Brittany France:
West Coast of Finistère
Finistère (meaning 'end of the earth' in breton) -
is the western region of Brittany. It is the heartland of Breton culture
and where you might still hear the regional language spoken.
Walking in Brittany
The northern coast is more wild and rugged, known for its dramatic coastlines. The Cornouaille region in the south is popular for holidays.
Wild West Coast
Quimper is the capital of Finistère but it still has a villagey feel,
with its cobblestone streets and half-timbered homes. It has lots of fantastic restaurants. You might see old ladies
wearing the traditional tall lace hats. Quimper is famous for its painted pottery.
Breton Traditional Headdress
The Île d'Ouessant is a small island off the west coast. It's great for
walking and cycling (bring your parka)...try and go out of the high tourist season otherwise it can get quite crowded.
Île d'Ouessant
And if you're looking for the typical Breton scenery - rocky cliffs and lighthouses - you'll
find it at the Île d'Ouessant.
Brittany Lighthouse
Locronan is one of the prettiest villages in France. Every July, Locronan
holds a religious procession (the oldest in Brittany) to honor the monk Ronan who founded the village in the 5th century.
The women wear the traditional breton clothing. You'll also see typical Breton style homes, with granite stone, slate
roofs and dormer windows. Try the gateau breton, a delicious, moist cake in one of the local bakers (boulangerie).
Locronan
Le Conquet is a pretty fishing village about 30mins drive west of Brest. You'll see
the characteristic breton grey stone homes and with red painted doors and shutters.
Le Conquet
The Pointe du Raz is on the edge of the west coast. Imagine dramatic cliffs and views of the sea....
La Pointe du Raz, Finistère
The Île de Sein is about the farthest out you can get. It is just off the Pointe du
Raz on the west coast. It is a windswept, small island, no trees or bikes, and a very tiny village.
You can reach it by boat (leaving from St Edette near Audierne....the boat company is Pen Ar Bed). It takes about an
hour to get there. Not for the fainthearted... Here are the contact details for the boat company.
Compagnie Maritime PENN AR BED
quai Téphany - 29570 Camaret sur Mer
Tél. 02 98 27 88 22.
www.pennarbed.fr/embarquement_1.php
Ile de Sein
Please see our
Brittany Map
page for further information on these destinations.
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