Fouesnant is an excellent base for visiting western Brittany, located 17 km south of Quimper, between Pont l’Abbé and Concarneau.
Cornouaille, in the south of Finistère, is home to wide open spaces and colourful folk traditions.
Lulled by the sea and the light, South Finistère is like a small paradise for artists, sports enthusiasts and all lovers of beauty and sweet delicacies.
Here are a few suggestions of places to discover during your visit :
Bigouden country
Just cross the Cornouaille bridge at Bénodet to discover the Pays Bigouden. Facing the port of Bénodet and accessible by small ferry in summer, the charming little port of Sainte-Marine reveals its charms.
This is a land of character and tradition. It is famous for its 36 cm high Bigoudène headdress!
Strolling along the coast, you’ll marvel at the power of nature and be amazed at the beauty and authenticity of the landscapes. Snow sports fans won’t want to miss the legendary spot at the Pointe de la Torche.
A land of fishermen, the four ports of the Pays Bigouden – Saint-Guénolé-Penmarc’h, Le Guilvinec, Lesconil and Loctudy – are alive with a curious ritual every day.
Around 6am, when the deep-sea fishing boats are unloaded, and then around 4.30pm when the inshore fishing boats return: the fish auction !
Quimper, capital of Cornouaille
Travel up the Odet to Quimper and its town centre, just 17 km from Fouesnant. Listed as a Town of Art and History, Quimper has more than one marvel to share with you…
Stroll through the medieval town with its timber-framed houses dating from the 16th and 17th centuries, discover Saint-Corentin cathedral, a jewel of Breton Gothic art, the 19th-century flower-bedecked footbridges, the museums, the Locmaria district and its famous Henriot-Quimper earthenware factory.
La Pointe du Raz : the End of the Earth
Approximately 1 hour from Fouesnant, the Cap Sizun peninsula offers the best of Brittany in a wild and unspoilt area.
The white sandy beaches on the south coast, the spectacular views over the Iroise Sea and the island of Sein are just some of the attractions on offer.
The Raz and Van headlands to the west and the rugged, unspoilt cliffs of the north coast are all must-sees.
On this gigantic playground, it’s up to you to choose your atmosphere : sea or land ?
In such a setting, carved and polished by storm after storm of sea spray, you can’t help but be drawn to this world, which has organised itself and built ports and maritime buildings all along its coastline.
So during your stay, treat yourself to the end of the world. Your trip to Cap Sizun will be a unique experience !
Concarneau
Just ten kilometres from Fouesnant on the coastal road, Concarneau is a town of art and history, a major fishing port and a seaside resort. The heart of the town, surrounded by fortifications, is an invitation to discover the past and stroll through its shopping streets.
A stroll along the corniche offers a breathtaking view of the Bay of La Forêt, from the tip of Beg Meil to La Forêt-Fouesnant, via Cap Coz.
Locronan
Listed as a Historic Monument since 1924, Locronan is one of the ‘Most Beautiful Villages in France’ and has been awarded the ‘Petite Cité de Caractère de Bretagne’ label.
With houses dating from the 15th to 18th centuries, Locronan is a tourist destination in a class of its own.
The charm of this small town, combined with its tourist appeal, has attracted many artists and craftspeople.
At the turn of a street or a square, they invite you to discover their world in a workshop or a gallery.
Pont-Aven
Charming little town 40 minutes from Fouesnant.
A delight for both the eyes and the taste buds with its famous Pont-Aven cakes.
Stroll through the green valley dotted with rocks, wash-houses and mills.
In summer, guided cruises are available on the river Aven, and there are many galleries and artists.
The area is rich in heritage and colour. You’ll soon understand why Paul Gauguin, Sérusier and the other artists chose this holiday resort…
The Crozon peninsula
The Crozon peninsula boasts an extraordinary range of landscapes, from steep cliffs to fine sandy beaches. There are also secret coves, majestic headlands and capes such as Tas de Pois and Pointe de Dinan.
The GR34 and the many other existing footpaths are one of the best ways to discover the natural and heritage riches of the Crozon peninsula. Just 1 hour from Fouesnant, you’ll never tire of discovering so many wonders !
The Monts d'Arrée,
in the heart of Finistère
If, during your stay in Fouesnant, your curiosity takes you away from the coast, the Monts d’Arrée will reveal some surprising landscapes. At the heart of the Parc Naturel Régional d’Armorique, these hills immerse you in the Celtic imagination and its legends…
The landscape is breathtaking: moorland, heather, peat bogs and rocky ridges blend together as far as the eye can see. See the Youdig at Mont-Saint-Michel, climb Tuchenn Kador, climb Roc’h Trevezel and contemplate the breathtaking views over the Léon region.
Soak up the legends on a storytelling walk, stroll through the granite chaos – there’s so much you can do to get to grips with this magical land. A change of scenery guaranteed !
