Once considered an independent territory, Brittany was officially reunited with France in 1532. Its morphology gives a glimpse of a territory born from an advance from the land to the sea. The region is located in the far west of France, bordered by the English Channel to the north, the Celtic and Iroise Seas to the west and the Bay of Biscay to the south. Its landscape has a special charm that will not leave you indifferent. Between its beaches, its hidden peninsulas, its peaks known as the famous Pointe du Raz and many other particularities, it is a destination of choice. Discover in this article the 5 places to visit absolutely during your stay or trip in Finistère.
Saint-Corentin Cathedral
Named after the first legendary bishop whose name it bears, the Cathedral of Saint-Corentin in Quimper is both a Catholic cathedral and a minor basilica. Built on the ruins of the Roman cathedral in early 1239, it was not completed until the 16th century. It was in 1862 that it was classified as a historical monument. The cathedral of Quimper has a Latin cross plan, deflected by 10° to the left of the axis of the heart. This peculiarity is the source of much controversy. Its architecture is similar to the Norman Gothic of the 13th century in its exterior façade composed of three parts, including two towers. As for the spires, they were not installed until after 1862. On the top of the façade is the equestrian statue of King Gradlon, who, according to legend, donated his palace to build the cathedral.
As for the opening hours, it is open every day from September to June between 9:45 a.m. and 12 p.m. and then between 1:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. and closed every Sunday morning. From July to August, it is open between 9:45 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Sundays and all public holidays. Access is free of charge.
Due to its historic character and remarkable architecture, the Saint-Corentin Cathedral is a place not to be missed during a visit to Finistère. After your visit to Quimper Cathedral, you can take your children to visit a natural park.
Walk in a natural park
Are you a lover of ecological walks and the preservation of species? Finistère has plenty to look forward to. Here is a list of some of the best places:
- Iroise Marine Natural Park: it is a place of great beauty. Set up in 2007, the park covers an area of nearly 3500 km2, i.e. 50% of the area of the Finistère department. Its goal is to conserve biodiversity while striving for the balance between ecosystems. It is therefore a place in which you can enjoy a panoramic view of the wonders it holds. After your visit to the Iroise Marine Natural Park, you can visit the Saint-Mathieu lighthouse located close to the park.
- The Armorique Regional Natural Park: it is one of the most important biodiversity reserves in Brittany. It began with the decree of 30 September 1969. Equipped with its biodiversity observatory, it is the place where you will observe rare species such as the grey parcel, the red-billed chough, the greater horseshoe bat, the sea lamprey, etc. Once you arrive at the Armorique Regional Natural Park, be sure to visit the town of Crozon and its magnificent tip of Sainte-Hernot.
Water activities in Concarneau
Concarneau is the ideal place for everything to do with the sea. Here are some of the entertainments available in Concarneau:
– Snowboarding, surfing, paddle boarding, funboarding, windfoiling: try the experience in complete safety during your visit to Finistère by going to one of the establishments in Finistère that offer this type of activity. These water activities are sure to blow your mind.
– Diving: if you are a fan of diving, this is the water activity for you. You can do a freediving course from March to September. Equipment rentals are available and spearfishing activities take place between 8 a.m. and 12 p.m. and between 12:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. every day.
– Excursions and boat cruise: discover the Vachic, an electric boat that will allow you to enjoy a beautiful cruise.
– Fishing: if you are more attracted by fishing, and the calm that this activity can offer, you can go out to sea accompanied by professionals. In addition, if you go to the beaches in Brittany of Finistère during the high tides when the water recedes, you can practice knife fishing. An activity that will delight young and old alike during your stay in Brittany.
Walk in Quimperlé
Located between Quimper and Lorient in South Finistère, the small country of Quimperlé will offer you an unforgettable stay. The activities you will be able to carry out there are:
– Walk and discovery: discover Breton architecture by visiting exceptional places such as the Fremeur hospital, the old court of justice, the ruins of the church of Saint-Columba, Les Roches du diable, the manor of Kernault. You can also explore the crypt of the Abbey of Saint Croix, collect souvenirs in the Halles du pont de Lovignon. Don’t hesitate to take a look at the port of Doëlan and the port of Merrien, which are both small marinas with Breton charm.
– Participate in exhibitions: Quimperlé hosts exhibitions in the Ursuline chapels and in the Archers’ House.
Laze in the sun in Douarnenez
- Visit Tristan Island: it is a protected natural site of great beauty. You will be able to enjoy the unique opportunity to walk in the footsteps of famous artists who have lived on this island. In addition, don’t hesitate to go to the foot of the majestic Tristan Island Lighthouse filled with history.
- Visit a maritime museum: Perfect for lovers of the sea and its stories, don’t hesitate to go to the Port-Museum, which is full of history and old boats.
- Do your shopping: Discover the Trebaut market with its mix of various flavors of Brittany and Finistère open on Wednesdays at 8:30 a.m., the fish market of Les Halles and the devil’s market.
- Visit the beaches of Douarnenez:
– The Ris beach (supervised in July and August): it offers a breathtaking view of the city as well as the port of Rosmeur;
– The white sand beach (supervised in July and August): it occupies the first place in terms of surface area in the Douarnenez. This beach will allow you to enjoy all year round the thalassotherapy and gastronomic delights offered by the restaurants in the comfort of its prestigious hotels nearby. You can also rent kayaks, windsurfers and plenty of equipment for water sports fans. It should be noted that tiralos are available for people with reduced mobility.
Have you decided to go to Finistère and visit its peninsulas renowned for their beauty? It is possible for you to rent a bed and breakfast if you wish to spend a long stay or a cottage for a shorter stay in Finistère. Charme Bretagne offers you the following cottages in Binic: Les maisons de Victoire, the Bed and breakfast of Kergroaz Maner, the selfcatering La villa sur la plage near the Pink Granite Coast, but also the gîte La maison de Nomah in Finistère and finally the bed and breakfast in Perros Guirec: Maripoz.. Discover our beautiful Brittany during your trip and enjoy the landscapes it has to offer.
Once in Finistère, don’t miss the opportunity to discover the other departments of the Brittany region. Charme Bretagne has grouped together in its articles the 5 places to visit in the Morbihan, in Ille et Vilaine and in the Côtes d’Armor.
