BRITAIN | Discover the southern coast of Finistère: must-sees, good addresses.

From Nevez to Guilvinec, visit the south of Finistère

From Nevez to the east to Guilvinec to the west, the southern coast of Finistère is full of Wonders and surprises that Bretons often ask, with a wink, to keep secret... This article takes you to discover these beautiful corners of Brittany and more precisely the south coast of Finistère. After having spent a stay in high colors and flavors, we indicate in this article the places, addresses, experiences that we preferred during our visit. A beautiful and authentic corner of France We couldn't wait to find out.

1. From Nevez, boat ride and discovery along the river Aven.

Discovering the land from the water (salter!) always has this particular taste of adventure and offers unprecedented perspectives. In the early morning, when the high tide allows, you embark on Nicolas' small semi-rigid boat (Western Cape) and leave to explore this river valley, from Port Manec It's gone for a morning of explorations rhythmic by the discussions and anecdotes of the browser! You observe the castles and beautiful houses hidden there and there along the shores, as well as the marine fauna and flora by sneaking into the meandering... The ports of call are made according to the possibilities of navigation and your desires (one suggests just after).

2. Discover the picturesque city of Pont-Aven

Whether by sea or land, don't miss the discovery of this pretty « City of painters ». This visit can take time from a few hours to a day. Spending the night in a guest room may be a good idea if you want to soak up its sweet atmosphere. We discovered it during a stopover during our boat ride. We particularly liked the Walk dedicated to the poet Xavier Grall This bucolic pedestrian itinerary offers beautiful views of the city by crossing the Aven with flowered walkways. We also enjoyed (very) doing the gourmets by enjoying the local specialty* The famous Pont-Aven cake!

3. From the beautiful cove of Rospico to Port Manec

The departure of this nice itinerary of about an hour (2h round trip) is located in the beautiful handle of Rospico. Along a path that is accessible to as many people as possible and well marked, you walk one end of the GR34, one of the most famous coastal trails in France. The beautiful skimmed coast offers stunning views and some picturesque views, never losing sight of the vastness of the ocean. We loved this easy walk to the taste of spray. Between observing the waves, cormorants or gulls, one feels a sense of end of the world... Delicious. Allow a minimum of two hours return to enjoy this beautiful itinerary.

4. Nice spot: the tip of Raguenez.

This pretty tip and its island of the same name are a must of Nevez. In addition to being a great spot for sunrise or sunset, the Raguenez tip is also known for walking and fishing. The beautiful and long Tahiti beach which follows him. We loved to come here and venture on the rocks in the first lights of the day. The view of the small island (private but accessible for a few hours at low tide) is worthy of a beautiful Breton postcard.

More information about the tip of Raguenez and the accessibility of the island Here.

5. Discover a typical village of thatched houses: Kerascoët.

Charming village located 500m from the ocean, Kerascoët is probably one of the most beautiful cottage villages in southern Finistère. With its flowery alleys and granite houses, you feel like you're in the heart of a painting... Everything more picturesque! Although Kerascoët is not classified, the passion and will of the inhabitants has made that the houses and roofs of thatched are perfectly preserved. So, be careful: even if the village is so beautiful as to believe you in a movie setting, don't forget that you walk around in the middle of real homes... People live here and it is our duty to respect their private spaces and homes.

6. Nature spot: between pond, dune and ocean: the beautiful Trévignon eco-balade.

Here is another nice nature walk not far from Nevez: between ocean on one side and pond on the other, the trevignon walk runs along a beautiful dune and offers a superb setting to observe birds and breathe marine air. Thanks to application Eco WalksIt is possible to download the itinerary and above all to learn to recognize the fauna and flora throughout the course. A great awareness of the rich and sensitive environment (classified Natura 2000) that surrounds it.

Other eco-walks to find Here.

7. Visit Concarneau: the city centre, the port and the pretty town closed.

We liked to stop here for lunch. Between the good addresses in the city center, the harbour atmosphere and the amazing city of medieval fortifications (with the ocean almost all around!), Concarneau is worth a step. In this early autumn, strolling within the city was very pleasant (summer however, it is possible that you find a lot of people there).

We found in Concarneau a great address at a roaster to eat good vegetarian spreads (among others) at lunchtime, to discover further in our good addresses.

