Menez-Hom Atlantique
A luminous getaway in breathtaking scenery set between the ocean and the wild moors. Spread over the communities of Saint-Nic, Trégarvan, Dinéault and Plomodiern, the Menez-Hom offers 360° views. From the chapel of Sainte-Marie du Menez-Hom, climb to the summit of Le Yed, 330 metres above sea level, and soak in the soft shades of pink on the horizon.
Like a winter painting, the old shipowners’ houses of Port-Launay are reflected in the calm waters of the River Aulne, a beautiful play of light and shadow.
Crozon Peninsula and the Aulne Estuary
Camaret-sur-Mer is a land of a thousand treasures, a striking range of greys and blues, where you can enjoy uninterrupted views of the Iroise Sea as you walk. From the Sillon to the Pointe de Pen-Hir, the land fades into the vast ocean horizon.
After enjoying the seascapes, head for Morgat, where the colourful houses warm the tone of this former sardine port, now home to nautical and yachting activities.
Landerneau-Daoulas
Landerneau by the river: follow the banks of the River Élorn and the ochre-and-green towpath to the Pont de Rohan, one of France’s last inhabited bridges, recently listed as a historic monument.
Along the Mignonne, discover Daoulas on a rural stroll through the undergrowth to the viaduct.
Brest Metropolitan Area
You won’t get a more photogenic lighthouse than the Petit Minou in Plouzané, which stands guard over the daily comings and goings of boats in waters around Brest. Its stone bridge, bathed in winter light, gives it a distinctive silhouette that is an endless source of inspiration for photographers.
The largest covered public square in Europe and a former shipbuilding yard, the Capucins workshops feel like an industrial cathedral with gigantic naves. Flooded with light, they welcome you for a moment of creativity, sharing, discovery and entertainment.
As the day draws to a close, head for the Lapérouse breakwater and its 400-metre jetty: a prime spot from which to admire the sunset over the ocean.
Iroise Bretagne
In Plougonvelin, the captivating pink tones of the sky as the evening draws in add a touch of romance to the Pointe de Saint-Mathieu. Then follow the Route des Phares for a breath of fresh air that’s as sumptuous as it is invigorating.
Head to Le Conquet, recognised as a small town of great character, complete with a heritage port that comes alive as the boats sail back and forth. It’s the perfect place to take a gourmet break with a seawater tang when the net fishermen, basket-fishermen and line-anglers return with their catch.
Ouessant Island
Past the lighthouses, set sail for Ouessant, a windswept island that is France’s most westerly spot.
In the evening, don’t miss the magical show of the lighthouse illuminations, both on land and at sea.
Pays des Abers
The fascinating Île Vierge is home to two lighthouses: the 33-metre lighthouse-keeper’s house and its 82.5-metre neighbour, which sits less than 2 km off the coast of Plouguerneau and is the tallest granite lighthouse in Europe. If you get the chance, climb its 383 steps to see the piercing blue of the Abers in the winter light.
The mysterious seascape of Aber Wrac’h stretches for more than 33 km and its many gems include the port of Paluden, a veritable haven of peace.
Presqu’île Sainte-Marguerite, the call of the sea: vast stretches of sand, sparse tiny islands and a dune belt of vegetation reveal their golden hues in the winter light.
Côte des Légendes
After strolling along Beg-Pol beach in Plounéour-Brignogan-Plages, head north along the coastal path to the village of Meneham in Kerlouan. Steeped in legend and tucked away behind huge boulders, this tiny hamlet is now home to several arts and crafts workshops.
High on the rocks stands Pontusval lighthouse, over 150 years old and listed as an Historic Monument. Its lighthouse is 18 metres tall and emits 3 flashes every 12 seconds – a lovely way to light up your winter.
In the heart of the Pays Pagan region, Curnic marsh in Guissény is a Natura-2000 site, sure to capture the hearts of any nature lovers. In winter, it is home to hundreds of birds, and is an important wintering and migratory stopover site for many species.
Le Léon
This is an ideal spot at the golden hour, overlooking the beautiful historic town of Roscoff as you take a light-filled stroll through the old port, along the pier or through the charming cobbled streets.
