7 places to visit in South Finistère
Authentic getaway at the end of the Breton world
From theCrozon peninsula to Le Pouldu, via the Pointe du Raz and Douarnenez, there’s so much to discover when you visit South Finistère.
Located at the western tip of France, this part of Brittany boasts a cultural and historical heritage that allows locals and holidaymakers alike to flourish.
From picture-postcard settings to idyllic wilderness, Finistère’s biodiversity will transport you to breathtaking landscapes.
For those who love fishing, water sports, hiking, culinary specialties or simply relaxing, South Finistère offers a wide range of activities.
Let’s take a look at some of the must-see places in the Finistère department, as diverse as it is typical of its bygone years.
There’s no doubt that you’ll be surprised, amazed or blown away by what South Finistère and its famous Bigouden region have in store for you.
1 | Pont-Aven
Imagine yourself a painter, in the XIXᵉ century… This was the period when Pont-Aven knew its hour of glory thanks to the arrival of numerous painters (Gauguin, Van Gogh, Sérusier, Meyer de Haan and Filiger).
This is how the Pont-Aven school of painters was born, where many artists went to be inspired by the places and landscapes of this pretty town of character.
Today, it’s still a must-see destination, with its many windmills, strolls along the harbor and the Xavier Grall promenade.
Up high, discover the Bois d’Amour forest, and for walkers, the banks of the Aven river, the subject of Sérusier’s mythical ” Talisman “. And for those with a sweet tooth, don’t forget the famous ” Galettes de Pont-Aven “.
2 | Locronan
Listed as a historic monument since 1924, Locronan, a “little town of character”, now boasts numerous labels and is one of France’ s ” most beautiful villages “.
Nothing surprising for this medieval city with its architectural heritage founded in the Xᵉ century by Saint-Ronan.
The village’s bluish granite houses and slate roofs have made it a must-see for many film-makers, such as Jean-Pierre Jeunet and his fabulous film ” Un long dimanche de fiancailles “.
Locronan’s mountainous location, 5km from the Atlantic Ocean, makes it an ideal starting point or stopping-off point for hikes and bike rides.
3 | Pointe du Raz
It’s an impressive feeling, like being at the end of the world, just like the name of your department (Finistère = End of the Earth).
The Pointe du Raz, on the edge of North Finistère, is one of the most westerly points in France. In calm weather or on stormy days, it’s an exceptional sight: the coastal path, facing the Vieille lighthouse, the Raz de Sein and the Ile de Sein.
In 2004, this granite site was awarded the ” Grand Site de France ” label for its location and typical environment, with a breathtaking view over the Iroise Sea. It’s undoubtedly one of the must-see sites in the Breton landscape.
4 | Concarneau
It needs no introduction… Concarneau and its “ville-close” with its impressive architectural heritage. At first glance, its stone walls will fascinate you.
But the best is yet to come as you stroll through the narrow streets or along the ramparts overlooking the yachting and fishing harbors.
This fortified city maintains its maritime heritage thanks to the fishing port and its many boats.
But Concarneau is also an incredible bay with fine sandy beaches, where you can have fun, relax or try your hand at water sports.
5 | The islands of South Finistère
Glénan Archipelago
Its paradisiacal landscapes, translucent waters and white sandy beaches have earned this archipelago the name ” Brittany’s Caribbean “.
The seven islets that make up this seaside resort are an undeniable playground for water sports enthusiasts.
It’s also here that you’ll find the famous ” Les Glénans ” sailing school.
Sein Island
The island of Sein, off the tip of Brittany, has retained all the charm of a wild island and lives to the rhythm of the tides.
With its colorful houses, narrow streets and stone fields, you’ll enjoy walks on the moorland, offering a verdant landscape between land and sea.
This island, exposed to the wind and waves, is in harmony with the lives of local fishermen and vacationers enjoying a Breton stopover.
Ushant Island
On the tip of Brittany, visit theisland of Ouessant, 8 km long and 4 km wide.
Its cliffs, shaped by tides and storms, make it unique.
The Créac’h lighthouse, majestically overlooking the island, offers a breathtaking view of the green meadows where the famous Ouessant sheep mingle with birds and other local fauna.
Island of Molène
To the south of Ushant Island, Molène, ” the pearl of the Iroise Sea islands “, offers a spectacular landscape that changes with the hours of the day, to the rhythm of the tides.
Hiding or uncovering the islets, the turquoise ocean water is the ideal playground for schools of seals. Will you be lucky enough to catch a glimpse?
To do so, talk to the locals, who are proud of their heritage and will tell you all about the history of their island.
6 | Crozon peninsula
Halfway between the towns of Quimper and Brest, “at the end of the world”, a Breton headland attracts visitors with its heavenly landscapes.
Discover the Crozon peninsula, the ” Breton Riviera“, where the many coves, beautiful beaches and coastal paths will guide you through this haven of peace.
Some will be keen to hike the trails, others to swim on the beach, and for the undecided, simply enjoy the breathtaking sights this peninsula has to offer.
Leaving from Morgat or Camaret-sur-Mer, contemplate a setting filled with cliffs, rocks and other natural features shaped by the Iroise Sea.
Camaret is above all a lively port, the starting point for a trip to the Vauban Tower, the ” Golden Tower “, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
7 | Pouldu
Le Pouldu is located on the right bank of the Laïta river in southern Brittany.
With its marina, beaches, coves, summer entertainment and numerous water sports activities, Le Pouldu is a veritable Swiss Army knife by the sea.
Here, the whole family can get together for the next vacation in one of our gîtes or chambres d’hotes, with, for the lucky ones, the famous “sea view” at the end of the day.
For nature-lovers who want to enjoy the beauty of the countryside, the coastal path, marked in red and white, runs for miles along the coastline.
The port of Doëlanthe port of Merrien, the ria du Bélon – from which the oyster “ la belon ” takes its name – let you enjoy hours of southern Brittany charm.
Just a few kilometers by car from all these sumptuous places to visit, discover and enjoy Flower Camping le Kergariou, located near Le Pouldu.
When you rent a camping pitch, mobile home or chalet, you’ll have access to a host of services, including the famous indoor heated swimming pool.
Your vacation in Brittany at this family-run campsite will allow you to explore all the special features of the Brittany region.
The Breton coast, but also the “terres”, are just some of the riches this corner of the “bout-du-monde” has to offer, and there’s something for everyone during your stay at this campsite in southern Finistère.
