paintings of the Nabis movement.
Ideally located on the heights of Pont-Aven, Bois d’Amour is also a must-see for tourists and Pont-Aven residents alike, to enjoy a natural and soothing setting in the heart of nature. You’ll discover the Trémalo chapel, lined with numerous paths for a moment of outdoor relaxation with friends or family.
Where to stay near Pont-Aven?
Are you planning a vacation in Southern Brittany and would like to discover this small Breton town? We suggest our campsite near Pont-Aven, less than 30 minutes away by car.
We’re ideally located just a few kilometers from one of France’s most beautiful villages, and very close to the port of Doëlan. You won’t be disappointed by the swimming pool, our on-site leisure facilities and activities, and you’ll have plenty of time to contemplate the many landscapes that South Finistère has to offer. What better way to spend your vacation in Brittany.