1. Walk on the Cap-Coz beach

By car or on foot, you arrive on a tongue of earth in the middle of the waters... The long beach is lined with pine trees. From where you are, they form like the frame of a beautiful painting. In addition to being a great spot for walking fishing, the calm waters of this pretty beach make it a place for strolling, swimming and relaxation. On foot, you can venture to the end of the cape and have a view on the other side: Penfoulic Cove and the old port. At the beginning of October, the sun was shining, the beach was deserted and the pine trees were slowly swinging to the rhythm of the waves... A place where we loved to take the time to close our eyes and lie down on the sand.

2. Watching the sun set from Mousterlin's tip.

An ideal place to stroll between sand and rocks or... Disconnect the time of sunset observation. You can leave the car on a small parking lot a few meters before the tip and then choose the place where you can admire the show: the long bilge due west or the multiple rocks that form this pretty tip. A few people gather algae, gulls sit near you on the rocks, the sky gradually dyes orange and then pink and purple... More than to inspire marine air and enjoy the moment.

3. Walking by bike / electric bike following the coast: from the White Sea to the tip of Cap-Coz, via the Mousterlin Marais.

A route that concentrates the most beautiful riches around Fouesnant! At your own pace, in the open air (iodé) and even without too much effort (if you have opted for an electric bike), you pedal between beautiful beaches of white sand, preserved marshes, dunes, rocky peaks... And paradise coves. Lots of small roads reserved for non-motorized vehicles exist and make the getaway very pleasant. The bike sets up sometimes to set foot in the water, sometimes to take a gourmet break or extend the exploration on foot... If only one could be mentioned, perhaps THE best way to discover the surroundings of Fouesnant-les-Glénan.

4. Go kayak exploring the paradise coves and secret beaches.

Between kayak and bike, our heart swings... One thing is certain: nothing prevents you from doing both! This is what we have done and without regret: these two experiences are incredibly complementary and give to them alone the impression of having chewed full of teeth in everything that can be Fountain. You can rent your sea kayak at nautical center of Fouesnant, ready from Cap Coz. You board from the beautiful beach and the rest: you decide. You paddle over these clear waters and reach the little secret coves by the sea... To continue on foot or sunbathe in the sun.

1. Nice spot: the tip of La Torche and its beautiful sandy beach.

Another beautiful place that looks like an end of the world! The Torch tip is a peninsula as we like it: raw, natural, wild. Among the tall herbs that emerge from the fine sand and the megaliths, you explore this rocky spur usually beaten by wind and spray. On the right: the beautiful La Torche beach, 2 km of white sand with a Natura 2000 environment. Everywhere, the waves swell and make the happiness of... Surf! The tip is the ideal place to observe them. Welcome to the best known surfing sport in Brittany... Besides, this is the subject of our second point. Parking makes the site easily accessible for a walk of a half hour round trip.

2. Take a surf course on a mythical spot.

Nothing better than to taste the character of the Finistère by taking a board to simmer on the ocean. That's why La Torche's mythical spot is here. If you don't have a confirmed level, there's no problem: there's always a way to learn or develop safely thanks to school pros Rise Up The Torch. We took a course with Seb and we can only recommend the experiment.

More information on location, schedules, rates Here. Courses can be booked online.

3. Mount 290 steps of the Eckmühl Lighthouse

Is a stay in Brittany complete without experiencing the visit of a lighthouse? We visited the one of Eckmühl, known to be one of the 5 most romantic places in Brittany to watch the sunset (all that) This lighthouse, which was inaugurated in 1897, proudly rises on the tip of Penmarc From the outside, the dark color of Kersanton stones* (coming from the village of the same name) stands out. Inside, the ascent is made on a background of marble and dopaline...

* For the anecdote, these same stones were used to build the foundation of the Statue of Liberty.

4. Attending the auction: the return of trawlers and the landing of fishing in the port of Guilvinec

Whether you eat fish or not, watching ships returning to port and visiting the auction* is a rather fascinating show... But especially essential in order to become aware of the way in which marine beings (fish, crustaceans) find themselves from the sea to our plate. The star of this 3rd largest fishing port in France (and the 1st craft port) is the « Lady of the Guilvinec » : the very famous lobster. From the panoramic terrace above the landing docks, it is not uncommon for dozens of people (many more in summer) to hurry to observe the return of the sailors and taste the particular atmosphere that characterizes this Guilvinec auction.

