Visit Clohars-Carnoët in southern Finistère: Activity Guide
Between beaches, heritage and nature in Southern Brittany
Located in southern Brittany, on the border of the Morbihan department, the town of Clohars-Carnoët has been one of the seaside resorts on the Breton coast for many years.
Facing the island of Groix and close to the pretty towns of Guidel, Moëlan-sur-mer and Quimperlé, this town boasts a rich heritage, diversity and a wide range of leisure activities.
In fact, between land and sea, you’ll find a rich cultural heritage, thanks in particular to the Saint-Maurice abbey, while on the coast, the beaches of Le Pouldu offer a wide range of water sports.
Last but not least, the charming port of Doëlan is the perfect place to take the whole family for a stroll along the coastal path.
What’s on in Clohars-Carnoët?
Beautiful nature walks
Brittany’s reputation is built on its famous GR34, the Douaniers trail that runs from Mont-Saint-Michel to Saint-Nazaire.
This seaside path, signposted in red and white, naturally passes through the pretty town of Clohars-Carnoët, with its ever more incredible scenery.
For this reason, one of the most popular activities is hiking. It’s up to you to choose your point of departure, either on the Morbihan side along the Laïta river, or from the port of Merrien in Moëlan-sur-mer.
It’s also the perfect opportunity to sample the local speciality, the famous “Belon oyster”, during your walk, for beginners or experts.
Activities at the Nautical Club
Kloar Nau tik, with its brand-new 2021 nautical center, offers a multitude of outdoor sporting activities.
The nautical base at Le Pouldu, opposite the island of Groix, is the ideal place to learn water sports for thrill-seekers, slide enthusiasts or those wishing to perfect their skills.
Private or group lessons with qualified instructors, the choice is yours for your sea kayaking, canoeing, stand-up paddling, surfing, kite-surfing or sand yachting program. This leisure center offers the opportunity to practice water sports in complete safety, thanks to instructors trained to ensure that learning or improvement is supervised and monitored.
Of course, if you’ve already been initiated, it’s also possible to take advantage of water leisure equipment rental activities, such as canoeing, wakeboarding, windsurfing or simply paddling.
Cultural walks
In the heart of the Carnoët forest nature park, on the right bank of the Laïta river, discover the ruins of the Cistercian Abbey of Saint-Maurice.
Whether you choose a guided or self-guided tour, you can take advantage of the exhibitions to learn more about the history of this abbey, which has many surprises in store for you. Founded in 1177, this landscape, listed by the Conservatoire du Littoral, is the ideal place to observe the local flora and fauna, either on your own or during workshops with local enthusiasts. You can also choose from a range of activities during the school vacations.
Discover the Quinquis animal park, located near Le Pouldu. This animal park is diversified thanks to its fabulous Parcabout Chien Noir, a fun playground for children. It’s a favorite place for young and old alike to spend a convivial, relaxing moment with the family, and enjoy the many varieties of animals that live together in the botanical park in the heart of nature.
What’s on in Clohars-Carnoët?
The beaches of Le Pouldu
Let’s get back to our hike… Between the Laïta river and the port of Merrien, you’ll find a number of coves and fine sandy beaches, each more beautiful than the last for a swim.
Whether you prefer small, wild coves along the way or large beaches with lifeguards, you’re sure to find the one that suits you best.
Le Pouldu, in Clohars-Carnoët, has 3 main beaches: le Kérou, Bellangenêt and les Grands Sables.
On Kérou beach you’ll find water sports enthusiasts from children to adults and teenagers.
Bellangenêt beach is the supervised beach and the most accessible, especially for people with reduced mobility. It’s the beach for everyone.
As for the Grands Sables beach, it’s the most accessible beach for people who want to meet up in a more family-friendly setting.
The port of Doëlan
A cameo of colors awaits you at the Doëlan marina.
This typical, picturesque port on the Brittany coast is a breath of fresh air for locals and holidaymakers alike, with its charm and tranquility.
Its red and green lighthouses and its famous pink house bring the scene to life and the panoramas to ever more spectacular heights.
In the ria, a parade of pleasure boats and fishermen bring the port to life, and we invite you to visit the fish auction on the right bank for fish lovers.
The long dike not only protects the harbor from the vagaries of the sea, but also offers an exceptional view of the harbor entrance.
The museums
The Maison Musée Gauguin, in the main street of Le Pouldu, invites you to discover the artistic past of the area, thanks to the visits of many great painters such as Gauguin, Meyer de Haan, Filiger and Sérusier.
You may be unfamiliar with their names, but their works are not. It was here, between Le Pouldu and Pont-Aven in south Finistère, that these artists settled and found inspiration for their landscapes between 1886 and 1894.
They take their place at Marie Henry’s “La Buvette de la Plage”, a historic venue that has now been brought back to life to put you in the artists’ shoes.
If you’re interested in history, we highly recommend a visit to the Grands Sables casemate in Le Pouldu. This Atlantic Wall blockhouse opens its doors for a few half-days, allowing you to experience the 39/45 war for yourself.
A typical day in Clohars-Carnoët?
At the pace of vacations, your day begins at Flower Camping Le Kergariou in Clohars-Carnoët among its acres of greenery.
After taking part in the outdoor activities on offer at the campsite, it’s time to explore the surrounding area.
A breath of fresh air in the middle of the Carnoët forest will give you a great start to the day, with its curious flora and fauna.
As you work up an appetite, we recommend making a reservation at the crêperie Saint-Maurice, located directly in the grounds of Saint-Maurice Abbey.
This crêperie is not only a good address for lovers of culinary specialities, but also offers an unmissable view of the Laïta river.
However, if it’s not yet lunchtime, take the opportunity to walk a few kilometers to the port of Doëlan, where you’ll find the right bank restaurant Le 3 Mâts.
A word of advice… Ask for the terrace overlooking the harbour, so you can enjoy the moment even more!
For a digestive stroll, we recommend a visit to the l’Apothicaire cider house, which not only prepares its specialties, but also gives you the opportunity to tour the premises and learn how cider is made.
In the afternoon, it’s the perfect time to enjoy the beach with your family. The choice is yours, a cove on the coastal path (there are many) or a supervised beach like Bellangenêt? On your way out, don’t forget to stop off at Le Pouldu for an ice cream!
Taking part in one of the activities offered by the campsite and looking at the snack menu to enjoy the bar terrace seems a very good first option.
If you’d like to take advantage of outdoor activities, we recommend you look at the weekly program directly online on the Tourist Office website to find the activity that suits you best.
For the more indecisive, head to the right bank at Doëlan’s Beg An Tour to enjoy the sunset.
