What to do in Moëlan-sur-Mer
Between beaches, ports and the Breton countryside
The commune of Moëlan-sur-mer is a veritable Swiss Army knife in South Finistère, and a perfect example of the many facets that make up the richness of the Brittany region. The coastal paths will accompany you on your strolls, the beaches will be the ideal place for your family days out, the picturesque ports will charm you and the countryside has many unsuspected corners in store for you.
Just 10 minutes from Flower Camping Le Kergariou, let’s discover this pretty town in the Quimperlé region, between land and sea. Accessible, friendly and family-friendly, Moëlan-sur-mer is the ideal place for young and old to enjoy your next vacation in Southern Brittany.
Activities in Moëlan-sur-Mer
Hiking in Moëlan-sur-Mer
Like Brittany in general, the commune of Moëlan-sur-mer is an ideal place for hiking enthusiasts. From coastal paths to country trails, the diversity of the landscape means there’s something for everyone.
The GR34 or sentier des Douaniers is recognizable by its red and white markings, and runs along the Breton coastline from Saint-Nazaire to the Bay of Mont-Saint-Michel. If you don’t want to hike on your own, you’ll find a number of organized hikes: gourmet, musical or counted, the choice is yours.
Sports activities in Moëlan-sur-Mer
Another not-to-be-missed activity on the Brittany coast is water sports. Indeed, the weather conditions in South Finistère are ideal for water sports enthusiasts.
In Moëlan-sur-mer you’ll find the famous Beg Porz nautical center, offering a wide range of activities for young and old, amateurs and experts alike. From windsurfing and catamaran lessons to simple boat trips and equipment hire, there’s something for everyone.
For your summer vacations, everything happens at the beautiful beach of Kerfany, in this seaside resort where everything is set up for an unforgettable vacation. Whether you’re looking for private or group lessons, or an introduction to the sport, there’s a range of options to suit everyone’s profile.
Cultural walks in Moëlan-sur-Mer
If there’s one site you’ll want to visit on your seaside vacation in the Finistère department, it’s the Malachappe site in Moëlan-sur-mer. On the banks of the Brigneau river, the ruins of the former fish cannery offer a breathtaking view of the Atlantic Ocean. Believe us, your vacation photos won’t be complete without this spot!
As you make your way up the Anse du Belon along the GR34, you’re sure to come across a number of shipwrecks. This graveyard of boats has now blended into the local landscape, blending past with present and future with the remains of ancient craft. The tides reveal a different passage of history at each moment of the day, making for an enjoyable day out for all the family.
What to see in Moëlan-sur-Mer
La Chapelle Saint-Philibert
Located in the village of Moëlan-sur-mer, the Saint-Philibert or Saint-Roch chapel is a 16th century ensemble. The chapel, cemetery, calvary and fountain have been preserved and showcased in a verdant natural park.
In Gothic style, this T-shaped chapel has 5 pretty arches of equal dimensions separating the aisles. Inside, numerous wooden statues sit enthroned, and its inverted boat-shaped roof structure adds to the charm of this preserved, timeless site.
The building now hosts occasional masses and concerts, particularly in summer. Tours are also offered.
The menhirs
Emblematic of Brittany for many, and featured in the media, films and cartoons, menhirs are omnipresent in the South Brittany region. Whether imposing or more modest, these granite boulders mark the Neolithic past of this region, full of natural treasures.
The commune of Moëlan-sur-mer has nothing to be ashamed of when compared to the famous “alignments de Carnac” in Morbihan. Indeed, this commune in the south of Finistère boasts numerous menhirs, the most famous of which is the one in the hamlet of Kercordonner, standing 3.15 m high.
In a neighboring commune, in the Quimperlé region, you’ll find the Saint-Jean menhir, over 8m high. Thanks to its height, it’s one of the top 10 largest menhirs in the world!
Covered alleys or dolmens
The Carnoët (or Toulfoën) state forest covers more than 700 hectares of lush green vegetation, where you can recharge your batteries at the turn of a path.
It boasts a multitude of tree species around the ruins of the Château de Carnoët, which is the subject of many legends and was the residence of several Dukes of Brittany.
Together with the forest of the Abbey of Saint-Maurice, the ensemble offers long walks to enjoy nature, fauna and flora.