5. Take a cooking class with Scarlette Le Corre to familiarize yourself with... Seaweed!

If you don't already know her, you'll see it quickly: Scarlette Le Corre is a well-known figure of Finistère and even of Brittany as a whole! This amazing woman is one of the first female fishermen and has even received the legion honour for her many hours alone at sea (she has been sailing alone since 1983!). Scarlette has been harvesting algae since she was able to walk and grow them since 1992. For several years, she has shared her knowledge of this wonderful food through classes in her shop workshop. The three reasons for testing? Learning a lot of things, having fun, and having a great meeting!

6. Visit Combrit San Marino and its Marine Abri.

The port of San Marino forms a pretty cove on the Odet, a few hundred meters before it flows into the ocean. Clear and quiet water, large trees, small sandy beach, colorful boats... In addition to enjoying a nice painting and finding one of our good addresses, it is also the place where you can discover the universe of theMarine Shelter. This little shelter, now a museum, presents its vocation in the past and plunges visitors into the maritime world: the sailor's shelters in the past formed a network of 12 places of life to improve the daily lives of sailors, 11 of them in Finistère. During the visit, you discover the common room, the library... And become aware of what the lives of these men of the sea could be.

♥ LOCAL PRODUCERS: tastings, local products and great encounters in the southern Finistère.

• Terror in Nevez: saffron, kiwis, kiwais and organic seasonal vegetables. A few years ago Morgane and Laurent left everything to settle in Brittany near Nevez. In a small green setting to completely change life. After beginning to produce saffron, kiwis and kiwais (mini-kiwis to taste urgently if you don't know!), the couple expanded their garden by running into the market garden to offer organic and seasonal fruits & vegetables directly on the farm. But that's not all! A little lower in this section « good addresses », you will find Morgane & Laurent in the category « accommodation » for their beautiful, unusual accommodation just a stone's throw from the garden & the frog pond!
• The Traou Mad biscuits in Pont-Aven. Welcome to the pastry of gourmets. Here the cakes, small unique Breton treasures, have been handmade for 100 years with simple ingredients: eggs of chickens raised in the open air in Finistère, fresh Breton butter and flour made in Brittany. We tested their organic range and it's a real treat.
• The Farm Rospico Spirulina in Kerangall, Neve. Freshly installed on the Kerangall side, Juliette & Dominique grow what is called a superfood: spirulina. This cyanobacteria with beautiful emerald green is consumed as twigs and has exceptional nutritional properties. Juliette and Dominique grow it, harvest and sell directly to their farm. A reasoned and artisanal production that ensures that all the benefits of spirulina are preserved. Juliette invites even through visits to discover the production and makes you taste her delicious over-vitamin smoothie.
• Trévignon orchards in Trévignon: Farm cider and apple juice. After years of salaried work on different farms, Renaud & Caroline decided to start creating their own cider factory to produce a cider in line with their beliefs. Through a certified organic agriculture, even up to biodynamics, the couple offers quality products (cider, apple juice, vinegars, liqueurs, etc.) and do not hesitate to share their passion with all those who move to their farm.
• Ciderrie Maison de Perguet To Fountain. Three generations that the apple is part of the Perguet family, and it's not close to stopping! Walking in the footsteps of his grandfather, Alexander (re)launched the cider factory two years ago, preserving the artisanal know-how of his family, while combining new ideas. From cider to juice, vinegar and cider as a small individual bottle to beer, the Stephan family offers many products for tasting and direct sale.
• Seaweed and grocery Scarlette Le Corre Guilvinec : If you have gone through this article, this name is not unknown! Passionate about algae and their exceptional properties, this fisherman of character cultivates her algae in the open sea, which she carefully transforms in her Guilvinec workshop. Mustard, tartar, caramel, salt, dried or fresh... There's something for everyone!

♥ ACCOMMODATION: unusual addresses, charming, eco-responsible... Or three at a time, to sleep well in the southern Finistère.

