The 20 things to do in Finistère

Brittany attracts you? Travel to the end of France with our selection of the 20 essential things to visit in Finistère!

With its sea wind and coastline on the edge of the Channel, Finistère is a rare pearl for lovers of coastal landscapes. At the gates of the Atlantic Ocean, this department of Brittany is considered to be the figure of the French territory.

Between its natural sites, its cultural and religious heritage, its fine sandy beaches and its picturesque villages , the region reserves many treasures of authenticity and activities to fill your stay. To better plan your trip, follow our selection of the 20 essential things to visit in Finistère!

1. The bay of Douarnenez

This former Sardinian port is a concentrate of the finite charm. Today, Douarnenez has converted to a marina but retains its legacy from the past.

Its lively docks and alleys to shops, workshops and fishermen's houses offer a picturesque setting for your stay. We advise you to go through the promenade of Plomarch, Tristan Island, Ris Beach and the port-museum to enrich your visit.

2. The tip of the Millier

Forming the entrance of the bay of Douarnenez, the tip of the Millier stands in front of the Crozon peninsula.

In the town of Beuzec-Cap-Sizun, this arid site is a must-see in Finistère as it will take you to the shore cliffs. To access it, there are many trails to you. It is the occasion of a hike in a valley of chestnut trees and false-acacias robin trees that will lead you to the magnificent Millier lighthouse.

3. Notre-Dame-de-Tronoën Chapel and its Calvary

In the commune of Saint-Jean-Trolimon, this Gothic monument of the 15th century is considered one of the most important historical sites of Finistère.

Classified as "Historical Monument", it offers a breathtaking view of Audierne Bay. The “Dune Cathedral” includes a unique nave, a baptism porch and a granite altar of more than 5 meters long. But the nail of the show remains its impressive limestone, which retraces thirty stages of Christ's life.

4. Penmarc’h

At the tip of the bigoudin country, Penmarc’h is a superb maritime town to visit in the Finistère.

With its iconic "Poch Flak" hairdresses and traditional festivals, this commune is a point of interest for lovers of Breton culture. But the city is also an important maritime area. Indeed, the fishing ports of Saint-Guénolé, Guilvinec, Penmarc’h and Loctudy are still active today.

5. The port of the Guilvinec

Third port of France, after Boulogne-sur-Mer and Lorient, Le Guilvinec is considered the "heart of fishing". It appears after all as the first French artisanal fishing port.

This small town in the canton of Pont-l’Abbé attracts international tourism. Many travellers go to the port docks to live the picturesque atmosphere of the landing of fishing boats.

6. Quimper

Quimper, head of the department, is a historic city labeled “City of Art and History” to visit in the Finistère. Located at the confluences of the Odet, the commune is divided into three ancient hearts: the district of Locmaria and the cities of bishops and bishops Dukes of Brittany .

With its half-timbered and encorbellished houses, its bridges above the river and its Saint-Corentin Cathedral, it is an unforgettable experience to stroll through its lively neighbourhoods.

7. Locronan

Uncontournable French villages , Locronan is renowned for its blue granite houses and beautiful slate roofs. Founded in the 10th century by the hermit Saint-Ronan, the village is undergoing a major industrialization in the windsurfing sector in the 16th century.

This medieval city with alleys populated with shops and workshops was also the inspiration for many filmmakers, such as Jean Pierre Jeunet and his famous film A long Sunday of engagement .

8. Concarneau

To make a rebound in time, nothing like putting your feet in Concarneau and its hat city! This town is a must-see in the Finistère for the many shows it offers.

On the maritime side, its harbour heritage is drawn on the 200 fishing boats that animate its docks and its cry. But its exceptional historical heritage is particularly found in its city-close. This fortified islet is one of the most visited sites in Brittany.

9. Roscoff

On the north coast of Brittany, the small town of Roscoff invites you to its seaside resort of character!

This peninsula of Morlaix Bay enchants visitors for its iodized climate, transparent seawater and fine sandy beaches. With a variety of nautical activities not to be missed, let yourself be tempted by a walk along its richly decorated armor houses.

10. Brest

Nicknamed the "Cité du Ponant", the port city of Brest is one of the European capitals of the sea. Also regarded as one of the most beautiful rays of France, he emanates a rich and tormented past.

On the programme, you can visit a multitude of fantastic sights: the impressive bridge of Iroise, the National Marine Museum, Océanopolis, the Ateliers des Capucins and much more!

11. The dunes of Treompan

Considered one of the most beautiful dunes of the North Finistère, the vast beaches of Treompan attract by the size and quality of its white sand.

With its 7 km of varied coastline, the dunes of Treompan are a destination not to be missed in the commune of Ploudalmézeau. Ideal for nautical activities, this natural space is suitable for swimming as well as kitesurfing or sailing.