Views of the Laïta river are just as exceptional, including the “Rocher Royal”. Whether you’re a hiker, a runner or just a family stroller, the Carnoët forest is multifunctional.
On the same Kercordonner site, you’ll find a covered walkway or, more commonly, a dolmen. The name dolmen comes from the Breton “dol” meaning “table” and “men” meaning “stone”. Legend has it that these megaliths were once the dwellings of the korrigans.
Moëlan-sur-mer’s best-known covered alley is that of Kermeur-Bihan, which was the site of an archaeological dig in 1882. At over 16 metres long, the dolmen is protected by oak trees, keeping it in excellent condition.
Last but not least, the 17-metre-long Kergoustance covered alley features a funerary chamber split in two, where a Gallo-Roman urn was discovered in the 19th century. Legend has it that this dolmen was home to korrigans who invited the elderly and men to dance with them.
What to see around Moëlan-sur-Mer?
The village of Arzano
Arzano, a small commune in Finistère, lies to the north-east of Quimperlé, close to the Morbihan département. This rural commune has a number of interesting monuments for holidaymakers to visit, both for their architectural heritage and their history.
First of all, the charmingly renovated 17th-century church of Saint-Pierre-aux-Liens boasts a number of features, including gargoyles dating back to the 15th or 16th centuries. The interior remains authentic, thanks in particular to the vaulted ceiling. It is reminiscent of the Abbey of Sainte-Croix in Quimperlé.
A second not-to-be-missed site is the Moulin du Roch, which is still being restored in its bucolic, wooded setting. The remains of the ancient fortress of La Roche-Moisan date back to the 10th or 11th century, and it’s a very popular spot, especially with fishermen. The mill, meanwhile, is currently being restored by volunteers.
Carnoët State Forest
The Carnoët (or Toulfoën) state forest covers more than 700 hectares of lush green vegetation, where you can recharge your batteries at the turn of a path.
It boasts a multitude of tree species around the ruins of the Château de Carnoët, which is the subject of many legends and was the residence of several Dukes of Brittany.
Together with the forest of the Abbey of Saint-Maurice, the ensemble offers long walks to enjoy nature, fauna and flora.
Views of the Laïta river are just as exceptional, including the “Rocher Royal”. Whether you’re a hiker, a runner or just a family stroller, the Carnoët forest is multifunctional.
Stay on the island of Groix
Just a few kilometers from the port of Lorient, discover the emblematic island of Groix by disembarking at Port-Tudy. Visit the island like a real groisillon by setting off by bike (you can also rent one on site) and contemplate the many facets it has to offer.
Sandy beaches, coastal paths, cultural heritage or a visit to the eco-museum – what’s on your agenda? Your day will follow the rhythm of your desires, because you’re bound to find an activity to suit you. You’ll also quickly understand the importance of fishing on this island, where even the church has a weathervane in the shape of an iron fish.
A typical day in Moëlan-sur-Mer?
Your seaside vacation in Brittany will be one of conviviality at Flower Camping Le Kergariou, just 1.5 km from the port of Doëlan.
Whether you’ve already thought about your program for several weeks or you’re improvising, your day is bound to start in your mobile home or on your campsite pitch. For the kids, the activities on offer at the campsite are the perfect way to unwind and make new friends.
Meanwhile, the rest of the family can relax in the heated indoor pool.
For a meal, we recommend the “Chez Jacky” restaurant on the right bank of the River Belon, which will delight seafood lovers! Alternatively, we suggest the crêperie “Le Préau”, located in the village of Moëlan-sur-mer, in a renovated former school converted into a local restaurant.
Afterwards, why not take a leisurely stroll with a view of the sea, starting from Kerfany beach, where you can easily follow the GR34 along the coastline.
After this stroll, grab your beach towels, swimsuits and beach games to enjoy the fine sands of this family-friendly beach, where even water sports activities are available.
Whether you want to swim, try your hand at sand yachting or just laze around, the beach is big enough for everyone to enjoy their favorite activity.
For the evening, it’s up to you to plan either a quiet evening at the campsite with board games, a game of pétanque, a friendly moment with the neighbors etc… Or go a few kilometers to Le Pouldu and its marina for more lively evenings.