Out & About...
Towns
Châteauneuf-du-Faou a charming little town which is only a 5 minute drive away. It was awarded the French 'Verte de Vacance'. It has 2 supermarkets, a couple of banks, cafes, bakers and a variety of other shops. It was once home to artist Paul Sérusier whose frescoes can be seen in one of the many local churches.
Concarneau has a walled mediaeval fortress built in the 14th century which is reached by a drawbridge. It comes complete with cobbled streets, a wonderful Musée de la Pêche, restaurants and speciality shops. The main town is centered around a sheltered bay and is one of the largest fishing ports in France.
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Quimper is a beautiful and cosmopolitan city with cobbled streets and half-timbered buildings. It boasts many lovely shops, cafes, restaurants and the Museum of Beaux Arts. It also has the Musée de la Faïence (earthenware). The city has been associated with this craft for over 300 years and the museum has over 500 exhibits which are regularly renewed.
Douarnenez was once one of the largest fishing ports in France but now concentrates on the seafood canning industry. Douarnenez sardine cans are on display everywhere from supermarkets to tourist offices and speciality shops! It has three harbours composed of marina, museum and one for fishing. This town is definitely worth visiting for the Port Musée.
Pont Aven is a picturesque town on the mouth of the River Aven that was once the home of Paul Gauguin. Pont Aven now boasts many fine galleries and restaurants and is also famous for it's biscuit-making of which nearly 2 million boxes are produced each year.
The river Aven eases by another
building in the centre of Pont Aven
Locronan has been voted repeatedly as one of France's prettiest villages. Many of the houses date from the 17th century and surround the old well in the main square. The 'verrerie' (glass foundry) is very interesting and you can often see the artisans at work.
Morlaix is situated on the river bearing its name which is home to many sailing boats. The old town has many tudor-like houses and is a bustling place - especially on Saturday during market day. Take time to visit the the Deux-Rivières brewery which makes Coreff beer. Its made of the purest barley and is only sold in selected outlets.
Boat Trips
There are several companies offering sailings to many of the outlying islands. Closest to us are trips to the Glénan Islands, an archipelago with beautiful sandy beaches and clear water. One company even offers a trip in a glass bottom boat to view the underwater life. Another offers the option to hire kayaks once reaching the islands to explore them in more detail.
Market Days
Chateauneuf-du-Faou
- Fortnightly
on Wednesdays
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Châteaux
Château de Trévarez is a short drive away offering 75 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens.
- Kérazan Manoir was bequeathed to the Institute of France by the famous industrialist, Joseph Astor. It is a large rural estate covering 5 hectares with numerous walks. It also houses a unique collection of Quimper earthenware.
- Château de Keriolet is a magnificent residence which once belonged to a member of the Russian imperial family.
- Château de Lanniron is situated close to the centre of Quimper. Once the home of Quimper's bishops the magnificent gardens were created in the 17th century and descend to terraces which lead to the River Odet.
Churches/Cathedrals and Religious Heritage
From the beautiful catherdral of Saint Corentin in Quimper with its many stained glass windows to the typically Breton calvaries of Pleyben and St-Thégonnec there is plenty to appreciate. Visit the abby at Daoulas which originated from 500 A.D. The garden contains more than 400 medicinal plant species and there is a botanical centre on site to promote the development and use of traditional medicines.
The Calvary at PleybenShopping for Nautical Items
Comptoir de la Mer - these 'maritime co-operatives' which service local fishermen and tradesmen, also carry an extensive range of nautical luxury goods including: wooden sailing ships of all types, clothing (including beautiful Breton jumpers), and carved, wooden decorations galore for your house or business.
- Guy Cotten are makers of famous sailing clothes that are manufactured just outside Concarneau. There is also a factory shop on site where you can buy last year's items at reduced prices.
- Armor-Lux are makers of famous Breton striped t-shirts amongst other clothing. They have a factory outlet in south Quimper.