It’s difficult to resist the walled town of Concarneau, embedded in its fortifications, and one of the most beautiful bays in Brittany. But if you wander along its parapet walk and through its narrow streets, other charms reveal themselves, in its fishing port and on the beaches.
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Discover Concarneau
A Town of Art and History, maritime life is multi-faceted in Concarneau and always enjoyable. Its thick ramparts from the 14th century are testimony to its past as a stronghold. Its intense port life is demonstrated by more than 200 fishing boats that line the docks and the fish market. The fine sandy beaches and the marina are great places for water sports and seaside activities. There is a lovely walk along the cornice to Sables Blancs beach. Or perhaps you want something more exotic? Concarneau is a departure point for the mythical Glénan islands.
You’ve been warned: the walled town is one of the most visited places in Brittany. In summer, the morning is the best time to discover it. On a 350-metre-long and 100-metre-wide island, it is announced by a belfry and a sundial. Two little bridges take you to the entrances. Rue Vauban is the main street and is lined with charming houses with signs in keeping with the town. The cobbled side streets lead to openings to the fishing port. On the way, don’t miss the lovely fountain on Place Saint-Guénolé.
Did you know
How to combine festivity and solidarity?
Blue was the colour of the nets used to lure fish. Since 1905, “Les filets bleus” (The blue nets) is a celebration that was first organised out of solidarity for the fishermen when the sardine schools disappeared. Today, this traditional celebration attracts many festival-goers each year in August
Great views
Opposite the ramparts, the trawlers take a well-earned break. Some are involved in deep-sea fishing, others in coastal fishing. If you stroll along the docks, you might see the fish being unloaded, after 10pm. Or you could get up early and see the fish market at work from 6.30am. Lively encounters are guaranteed in this port, which is the leading tuna port in Europe and the third in France for fresh fish. Perpetuating the fishermen’s work, a few canneries perpetuate delicious know-how.
