In Finistère, the sea attracts lovers of sailing and water sports, swimming and thalassotherapy, as well as poets and other foam gazers, fans of sandy beaches, lighthouse and fishing port enthusiasts, as well as coastal path aficionados. The interior of the department also offers a plethora of treasures to discover: castles and gardens, countryside and forests, villages, etc. Zoom in on some of the department's must-see spots.
Brest, maritime façade, architecture and Océanopolis
Brest is not called the Oceanic Metropolis for nothing: entirely turned towards the sea, it is the only city in France to have 6 ports. Two large marinas complete this ensemble and thus offer a quality nautical space. The sea is also honoured atOcéanopolis, one of the Breton sites dedicated to the marine world. This ocean discovery and interpretation centre presents four marine ecosystems, divided into four areas: the Brittany, polar and tropical pavilions, as well as the otter trail. Explanations and activities are provided throughout the visit: shark tank, feeding of the species, a walk in the tropical greenhouse, observation of the manchuette, the possibility of touching certain animals, and the polar seal tank, which is unique in Europe
But there are other aspects of Brest's heritage that deserve a closer look. Many traces of the past are still visible, witnesses of a turbulent and maritime history: the rue Saint-Malo and the Jardin des Explorateurs are two examples. Brest also offers a very dense cultural fabric, thanks to its various cultural facilities and the unmissable events that take place throughout the year. Finally, Brest has also recently acquired an urban cable car, which allows, among other things, access to the Ateliers des Capucins, a mythical place that has been rehabilitated and has become both a new cultural venue and a symbol of the city's dynamism. All this has earned the city of Ponant the title of Town of Art and History
The Cairn of Barnenez, the oldest megalithic monument in Europe
Consisting in fact of two adjoining cairns covering eleven burial chambers, the Cairn of Barnenez is the largest but also the oldest megalithic mausoleum in Europe. Its origins date back to nearly five millennia before our era (4,500 to 3,500 BC), i.e. more than a millennium before the Egyptian civilization. Located at the top of the peninsula of Kernéléhen, at the mouth of the river of Morlaix, in the north of Finistère, this cairn presents all the characteristics of the Neolithic architecture: monumental dimension, presence of collective burials and constitution of big stones. 75 metres long, 28 metres wide and 9 metres high, it reveals eleven dolmens
The cairn, which is today the property of the State, is one of the most visited historical monuments in Europe!
The Monts d'Arrée, fauna and flora in the spotlight
You have to get lost to appreciate this very special place. On the spot, all the senses are awake. On the summits, in the shade of the ridges, you can discover a breathtaking landscape as far as the eye can see. On a clear day, you can even see most of the department. Depending on the season, the vegetation takes on pink and golden hues, the moorland displays a whole palette of colours. In summer, blueberries and wild berries are waiting to be tasted with delight. The flora is rich, the fauna abundant: nature lovers are in their element!
Quimper, the Breton charm
Living to the rhythm of the tides and nestling in the heart of its seven hills, Quimper is at the crossroads of the maritime world and the rural world. To paraphrase Anatole Le Braz talking about Tréguier, we could say that Quimper, daughter of Armor and Argoat, is a city of the soul... Not because of its cathedral of course, nor because of the beautiful Romanesque church of Locmaria. But because of this indescribable perfume of memory and culture which floats above the numerous bridges decorated with geraniums which span the Odet, the rue Kéréon lined with numerous half-timbered houses, its small quiet squares and its picturesque streets. Quimper is also a galaxy of cafés that are full of the flavour of a friendly and colourful Celtic atmosphere..
The Pointe Saint-Mathieu, a magical cliff
North Finistère can boast a few points that are worth a visit, notably the Pointe Saint-Mathieu. Shaped by the waves, this steep cliff overhangs the sea by about twenty metres. At its summit, a majestic white lighthouse, a semaphore, a small chapel and a ruined abbey stand proudly facing the sea and the wind. From this place, one has the strange sensation of feeling the strength of Brittany... Walking through the ruins of the abbey, dating from the 11th century and listed as a historical monument since 1875, you can imagine what life was like in this village, whose buildings have disappeared over the centuries. On sunny days, this magical place is all the more impressive and the view breathtaking
The Crozon peninsula, breathtaking landscapes
Wedged between the bay of Brest to the north and the bay of Douarnenez to the south, the Crozon peninsula is surrounded by the sea. It takes its name from the main town, Crozon, and is shaped like a cross, making it easy to spot on a map of France. It is appreciated for the beauty of its landscapes. There are some magnificent natural sites, the most famous of which are the Pointe des Espagnols, the Pointe de Pen-Hir (with its famous Tas de pois) and the Cap de la Chèvre. But you should not limit yourself to these mythical places! Municipalities such as Camaret-sur-Mer (where you will find the Vauban Tower, dating from the 17th century and classified as a Unesco World Heritage Site, and the Rocamadour chapel) or Lanvéoc (known for its Naval School and its naval air base) are all good places to walk. Cliffs, creeks, indented coasts, beautiful beaches: a real paradise for those who love wild places. A route of fortifications also allows you to discover an important military heritage (fort, tower, battery). The peninsula also has a rich cultural heritage, which can be seen during your walks. At the entrance of the peninsula, the Menez Hom, culminating at 330 meters of altitude, offers the largest panoramic view of Armorique, from the Rade de Brest to the Pointe Saint-Mathieu
The Pointe du Raz, mysteries and legends of Brittany
Even if it is false (the points of Corsen and Saint-Mathieu are further out to sea), in the collective imagination the Pointe du Raz remains the prow of the Eurasian continent and more than a million visitors flock here every year! Wrapped in mystery, legends and terrifying tales, beaten on three sides by furious flights of foam as well as by the winds, this ridge of stone perched 70 metres above the waves has seen the ocean drill the immense vat where it roars, the hell of Plogoff! At the time of the greatest violence, it is said that the souls of the dead can be heard moaning there, because there is one of the doors that connect our world and theirs. Today, the Pointe du Raz is a protected natural site with the Grand Site de France label. From its tip, it offers one of the most beautiful battlefields between land and ocean
The GR 34, a walk on the path of the Douaniers
The GR 34, also known as the "sentier des Douaniers", is the long-distance hiking trail that runs around Brittany and along almost the entire Breton coastline. It is 2,000 km long and comprises 42 sections. This trail partly takes up the old paths used by customs officers from the 17th century onwards to patrol the coastline and fight smuggling. For lovers of walking and nature, it is unthinkable to venture into Brittany without walking part of it!
Useful information
When is it open? You can go all year round, but the summer sun is obviously the ideal option. For walking along the GR 34, June and September are ideal
Getting there. By train, allow an average of 3 hours 45 minutes to reach Brest from Paris; by plane, head for Brest airport; by car, allow about 6 hours from Paris
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