In Saint-Pol-de-Léon, formerly the bishop’s seat, amble between the picturesque 13th-century cathedral, the town hall and Notre-Dame du Kreisker chapel. Head down to the sea and find the tucked-away port of Pempoul in the heart of a Land of Art and History.
Plouescat is authentic and unusual with a sandy façade in natural colours. Stroll from Porsguen Port to Camlouis menhir. Legend has it that beneath this 7-metre standing stone lies a treasure that can only be unearthed between the strokes of 12 at midnight on Christmas Day.
Morlaix Bay
In Carantec, as the evening draws in, the sky is ablaze with purple and orange hues: at low tide, a path emerges from the sea that will lead you to Île Callot or you can continue to Pen al Lann to admire the setting sun illuminating Île Louët lighthouse.
For a reviving stroll in Locquirec, follow the coastal path from the harbour, and admire the deep blue of the calm waters.
Take a break from winter in Morlaix Bay and get a breath of fresh sea air! Discover the bay in a different way, with unique experiences far from the crowds, where you can take the time to reconnect with nature.
The Arrée Mountains
The enchanting forest of Huelgoat has inspired many artists who have succumbed to its spellbinding landscapes, subtly pierced by the winter light.
Climb to the very heights of Finistère, at an altitude of 381 metres: in the heart of the Armorique Regional Nature Park, Montagne Saint-Michel in Saint-Rivoal overlooks the Arrée Mountains and offers a viewpoint that’s as unspoilt as it is breathtaking.
A mythical land in shades of green and brown, the Arrée Mountains reveal a vast expanse of marshes and peat bogs. Many Breton legends have been born here, so adventurous souls will find it easy to be enchanted by the mysteries of the Arrée Mountains.
Carhaix Poher
Between the Montagnes Noires and the Arrée Mountains, visit the Poher region, which is located at the crossroads of the main Armorican routes back in Gallo-Roman times. In Carhaix, the Vorgium site and its visitor centre tell the story of the Gallic tribe of Osismii and their town.
Quiet time in the countryside along the canal: with its rich network of Green Ways, Carhaix offers a whole range of possibilities. Make the most of the banks of the Nantes-Brest Canal, in an ideal setting of azure blue and greenery, for an energising outing on foot or by bike.
Upper Cornouaille
Châteauneuf-du-Faou was a land of inspiration for Paul Sérusier, the famous Symbolist painter and founder of the Nabis movement. This artist was inspired by these unique landscapes, the autumn resplendent in ochre, the wooded areas and the depths of the Aulne Valley. The exhibition outlines his life and works.
Along the banks of the Aulne: Green Ways, locks, the Nantes-Brest Canal, footpaths and more – they all cross the upper part of French Cornwall (Haute Cornouaille) and promise tranquil, emerald escapes. Admire the unspoilt beauty where flora and fauna live in perfect harmony.
Quimperlé Les Rias
Rias are narrow bays that are naturally gentle and inspiring, lulling you into the rhythm of their tides and their meanders. Whether you explore them from the sea or from the coastline, the panorama is always breathtaking.
In Clohars-Carnoët, the port of Doëlan and its two lighthouses light up your walk, tinged with orange and blue pigments. Walk along the cove and up the left bank of the ria to the green-and-white lighthouse.
The Ellé Valley, protected from the sea spray, invites you to discover its site of legends including the Devil’s Rocks, a cascade of thousand-year-old granite rocks between Guiligomarc’h, Locunolé and Querrien. Legend has it that Saint-Guénolé, who loved the site, decided to settle there without getting express permission from the Devil himself.
From Concarneau to Pont-Aven
Pont-Aven, the city of painters nestling on the banks of the River Aven, was the favourite holiday resort of artists such as Paul Gauguin, Emile Bernard and Maurice Denis. It was here that they drew their inspiration, captivated by the colourful surrounding landscapes.
The walled town of Concarneau, set between land and sea, invites you to wander through the heart of the medieval fortifications, surrounded by the calm waters of the fishing and yachting harbours. Still a land of sailors and innovation to this day, the shipyards occupy the left bank of the town.
For a beautiful view at sunset, head to the Pointe de Trévignon and its rocky outcrop, the emblematic site of Trégunc.
Breton Riviera
In La-Forêt-Fouesnant, in the heart of a blue bay, stroll along the quays of Port-la-Forêt, the birthplace of ocean racing, and rub shoulders with yachtsmen, fishermen and skippers. You can keep walking right up to the old port.
