The 10 most beautiful villages in Finistère

Discover the most beautiful villages in Finistère, where legends and History blend, thanks to our selection!

A popular holiday destination, despite the clichés that stick to the skin, Finistère is the ideal place to take a break. Indeed, even if the rain sometimes comes without an appointment, this land of the end of the world remains attractive. Rich in surprises and strong of a rather enlivened history, she saw the birth of many small cities, still standing today. So let yourself be charmed by these villages in the Finistère that have preserved and maintained their authenticity.

1. Daoulas

At the bottom of the Brest Rade and included in the Natural Regional Park of Armorique Daoulas is one of the small villages in the Finistère that must be discovered. Daoulas is a village of art that promotes this heritage as much as possible since 2010.

To visit Daoulas, you can follow the paths of the city, stroll through the streets or discover the emblematic buildings. Among them, the impressive Abbey of Daoulas and its garden of medicinal plants or the Moulin du Pont and its ecomusée de la meunerie. To see without further delay!

2. Locronan

Locronan is probably the most famous of the Finistère villages. Indeed, every year, it is several hundred thousand people who walk through its paved streets and full of stories. Star of the “Petites Cites de Caractère”, it makes passersby dream thanks to its authentic granite stone architecture. Numerous but discreet shops play the streets, without being too invasive, giving an extra cachet to the places.

Locronan is maintained in tradition and preservation, while opening up to the world. In fact, every year, between November and December, the village lights up and has a magical and more than charming habit to which the many visitors succumb! Stop in the church of Saint-Ronan de Locronan for a few moments.

3. The Faou

In the heart of the Natural Regional Park of Armorique, Le Faou (pronounced “fou”) is one of these beautiful villages of Finistère, incredibly well preserved.

Founded in the 11th century, the village now has more than 20 protected houses, one of which is squarely classified. The center of the village guarantees you a journey in time, with its old buildings with unmistakable charm. The Faou is a former port of the Rade de Brest, now approved “Petite Cité de Caractère” since 2016. During your visit, make sure you follow the river du Faou and enjoy the parish church of Saint-Sauveur-du-Faou, founded in 1544.

4. Huelgoat

Even more known for the forest of the same name, Huelgoat remains a charming village. Edged by a lake, it takes bucolic air in beautiful days. So let yourself be charmed and discover the different buildings that make up this village. For example, the Moulin du Chaos, which opens the ball. Also, stop at the Huelgoat World Trees , a tree with more than 3600 species of trees from all over the world.

Then, for a more complete visit, take the time to stop in the forest, which is actually one of the must-sees of the region. Indeed, land of wonderful legends, it is in the forest that you will delight yourself the most: Roche Tremblante, Pont Rouge, Ménage de la Vierge, Grotte d’Arthus or the Devil...

5. Locquirec

At the edge between the Finistère and the Côtes-d’Armor, Locquirec is illustrious as a peaceful seaside resort. Yet, Locquirec is one of the oldest villages in Finistère. Indeed, prehistoric skeletons were found there, as well as debris of vases, pottery and tiles.

Today, Locquirec offers you to visit its White Island and its Manoir, its many beaches, its port and its pier, its religious buildings and some discovery tours. Cinephiles will enjoy the Grand Hotel des Bains which served as a shooting place for the film Hotel de la Plage in 1977. In short, Locquirec is a timeless commune with a human size, which is not difficult to survey, so let yourself go.

6. Island Tudy

The commune of Tudy Island occupies a small space in length, at the end of the peninsula of the same name. With its Sillon Beach, it offers to the Bay of Bénodet and Loctudy . Long considered an island, because the waters of the tides made it pass as such, this village has not finished surprising you.

First, the beauty of the site is undeniable. Combining the architectural and natural Breton heritages, the old fishing village enjoys today for its part fixed in time. Then go to discover the narrow streets, houses with blue shutters like the sea and the former Divanach Sardin Conserverie. Don’t miss your toes in the sand of the Sillon Beach, and face the horizon.

7. Pont-Croix

A few kilometers from Audierne, not far from Pointe-du-Raz, find Pont-Croix and its antique atmosphere. Located on the edge of the Goyen ria, this ancient stone village will delight the amateur and lovers of nature and bucolic atmosphere. Moreover, it was classified “Petite Cité de Caractère” for the beauty of its places!

The paved streets of Pont-Croix lead you to different places, all as charming as others. For example, don’t miss the church of Notre-Dame de Roscudon or the House of Marquisat, a very old mansion now part of a museum ensemble. Very quiet, it is not less alive, thanks to its inhabitants who regularly organize cultural or artistic gatherings (concours, festival). Especially the Festival Mouezh ar Gelted taking place every year on the first weekend of August. This event honors tradition and Breton folklore.

8. Île-de-Sein

In addition to being an extraordinary excursion, the Island of Sein is the name of the only village there. Its particularity is that the streets are really very narrow and this for a very precise reason: the wind. Indeed, the absence of trees on the island offers a path for winds, sometimes strong. So, to counter this, the houses of the village are very close together and thus give it a very confident look.

Take the time to survey the streets, to meet the inhabitants, hoping that one of them tells you the long history of his island. Indeed, men would have arrived on the island during the Prehistory. Afterwards, many perpetia, including waffles and lootings, have shaped the island of Sein today over time.

9. Guerlesquin

Guerlesquin has several advantages: it is a village classified as “Petite Cité de Caractère”, it is incorporated in the Regional Natural Park of Armorique and it hosts a world championship to throw menhirs. Yeah, the Bretons are crazy!

Remarkable by its character, Guerlesquin illustrates with its ancient granite stone structures, which testify to the long history of the village. Indeed, it dates back to the feudal era, at the beginning of the previous millennium. In the middle of the 17th century, is built the Lordial prison, or Presidial, a huge square building with corners each with a bow (cylindrical room). It is one of the most visited buildings with the church of Saint-Ténénan, built in the 15th century. Its bell tower is very impressive, high up and being very beautiful factory. Guerlesquin welcomes the Atelier de la Forge et du Charronnage, presenting a collection of handicraft tools, as well as the Musée des Machines Agricoles Miniatures.

10. Île-de-Batz

Located in front of Roscoff, only 2 miles separate the island of Batz from the coast, which is 3.21 kilometers. Nevertheless, Île-de-Batz offers landscapes that make it one of the most beautiful villages in Finistère. Indeed, despite a small size and a large proximity to the land, Île-de-Batz is not lacking in charm. Discover its stone houses, which entire generations of fishermen and farmers have lived. But also its amazing beaches and its unique climate.

Also, for amateur and amateur, don’t miss the Georges Delaselle Garden, a legacy of a botanical enthusiast recaptured by an association in 1989. More than 1700 species from all over the world grow there, including some very rare palm trees. Île-de-Batz are also beautiful landscapes including, among other things, the Trou de Serpent that a legend precedes. She says that St. Pol Aurélie would have rushed a devastation dragon... Will you check it?