• Terror in Nevez. A desire for unusual accommodation in the heart of a small bubble of nature? Morgane and Laurent propose you to come and try their trailer, their beautiful cabin or their pretty cottage bordering their organic farm of saffron, kiwi, tomatoes & other vegetables. A small haven of peace a few minutes from Nevez, the small port of Kerdruc or sandy beaches. Ideal to recharge and explore the region. In addition to that, Morgane and Laurent are two very nice people whom we are happy to have met.
• Bed and breakfast « At 46 »In Benodet. « Guest house by nature », if this sentence borders the logo of the accommodation proposed by Carole & Pierre, it is not for nothing. Sensitive to environmental issues and as much to our well-being as to that of the planet, this attaching couple overflows with energy to offer you comfortable & ecological rooms as well as vegan meals, with as main source of supply... Their garden! A very successful conversion of the local grocery store for this beautiful eco-city near Fouesnant.
• Pierre & Vacances ResidenceGuilvinec. Located just a few metres from the ocean, this more conventional property offers rooms as well as small fully equipped apartments with stunning ocean views. Between the point of Men Meur and the fishing town, the location is ideal for exploring Guilvinec and its surroundings.

♥ RESTAURANTS: the right gourmet addresses to eat in the flavors of Brittany.

• Hostel Ty Han Heol in Pont-Aven. One of the best meals of our stay! This hostel that exclusively offers take away sale is part of the Slowfood alliance of French cooks and cooks. Their creed? Good, clean, fair and healthy cuisine. It's simple: according to the dishes of the day or even your desires, the team devotes a great care to the preparation of its dishes, from the origin of the products to the taste. We tasted one of the best vegetarian meals in our life. The products are of exceptional quality!
• The Mariner Trévignon. To satisfy an irresistible desire for salty or sweet pancakes with stunning views of the ocean.
• Comptoir & traditions To Concarneau. A desire to meet around a nice homemade pastry and a large cup of smoking latety, all in a cosy & warm space? Attached to its fine grocery store, this roaster / tea room / coffee bar offers delicious sweet breaks at any time as well as a simple but delicious food for lunch. Is there any local beer?
• The Feet in Water Cape Coz. Once you sit down, just turn your head to think that this restaurant didn't steal its name! Just a few meters from the water on the beautiful Cap-Coz beach, this property offers plenty of dishes and, of course, a special place for seafood.
• The Rabelais Guilvinec. A warm room, a smiling team, a simple but efficient menu, good local beers... It does not take more to have a good time in this restaurant of Guilvinec.
• Creperie the Green Ray at Plomeur (Pointe de La Torche). If you ask the locals where to eat after a good surf session on the spot of La Torche, you can be sure to hear this name: the Green Ray. The establishment owes its reputation to its famous « golden sun mussels », where saffron cream brings a unique taste and color to traditional mussels – fries. Out of the question of leaving here without having also tasted the bigoudene specialty: the kouigns. A preparation between pancake and pancake. Butter, sugar, salted butter caramel, apples... Attention, danger of addiction.
• An AtollIn Guilvinec: Lobster is the star here! Right from the auction, this good Guilvinec table offers to taste it in several ways. Simply with its mayonnaise, roasted with garlic butter, ginger, baked with plancha... The show is not just on the plate since, located on the edge of the point of Men Meur, you enjoy from this restaurant a nice view of the ocean. Don't forget to taste the boss's arranged rum, it's divine.
• Hotel Restaurant du Bac, in Combrit San Marino: Located in the heart of the beautiful port of San Marino, this bistro offers beautiful cuisine in a picturesque setting. From velvety to home-made dessert to fresh fish, it is good to sit here and enjoy a meal while being hypnotized by the gentle movements of the boats moored in the port.

Fin de ce séjour dans le Finistère. Tu as aimé ces idées d’escapade en Bretagne ?

On espère que cet article t’a donné full of great ideas pour pouvoir vivre ta propre aventure dans le Finistère, que ce soit dans les environs de Névez, in Cornouaille or Pays Bigouden. Si tu souhaites prolonger les découvertes en visitant d’autres endroits le long des côtes bretonnes, tu trouveras plein d’infos par Here. Si tu as des questions, remarques, ou que tu as juste apprécié cet article, n’hésite pas à nous en faire part en laissant un commentaire : nous serons heureux de te lire et Let's always answer.

Un reportage réalisé pour Sensation Bretagne. Par ici, d’autres idées d’escapades en France, ou des roadtrips in the heart of exceptional villages.