12. Pont-Aven

For painters, Pont-Aven is a renowned cultural centre and a must-see in Finistère.

The charm of the city comes among other things from the Aven, this river that winds inside the city. But the notoriety of Pont-Aven is particularly in his school of painters, of which Paul Gauguin was the master. We will also mention the famous « Galette du Pont-Aven », consumed in the whole of France.

13. Neighbor

In the Aven Country, in Lower Cornwall, Névez is an ideal coastal resort for families and nature lovers.

Part of the " Pays des Pierres Debout", this little corner of paradise houses beaches, a port or a tide mill. There is also a village of cottages, decorated with famous standing stones. These small granite sculptures are emblematic of the commune.

14. The Abers

Designating the estuary and the river simultaneously, the Abers combine marine landscapes and wild rivers, offering a calm and soothing atmosphere to your stay. Also known as the "Légendes Coast", this region includes cult tourist sites, from the lighthouse of the Virgin Island to the bay of Goulven.

15. The mountains of Arrée

With its dry vegetation, its long ridges and its pretty vallons, the mountainous massif of Arrée is a must to visit the Finistère for lovers of hiking and outdoor activities.

This wild and preserved region peaks at 385 m high. Its surroundings and trails will take you along its carved retables, chapels and parish enclosures.

16. The Crozon peninsula

At the crossroads of Quimper and Brest, the Crozon peninsula is a coastal paradise where land and sea meet in a singular alliance.

Its environment consists of small coves with turquoise water and steep cliffs. For your holidays, rest in its seaside resort and take a tour at the sheltered ports of Morgat and Fret.

17. The beach of the Torche

Opinions to surfers among our readers, the Torche is an excellent surf spot.

Very well known of Bretons, this white sandy beach welcomes every year large sporting competitions such as the Coupe or the French championships. With its dantesque waves, this spot is especially recommended to more experienced surfers.

18. The islands of Finistère

Stay on the islands and archipelagos of Finistère! Accost these rinses to offer a parenthesis in living and welcoming places. The Breton islands are numerous and offer various environments:

Interesting

Majestic landscapes cover the high cliffs of Ouessant Island. A unique and multiple nature hides on this finitester island dominated by its famous Créac’h lighthouse

Sein

Spread at your own pace in this labyrinth of alleys and seafarer houses or through the moor. This ocean-flowing island will awaken your senses with the scent of clutch, seaweeds, screed and sea bearing on the pebbles.

Molene

For people in search of tranquility, Molène is an ideal destination for farniente. With its small port and its pebble links, walk through the streets of the small town or go on a hike to meet the treads of the bitch rabbits.

The archipelago of Glénan

Off Fouesnant, this paradise archipelago reminds the beauty of the Polynesian islands. It consists of seven islets around an interior sea with transparent waters, with white sand beaches and a seaside resort. A dream setting comes to you for your nautical activities.

19. Water sports

The waters of Finistère are conducive to water sports for its regional winds. With its many beaches, feel the call of the wide and throw yourself to the water with the water activities of the region:

• The veil and the catamaran: the flagship water sport of Finistère; launch on the waters of the bay of Douarnenez, accompanied by a guide;
• Surfing : a multitude of schools will help you to initiate this high sensation sport on the beaches of Palue or Torche;
• Dive : there are many famous sites where to dive into Finistère and Brittany. Meet a very diverse underwater fauna and flora: seals, fish, redheads...

20. Finsterian specialties

At the tip of Brittany, gourmet specialties are not missing. Between pastries and seafood, discover delicious Finistère dishes:

• Kig Ha Farz: This Breton fire-pot is a typical dish of Leon. Its particularity lies in the presence of black wheat flour and wheat flour, cooked in a bag of fabric impregnated with the broth;
• The kouign-amann: this emblematic butter cake in the Breton region tastes with family or friends;
• The Breton cakes: crispy, sandy and beurred biscuits!

How do I get to the Finistère?

To reach the Finistère, several means of transport are available:

• By car: A11, A81 and N164 highways will lead you directly to the Finistère. The journey will last 5:30 de Paris, 7h50 de Toulouse and 7:20 de Lille ;
• By train: the stations of Morlaix, Quimper and Brest welcome the TGV;
• By plane: to fly to Finistère, theBrest airport is best served. To find the most suitable flight offer for your expectations, use a flight comparison like Ulysses.

Where to stay in the Finistère?

The many cities that make up the Finistère offer a variety of accommodation options. You can find a hotel, an apartment or a Airbnb to Brest , Quimper , Duck, Crozon or Concarneau . To help you, don’t hesitate to use a Compare hotels .

But it is also possible to install you in cottages or campsites throughout the region in quiet communes such as Cléder, Pouldergat, Pont-l’Abbé or La Forêt-Fouesnant.

Breathe a big iodine air and start your journey to discover the tip of Finistère!