A delightful blue evening in Bénodet: from the marina, walk along the coast past the lighthouse of Phare du Coq and Trez beach, as far as the Pointe du Groasguen, where you can catch a glimpse of the Mer Blanche. This large lagoon stretches inland from Fouesnant and the Pointe de Mousterlin.
In terms of nature, the Marais de Mousterlin is an unspoilt natural area in Fouesnant-les-Glénan. Here, the birds put on a spectacular show and the wetlands shine with their mosaic of landscapes. Stroll around Polder and discover the dunes, meadows, shimmering canals and undulating reeds.
The land of South Bigouden
Welcome to the area known as Bigouden, named for the tall cotton head dresses traditionally worn by women of this area. Stop over in Pont-l’Abbé to discover the river and its inhabited bridge: the gentle morning light casts a poetic misty pink over the few sailing boats as you stroll along the cove of Saint-Laurent.
Take a morning meander around the peninsula: at Île-Tudy, from the Teven beach, follow the sea as far as the headland. Admire the unusual checkerboard pattern of the lighthouse Tourelle de la Perdrix and pause at Place de la Cale to watch the harbour as it awakes.
Spotlight on the Pointe de Penmarc’h: Eckmühl lighthouse watches over the sailors in Audierne Bay. A town shaped by its history, stroll along Penmarc’h seafront to the large port of Saint-Guénolé, the port of Saint-Pierre and the charming port of Kérity.
The land of Upper Bigouden
Penhors, in the heart of Audierne Bay, boasts a 10-km beach that’s a popular spot for surfing and sand yachting. For walkers, a meander along the ocean at sunset is sure to leave you with magical memories.
On the coastal road of Route du Vent Solaire, stop off to explore the ruins of Languidou chapel in Plovan and admire its stone lacework pierced by light.
Further on, the picturesque sheltered harbour of Pors Poulhan is home to the Bigoudène statue by sculptor René Quillivic. It marks the border with the area known as the Cap Sizun, your next stop.
Cap Sizun – Pointe du Raz
Facing the crashing waters of the Raz de Sein, the Pointe du Raz is a breathtaking sight for walkers, especially as you follow the coastal path, which reveals a series of large-scale panoramic views and the steady presence of La Vieille lighthouse out in the ocean.
This Grand Site de France is renowned for its high cliffs: from the Pointe du Millier, notice the fascinating rocky spurs at the entrance to Douarnenez Bay, sometimes 70 metres high. Pont-Croix overlooks the River Goyen and was awarded the label ‘Petite Cité de Caractère®’ for its rich architectural and cultural heritage. Cobbled streets lead from the heights of the village down to the river, lined with artists and craftspeople. As you descend the Rue Chère, the riverbanks bathed in light gradually take shape before your eyes.
Douarnenez Bay
Douarnenez, a town with three ports that is a favourite with artists, offers plenty of opportunities for walking and hiking.
From the Sables Blancs beach at Tréboul, follow the coastal path past the Roches Blanches to the Pointe de Leydé: the view along this path is simply wonderful.
Névet Woods offer over 500 acres of greenery. From Kerlaz, Le Juch, Plogonnec or Locronan, take the long, winding paths for a forest walk in the depths of winter.
Quimper Cornouaille
Locronan, awarded the label of a ‘Petite Cité de Caractère®’, has enjoyed the spotlight over the years, having been used as a film set and backdrop for various movies. Its stone houses and cobbled streets also earned it the title of ‘Most Beautiful Village in France’ in 2019.
The capital of French Cornwall, Quimper has been awarded the label ‘Towns and Regions of Art and History’, and lies at the confluence of three rivers. The cobbled streets of the old town centre and the colourful half-timbered houses make a delightful backdrop for a stroll, leading to the majestic Saint-Corentin cathedral whose twin spires can be seen from miles around. Push open its doors and its stained glass windows come alive in the light.
Miraculous Kerdevot: legend has it that this chapel, its churchyard and its fountain in Ergué-Gabéric were built to mark the end of the Black Death in the 1300s. The chapel is impressive for its imposing stone calvary, its style, its size and the large oak tree that seems to watch over it. A rural walk in the heart of the countryside of French Cornwall.
